Dear friends,

We are pleased to present to you the latest issue of the newsletter which highlights key events and innovations from the past quarter, offering a snapshot of developments shaping the library and information landscape across Asia and Oceania. Some of the articles that you will find in this issue include the Short Story Dispenser at the University of Hong Kong Library, the Virtual Reference site by the National Library of the Philippines, and initiatives from libraries in Bangladesh, India and Malaysia. We are also proud to feature Beijing Library, the first library in Asia to receive the IFLA Public Library of the Year Award.

It was a pleasure to connect with many of our colleagues and friends at the IFLA Information Futures Summit (IIFS) in Brisbane this year. A key highlight of the event was learning about the innovative ways information professionals are using technology to promote reading and learning.  In this issue, we feature several articles from participants who share more about their experiences and takeaways from the Summit.

The Regional Office organised the Information Integrity hybrid session together with the Regional Division Committee on the side of the IIFS. The session featured presentations on libraries’ role and efforts in promoting information integrity and literacy. Speakers from South Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania shared insights on the efforts as well as challenges of advancing information integrity within their respective countries.

As we wrap up a year marked by growth, challenges, and change, we would like to thank all contributors for sharing their time, expertise and insights to this and our previous newsletters. Your articles and contributions have help deepen our understanding of the issues, trends, and innovations in our region’s library and information sector.

Once again, thank you for your ongoing contributions and support.

Michelle Lau, Manager, IFLA Regional Office for Asia and Oceania.