The IFLA Audiovisual and Multimedia Section (AVMS) is pleased to announce the official publication of the Guidelines for Audiovisual Resources in Libraries and Other Institutions, now available in the IFLA Repository. 

Revised between 2019 and 2025, and approved in 2026, this updated edition responds to major developments in audiovisual librarianship and offers renewed guidance for a rapidly changing field. Building on the 2004 edition and the 2017 draft, the 2026 Guidelines are the first peer-reviewed and officially endorsed version in over twenty years. 

The Guidelines are designed for anyone working with audiovisual resources in libraries, archives, galleries, and museums, including managers, librarians, technicians, and information specialists. They will also be useful for individuals with less specialized knowledge interested in this field. The principles outlined are applicable across various settings such as public, national, government, academic, and special libraries, as well as archives, media centres, and other institutions that offer access to audiovisual resources. 

The Guidelines acknowledge the social, cultural, economic, and legal differences that influence audiovisual services globally, targeting an international audience. They aim to help local decision-makers use them effectively and adapt to each institution’s specific needs. The latest edition emphasizes the increasing role of audiovisual tools in promoting access to knowledge, media literacy, and societal participation. It also covers critical areas of modern practice such as collection development, access management, metadata handling, rights and licensing, preservation, accessibility, and artificial intelligence. 

The IFLA Audiovisual & Multimedia Section extends its sincere thanks to the members of the working group, expert reviewers, and the broader international community whose feedback helped shape this publication.