How can we advocate at the global, regional, and national levels without basic information about the number and state of libraries across the world?

This question prompted the development of the Library Map of the World (LMW). This started in 2017 as an initiative to collect and visualise basic library statistics, and to highlight how libraries are contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since then, it has grown beyond simply providing data and even just being a resource for accessing library-related SDG stories.

A number of country profiles provide LMW users with the opportunity to understand the library landscape in a selected country easily.

More and more data, stories, and information about the library environment in each country are being gathered and published on an ongoing basis. Today, IFLA is working with hundreds of contributing organisations from around the world who engaged to create the LMW website collaboratively:

  • a source of country-level library statistics covering all library types,
  • a collection of inspiring and stories about impactful library programmes contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals,
  • a source of information about the library environment, organisations and institutions, policy and legislation, education, and events in each country.

Bookmark the Library Map of the World as your essential advocacy tool!

Visit the website and find out how you can engage.