The message below accompanies the April 2023 edition of the IFLA Newsletter.

Welcome to the April edition of the IFLA Newsletter!

Libraries give access to and facilitate use of information. Libraries of all types carry out preservation initiatives, build knowledge platforms, and develop programmes and services for the benefit of their users.

Yet the ability to undertake these activities is not entirely in the hands of libraries, nor librarians. A key factor in determining what they can and cannot do is copyright law.

When copyright law works well, its legal framework enables libraries and supports the vital and unique contribution these institutions and the profession make.

A positive example, in the science and education space, is the rise of Open Access (OA). This recognises that the best interests of society are served not by paywalls, but by maximising access, use and re-use.

Of course, the transition to OA is far from complete, and key challenges do remain. This edition therefore looks at progress made and what we need to do next, including an article from the team behind IFLA’s latest OA statement, as well as the people working on our OA vocabularies project.

There is also a snapshot of just a few of our other volunteer units working to make inclusive open access a reality around the world.

Beyond this, we have more news about our Congress this year, including the opening of registrations for online participants, as well as further insights into local culture in the Netherlands.

There are updates on our President Barbara Lison’s engagement with the field, as well as on our work on policy and advocacy issues, including our 2023 Regional Advocacy Priorities Survey.

Finally, we welcome new members, and look ahead to upcoming events.

Happy reading!