The pandemic has led both to growing reliance on the internet and other digital tools to go about our lives, but also growing awareness of the risks that come with them. Cybersecurity is all about keeping information and services safe from unauthorised access and use. It helps ensure not only that library systems are working […]
Read moreA lot of advocacy for libraries focuses on showing the return that our institutions provide on investment. Through this, we work to demonstrate that however much governments or other funders spend, the value created by the presence and work of libraries is more. These arguments can be very helpful at times when governments need to […]
Read moreDigital vulnerabilities pose serious challenges for organisations, governments, companies and the wider public – libraries included. Cyberattacks and data breaches made headlines many times throughout 2019, from social media and popular software to public agencies. For libraries, the importance of protecting the data and information they work with every day – not least in order to protect staff and users – is readily apparent. What is at stake, and what suggestions and tips for boosting libraries’ security can be drawn from broader literature and available toolkits?
Read moreBetween the Cambridge Analytica scandal and the entry into force of the General Data Protection Regulation on 25 May, it hardly seems necessary to have a reminder of the importance of privacy. Yet this week is Choose Privacy Week, an initiative run by the American Library Association. It’s great opportunity to go beyond scare stories […]
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Libraries are specialised in preserving, storing and giving access to information. They have long understood its power to drive research, creativity, and development. And they have done so since long before terms such as knowledge management, evidence-based policy-making, or anything ‘smart’ were invented. It is this understanding that also makes libraries powerful contributors to […]
Read moreThe past year has been filled with exciting events, inspiring meetings and interesting debates on the cultural heritage front. It was also the year IFLA published its first ever guide to its work in the field, highlighting key areas of our work, why we are involved, and how to find out more. But as 2017 […]
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 […]
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