Colorful silhouettes of diverse people standing side by side with the text 'IFLA Newsletter' overlayed in white and yellow.

The message below accompanies the October 2025 edition of the IFLA Newsletter.

This month, as we reflect on the theme of championing equality, we are reminded of the fundamental role that libraries and information services play in creating fairer, more inclusive societies. Equality is not only about ensuring that everyone has access to knowledge—it is about enabling people everywhere, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance, to use that knowledge to thrive.

Across our Federation, libraries of every type are already living this commitment. A public library welcoming newcomers into a new language community, a school library supporting students with diverse learning needs, a university library opening doors to open science, and a prison library enabling personal growth all stand as examples of equality in action.

Yet our work is not finished. As the IFLA Strategy 2024–2029 reminds us, achieving sustainable futures for all through knowledge and information depends on our collective ability to remove barriers, challenge discrimination, and promote inclusion. Equality is central to each of our impact areas: connecting diverse professional communities, ensuring libraries are recognised as valued partners, and enabling meaningful change at all levels.

Championing equality requires both advocacy and action. It means ensuring that library values—intellectual freedom, universal access, respect for cultural and linguistic diversity—are reflected in global and local policies. It also means supporting our colleagues in under-represented regions, strengthening library associations, and investing in the next generation of library leaders.

The strength of our Federation lies in solidarity. Together, we can demonstrate that libraries are not only spaces of knowledge but also powerful instruments of justice and equality. As we move forward, let us continue to share experiences, support one another, and keep equality at the heart of everything we do.

Dr Jane Garner
Chair, IFLA Equitable and Accessible Library Services (EALS) Section

Erratum: In the newsletter, under the In the Field section, the button attached to “An interview exploring the IFLA Guidelines supporting displaced persons” contains an error. The correct link is available here. We apologise for any confusion this may have caused.