IFLA MLAS: Empowering Communities through Stronger Library Associations

The IFLA Management of Library Associations (MLAS) Section is closely aligned with the broader goal of empowering communities in terms of MLAS’ core mission to strengthen libraries and their role within society.

On one hand, MLAS and its various activities including the Advocacy Impact Evaluation Project and the Building Strong Library Associations initiative including events with national library associations, webinars featuring needs of regions, and a forthcoming mentoring pilot, aim to strengthen library associations. MLAS contributes by providing library associations with the tools, skills, and support necessary to become more effective, sustainable, and impactful in their regions. By improving the management and capacity of library associations, IFLA seeks to create a network of well-equipped associations that can advocate for libraries, engage with governments and stakeholders, and influence policies that support the library sector.

On the other hand, IFLA’s overarching goal of empowering communities focuses on ensuring that libraries are able to serve their local populations effectively, creating inclusive spaces for learning, cultural exchange, and access to information. Libraries are central hubs of knowledge, education, and support, and empowering them strengthens their ability to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Therefore, MLAS is fostering capacity building for advocacy, collaboration and networking, and sustainable libraries for community empowerment.

• Capacity Building for Advocacy: By strengthening library associations, MLAS directly empowers these associations to advocate for libraries on behalf of the communities they serve. Stronger associations can work more effectively to influence policy decisions that lead to better-funded, better-supported libraries, which in turn can enhance the services libraries provide to their communities.
• Collaboration and Networking: A strong library association fosters collaboration not only within the library community but also with external partners such as governments, schools, non-profit organizations, and other community stakeholders. This network enables libraries to be more responsive to community needs, ensuring that services like literacy programs, digital access, and cultural events are aligned with what communities require to thrive.
• Sustainable Libraries for Community Empowerment: A well-managed library association is more likely to have a lasting impact on the library sector, ensuring that libraries can continue their work over the long term. When library associations are empowered through better management practices, they create a ripple effect that strengthens libraries’ ability to support community development, whether through providing access to education, job skills, health resources, or social services.

In summary, the work of IFLA MLAS together with the federation plays a pivotal role in empowering communities by contributing to ensure that libraries have the resources, management capacity, and advocacy power they need to fulfill their vital roles in society. This strengthening of library associations contributes to libraries’ ability to become community-driven, responsive spaces that meet the diverse and evolving needs of their populations. We look forward to collaborating with the IFLA’s big tent BSLA in the immediate future.

Author:  Loida Garcia-Febo, Chair, IFLA Management of Library Associations Section (MLAS) and IFLA Governing Board Member