We live in an age that has no shortage of information. Watching any current event unfold in real time means juggling input from all sides. We receive information from journalists on the ground, pundits in newsrooms, television personalities, op-ed contributors, Twitter hashtags, video clips, photos, and word of mouth. We see how, in their retelling, […]
Read moreMuch of the discussion about eBooks in libraries focuses on the situation for public libraries. With scholarly publishing having switched to digital formats relatively early, it can be easy to assume that all is well. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing academic libraries to close their doors, it has become clear that this is not […]
Read moreNumbers give us a key means of understanding our world, and the trends and evolutions that are shaping it. They can help us make comparisons, identify successes, and make connections. They are also critical in making an effective case for providing support to libraries. IFLA as an organisation is working hard to strengthen the availability […]
Read moreIFLA is attending the Creative Commons Global Summit 2018, held in Toronto, Canada. As well as bringing together representatives of the CC movement from around the world, it is an opportunity to look at cross-overs with people from other fields, not least libraries. As Alex Stinson of Wikipedia pointed out in his session on […]
Read moreOn the World Day of Social Justice, it is a good moment to celebrate libraries as social justice institutions. Places where the power that information and knowledge can bring is available for all. The core functions of libraries are already reflected in the right of access to information, and the right to participate in […]
Read moreLibraries play a major role in supporting the development of literate, informed, and participatory communities. They in turn benefit from the energy and enthusiasm of individual users. Strong societies and strong libraries go together. They can also have an important role in partnering with civil society organisations, such as charities, groups or movements. The relationship […]
Read moreThis year the first ever International Digital Preservation Day – 30 November 2017, will be celebrated around the world; a celebration of collections preserved, access maintained, and understanding fostered by preserving digital materials. Digital Preservation Coalition has organised this initiative, aiming both to celebrate existing progress, and to highlight how much there is still to […]
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