IFLA Releases Global Vision Report Summary

March 19, 2018

IFLA, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, today released the Global Vision Report Summary, highlighting key findings from the in-person and online workshops held in the spring and summer of 2017 and the online voting conducted in the fall.

The report highlighted 10 opportunities for action by the global library community:

1. We must be champions of intellectual freedom
Equal and free access to information and knowledge depends on freedom of expression. Libraries’ role in ensuring this needs to be better understood.

2. We must update our traditional roles in the digital age
To support learning, literacy and reading meaningfully in a digital age, libraries must adapt continuously. Services, collections and practices must develop to meet changing user expectations.

3. We need to understand community needs better and design services for impact
Expanding library outreach will help link with local partners, engage new and underserved sections of our communities, and have a measurable impact on peoples’ lives.

4. We must keep up with ongoing technological changes
Ensuring all libraries have the right tools, infrastructure, funding, and skills to seize the opportunities provided by digital innovations is a pressing need.

5. We need more and better advocates at all levels
Everyone in the field needs a deeper understanding of the need for advocacy to improve perceptions and ultimately achieve our goals. Every librarian an advocate!

6. We need to ensure stakeholders understand our value and impact
Making a stronger case for the ability of libraries to provide value will build recognition and support among decision-makers.

7. We need to develop a spirit of collaboration
Understanding and addressing actual and perceived barriers to collaboration will help end a tendency to work in isolation, and realise the vision of a united library field.

8. We need to challenge current structures and behaviours
Overcoming our passive mindset and embracing innovation and change will allow us to tackle the challenges facing the library field.

9. We need to maximise access to the world’s documentary heritage
As a united field we must apply innovative practices and tools, share expertise and resources, and advocate for solutions to legal and funding challenges, to give access to the works we safeguard.

10. We must give young professionals effective opportunities to learn, develop and lead
The field’s capacity to develop and connect young library professionals has to keep up with  changing needs and allow them to become the leaders of the future.

IFLA will follow-up the release of the Global Vision Report Summary with:

• March 2018: Kick-off workshop
• April to July 2018: Six regional workshops
• August 2018: Launch of the Global Vision Outcomes Report and a global call for ideas at the World Library and Information Congress in Kuala Lumpur
• September 2018 to March 2019: Analysis and design of Global Vision Actions
• August 2019: Launch of IFLA Strategy 2019-2014

(Via International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions)