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The August 2024 IFLA Asia and Oceania Regional Division Newsletter includes editorials from the Chair of the Asia-Oceania Regional Division Committee, the Manager of the Regional Office for Asia and Oceania, and news from IFLA, the region and beyond. This covers work in Australia, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Sri Lanka.
Last week members of IFLA's Indigenous Matters Section were met with many IFLA colleagues at the Mexican Global Information Forum in Mexico City. This forum was the result of hard work and collaboration between eight IFLA Committees and covered an incredible range of topics, including artificial intelligence, censorship, colonialism, LGBTQIA+ representation, knowledge stewardship and community trust building. The topics covered could not have been more timely and relevant, and the entire event was incredibly thought-provoking.
es. La ponencia "Licencias y Derechos de Autor: Protección y Gestión de Contenidos Digitales" explora cómo los derechos de autor y diferentes tipos de licencias ayudan a proteger y gestionar contenidos digitales. Se discuten ejemplos prácticos de aplicación efectiva de estas herramientas legales en diversos entornos digitales. La presentación enfatiza la importancia de mantener prácticas de licenciamiento actualizadas ante los avances tecnológicos y sugiere la necesidad de adaptaciones legales para mejorar la protección de contenidos digitales. en. The presentation "Licenses and Copyright: Protection and Management of Digital Content" explores how copyright laws and different types of licenses help protect and manage digital content. It discusses practical examples of effective application of these legal tools across various digital environments. The presentation emphasizes the importance of keeping licensing practices up to date in the face of technological advancements and suggests the need for legal adaptations to enhance the protection of digital content.
Recent technological developments have revolutionized the field of librarianship, as in every other field. Studies show that artificial intelligence can improve many library services such as reference services, document distribution and resource sharing, bookshelves and shelf reading, cataloging, and metadata creation. In this webinar will also discuss personalized recommendations for library users based on their research habits and interests and all applications of AI in library complex service areas.
China has placed great importance on the digitisation of ancient books and is using advanced technology to accelerate the construction of a smart library system. This has become an important part of the national "14th Five Year Plan", with increased funding from both central and local governments to support it. In April 2022, China issued the "Opinions on Promoting the Work of Ancient Books in the New Era", which called for advancing the digitisation of ancient books.
Better addressing linguistic and cultural diversity in national library infrastructures can have a wide impact on society. Our infrastructures and services cater to many users, both individuals and organizations, extending beyond the library and cultural heritage sector. Here, the National Library of Finland shares experiences from newly initiated support for the Indigenous North Sámi language in some of its core services.
On August 6-7, 2024, the “Unshelving Voices” symposium at UNAM in Mexico City brought together a diverse group of presenters and participants from around the world to discuss and tackle the pressing issue of censorship in libraries. Hosted by the MEXINFO and UNAM organizers, this event was a resounding success, thanks to the insightful contributions and active engagement of all involved. “Unshelving Voices” was a collaboration of the IFLA (International Federal of Library Associations) groups including the Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Information (FAIFE), the LGBTQ+ Special Interest Group, the School Libraries Section, and the Management of Library Associations Section (MLAS).
The Seoul Library initiated the 'SOL' project, a 'Building-less Library' that extends the concept of library spaces beyond traditional buildings to the outside. The SOL is a project aimed at expanding the three core elements of a library — 'books', 'buildings', and 'librarians' — to 'contents', 'space', and 'staff’; leveraging the advantages of outdoor spaces to provide various services that allow users to enjoy a variety of library content. It has evolved from a space focused on reading and discussion to one centered on interaction and experience.
The year 2023 was considered a milestone for Philippine Public Libraries as The Philippines Government, through the initiatives of the Office of Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Manalang Angara, granted additional funding to augment the current budget of the NLP for its Public Library Development and Support Program (Library Extension Program). From a 3-year average budget of Php8,970,000.00 (~USD154,000.00) in CY2020 - 2022, it was increased to Php25,976,000.00 (~USD444,692), a considerable 289.59% leap from the last three years.
Student success is one of the most critical drivers of the value of academic libraries, no matter the discipline or specialisation. With an ever-changing technological and pedagogical landscape, librarians are constantly challenged to innovate and redefine their roles. In this post, academic librarians from the National University of Singapore Libraries unlock major insights into strategies that promote student success, and the importance of co-creation and interdisciplinarity needed to thrive and transform in this evolving library landscape.
University libraries in Sri Lanka have adopted simple yet cost-effective tools to organise and index their resources, thereby improving user access and understanding.
Singapore’s Punggol Regional Library welcomed His Excellency Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. His visit focused on initiatives and efforts to promote digital inclusion.
Malaysia has been given the opportunity to host the 19th Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians General Conference and Meeting (CONSAL XIX) in 2025. In preparation for CONSAL XIX, the Executive Board of CONSAL had their second meeting, held in a hybrid mode, on 15 July 2024. Most members from Malaysia were present physically at the National Library of Malaysia and regional participants attended virtually.
I am happy to have the opportunity to share an update on the preparations for the IFLA Information Futures Summit taking place in a little less than two months in our region.
This is a message from IFLA's Asia-Oceania Regional Regional Office Manager.
This is a message from IFLA's Asia-Oceania Regional Division Committee Chair.
The event held contemporary and historical public debates on the power of knowledge and information conveyed by institutions and people with different profiles and trajectories within the fields of research, activism and professional practice in different parts of the world. Individuals presented research projects and initiatives that aim to improve and make access to information more equal.
We are happy to announce that the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) was successful in its application for charity (ANBI) status. Find out more about this achievement.