This year IFLA’s Management of Library Associations (MLAS) in collaboration with the Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Advisory Committee (FAIFE), will be organizing a webinar to discuss access to information under siege across the world, as well as best practices and strategies from library associations and librarians.  

As in previous years, this October 1-7 of 2023, we commemorate the “Banned Books Week”. An initiative from the American Library Association that seeks to bring together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.

Librarians across the world are facing unprecedented situations related to the defense of access to information and intellectual freedom. Library leaders from different regions will be taking a look at the current global situation, discussing how to manage crises, and how to build support networks for libraries and librarians. As part of the event, resources developed by library associations will be shared on the event’s page.

“This is a dangerous time for readers and the public servants who provide access to reading materials. Readers, particularly students, are losing access to critical information, and librarians and teachers are under attack for doing their jobs.” –Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom

Now more than ever, we must uphold the principles conveyed by the Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

Speakers

  • Genilson Geraldo, member of the Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Advisory Committee (FAIFE) and representative of FEBAB – Brazilian Federation of Associations of Librarians, Information Scientists and Institutions 
  • Stuart Hamilton, Head, Libraries Development, Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), Ireland. IFLA Governing Board Member
  • Joyce McIntosh, American Library Association (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom and Lori Fisher, Maine State Librarian, ALA Policy Corps Member
  • Edward McKennon,  Amnesty International USA Banned Books Week Working Group 

Moderators

  • Loida Garcia-Febo, Chair of IFLA Management of Library Associations Section, IFLA Governing Board Member.
  • Jonathan Hernández Pérez, Chair of Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Advisory Committee.

Privacy and Data Protection

Please note the event will be recorded. Please review the IFLA Data Protection Policy and the Zoom Privacy Statement prior to attending.

If you have any additional questions about data protection or privacy, please contact IFLA at professionalsupport@ifla.org.

Contact

For questions about the webinar content or access needs (for example visual impairment, dyslexia, deafness, language, etc.) please contact Jonathan Hernández at jonathan@unam.mx so we can work together towards an excellent event experience.