IFLA Newsletter, January 2025: Going for the Goals
30 January 2025
The message below accompanies the January 2025 edition of the IFLA Newsletter.
Happy New Year!
Our first newsletter of 2025 focuses on going for the goals. Partly, this theme relates to the tradition in some parts of the world of making resolutions for what we are going to start (or stop!) doing in the coming year. It’s always a good idea to programme some reflection time about our work to ensure we aren’t just stuck in a business-as-usual mentality.
This can be a good way of ensuring that we are not missing out on opportunities and can free up time from activities that may not be as valuable as they once were. Thanks to this, we can refocus, potentially take on new challenges, and increase the positive impact on our communities.
The theme also relates to the Sustainable Development Goals. These have been the focus of our advocacy work for many years, allowing us to build new connections with partners, as well as to have useful discussions about how libraries can make a difference.
As the start of negotiations about a post-2030 Agenda comes nearer, we need to ensure we are showing—through our work and advocacy—how essential libraries are for sustainable development. This will be the strongest argument for ongoing and strengthened recognition of libraries as partners for change.
In this edition, we look ahead to what 2025 has to bring on this agenda, both in terms of issues and events. You can also read about how Multicultural Communities: Guidelines for Library Services supports delivery of the Goals.
There are plenty of ideas about actions that you can take as well. We are in the middle of the nominations phase for over 800 volunteer positions – don’t forget to read how you can give yourself—or a colleague—the chance to experience international librarianship in this way! Get the latest also on our World Library and Information Congress, with new information and opportunities being added regularly to the website.
The newsletter contains a number of stories about standards and guidelines. These are great tools for enhancing library services and operations, and we know they are among the most popular resources IFLA makes available. You can also find out about how to contribute to our Libraries Building Connectivity project, and share your ideas for our centenary, which is now just two years away.
There’s plenty else to read also, with updates on our work on professional communities, advocacy and regional engagement, and a link to the recording of our January townhall, which explored what is on the agenda for IFLA this year.
Finally, as usual, you can consult our upcoming events, and welcome our new members. As underlined in our President’s January message, it’s going to be a busy year, but we’re sure it will be a good one!
Happy reading! 🏅