Stay up to date with our latest developments, initiatives, and new resources!
As Safer Internet month draws to a close, libraries around the world scale up, maintain and continue to explore new ways to champion digital literacy, online safety and wellbeing in their communities. In a new interview, Pam Ryan discusses the experiences of Toronto Public Library.
Every February, libraries around the world support and take part in the Safer Internet Day campaign - to raise awareness and organise learning opportunities to help young people navigate the internet safely and confidently. Jolita Steponaitienė, the President of Lithuanian Librarian‘s Association, offers a look at how libraries in Lithuania continue to champion Safer Interent Day initiatives in 2021.
Following reports of internet shutdowns and other restrictions on access to information in Myanmar, IFLA's President and Secretary General have issued the below statement.
Every February, many countries celebrate and organise events dedicated to Safer Internet Day. Promoting digital literacy - including the fundamentals of online safety and privacy - has long been an important part of many libraries’ offer. So how can libraries support the Safer Internet Day campaign – and why should they take part? To offer a look from Latvia – a country where libraries have been championing Safer Internet Days for many years – Inga Niedra from the Latvian Culture Information Systems Centre shared some insights.
Libraries are well-positioned to deliver equitable media and information literacy learning opportunities for their communities. As part of a project curated by Tactical Tech and implemented jointly with IFLA and Save the Children Italia, three libraries in Lithuania hosted pop-up media literacy interventions – and now share their experiences.
A commitment to promoting access to information is a unifying factor across the global library field. In a changing information space, we interviewed Jonathan Hernández-Pérez to find out more about the concept of infodiversity and how it can help understand trends and developments.
IFLA has published a new statement on the role of library and information services in improving the way societies are governed, both through optimal decision-making within government, and effective scrutiny and engagement by parliaments and wider populations.
To mark Human Rights Day 2020, IFLA has opened a survey seeking views on intellectual freedom developments in recent years, their impact on libraries, and potential revisions to IFLA’s Statement on the subject.
IFLA's new research into digital skills strategies highlights examples of where governments have recognised the role of libraries in helping people become more competent, confident internet users. It provides examples to use in advocacy for library inclusion in such policy documents.
As part of a joint project within the EU 'Preparatory Action on Media Literacy for All', several libraires around Europe are offering unique Media Literacy learning opportunities for their communities.
The 2020 IGF – the first to take place in a fully virtual format – has drawn to a close. With over 250 online sessions, many issues that were raised are relevant for the global library sector.
The 2020 Internet Governance Forum – the first one to take place fully online – has just wrapped up its first week. Here is a quick look back at some relevant discussions – and engagement ideas for the coming days!
Between 2 and 17 November, the first fully-virtual Internet Governance Forum will bring together stakeholders from around the globe. IFLA continues to engage – and encourages libraries to take part in – discussions on how the internet works and should be governed in many areas that impact the library field. From digital inclusion to privacy, access to content, accessibility, digital skills and beyond – there are many relevant discussions worth engaging in.
IFLA has submitted a statement ahead of the 59th meeting of the United Nations Commission on Social Development, focus on the role of digital technologies. The statement underlines the need to give everyone the connection, collections and confidence to use the internet effectively.
A coalition of organisations representing libraries and technologists has called on governments and decision-makers to ensure that every community is connected, and, through libraries, has access to the content and skills needed to enjoy the benefits that the internet can bring.
IFLA is proud to sign up to two documents addressing a key issue of our time – the digital divide. The first calls on governments to act to support investment in wider connectivity and the libraries that help users make the most of it. The second represents a pledge to do all in our power to promote digital inclusion, and is open to wider signatures.
The 2020 Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum took place between 27 and 30 of September. This platform offers unique opportunities for dialogue and collaboration among the different stakeholders interested and engaged in the way the Internet works and is governed in a region that includes the majority of the world’s population. An IFLA-led workshop explored the policy and practice perspectives on meaningful digital inclusion and access to information, drawing on the work and experiences of libraries in the region.
Information technology continues to have a fundamental impact on the library sector; and libraries’, library users’ and policy-makers’ expectations of library services are evolving alongside technological developments and changing community needs. To make sure libraries are able to deliver on these tasks, suitable and fit-for-purpose library ICT infrastructure equipment and skills are crucial. The new IFLA briefing offers an overview of common recurring themes in relevant literature and key considerations for assessing library ‘tech readiness’.
Libraries were among the winners of this year's World Summit on the Information Society Prizes, celebrating projects which show how digital technologies can contribute to development. We interviewed Heba Ismail, Director of the winning INELI-MENA programme, to find out more.
IFLA is proud to announce a new partnership with the Goethe Institut – Emerging International Voices – bringing together active, engaged and connected emerging leaders from around the world.