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IFLA Sub-Saharan African Regional Division (IFLA SSA RDC), August 2024 Newsletter

Notes from the Virtual Ceremony: The 2024 IFLA PressReader International Library Marketing Award

Discover the winners of the 2024 IFLA PressReader International Library Marketing Award! This year's virtual ceremony showcased innovative and impactful marketing campaigns from around the globe that are transforming the way we see libraries. From Auckland Council Libraries' engaging "100 Reasons to Have a Library Card" to Seoul Metropolitan Library's creative "Seoul Outdoor Library" initiative, and Nanjing University's unique "The Sounds of the Library," these projects have set a new standard for library marketing. Curious to learn more? Read the full article written by Cathelijne Kuiters and find out how these libraries are redefining outreach and engagement

Message from the IFLA President, 30 August 2024

The below message was sent by the IFLA President on 30 August 2024 directly to all IFLA Members, affiliates, and volunteer.

Proceedings of IFLA ARL "Hot Topics" Webinar: “Current & Future Literacies” available now!

New EALS Newsletter published

WILSIG Convenor Discusses AI Challenges at 24 Hours of Global IT IFLA

M&M Online Coaching Sessions - September 2024

The IFLA Coaching Initiative, sponsored by the IFLA Management & Marketing Section, invites colleagues to participate in an free 30-minutes online coaching session from September 2-27 (see the availability of specific coaches below). Topics are up to you and may include leadership, career development, or other areas where you need assistance to achieve your goals, expand your professional development, or tackle challenging situations.

IFLA Newsletter, August 2024: The Indigenous Matters Issue

Welcome to the August 2024 IFLA Newsletter! With the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples celebrated on 9 August, this month’s newsletter is all about indigenous matters! 🌍

A basis to build on: UN Global Principles for Information Integrity

The UN’s new Global Principles for Information Integrity represent an important step in highlighting the importance of access to quality information, both as a goal in itself and an enabler of wider progress. Building on the Principles’ strengths, an explicit engagement of libraries will make them stronger and more effective.

IFLA 24 Hours of Global IT: Guidelines for AI in Parliaments

Guidelines for AI in Parliaments presentation by Dr Fotis Fitsilis

Library Services Assessment Workshops in Amman, Jordan

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) recently conducted two in-person workshops hosted by the Al-Hassan Library at Princess Sumaya University for Technology. The workshops were led by Mr. Walid Al-Badi, Director of the Oman Council Library and an internationally accredited IFLA trainer, alongside Dr. Saif Al-Jabri, Chair of the IFLA MENA Regional Development Committee.

Become an IFLA Member and enjoy some fantastic perks!

Ready for a great deal? Join as an IFLA member or affiliate starting 1 September and your 2024 rate will cover the rest of this year and all of 2025!

IFLA 24 hours of Global IT: A cross-sector conversation of Division B units on Artificial Intelligence

The IFLA Division B units' contribution to the IFLA 24 Hours of Global IT event

IFLA PARL 2024 Annual Conference: Presentations' proposals and (short) deadline extension

North American Regional Division Committee Day at ALA

The IFLA NA Regional Division (NARD) Day at the ALA 2024 Conference brought together the Canadian and American members for the first time since WLIC 2023 in Rotterdam.

Artificial Intelligence and Information Integrity at MEXINFO 2024

On August 8, 2024, the International Seminar on Artificial Intelligence and Information Integrity at MEXINFO, hosted by UNAM in Mexico City, brought together global participants for insightful discussions on the interplay between AI and information integrity. The seminar, a collaboration between IFLA's Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) and the Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group, aimed to explore the benefits, challenges, and ethical implications of AI in the context of libraries and information systems. Keynote speaker Andrew Cox, from the University of Sheffield, highlighted AI's growing role in libraries, including new methods for describing collections and the use of chatbots for inquiries. He also addressed the ethical challenges posed by AI, such as bias, privacy concerns, and the erosion of trust in information systems. The seminar featured a panel discussion with IFLA leaders and partners, including Jonathan Hernandez, Jeannette Lebron, and Jonathan Band, who examined the impact of AI on IFLA policy and the unique challenges faced by different regions, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. The event also featured twelve presentations covering topics like AI's impact on trust, ethical considerations, and AI literacy, with contributions from participants worldwide. Maria De Brasdefer from IFLA HQ provided updates on IFLA’s digital inclusion initiatives and the new IFLA Internet Manifesto, urging engagement with the manifesto’s content to strengthen libraries' roles in the digital space. Overall, the seminar offered a comprehensive overview of AI's current and future impact on libraries, fostering a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Now Available: IFLA Asia and Oceania Regional Newsletter, August 2024

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.

Indigenous Matters at MEXINFO

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.

Licenses and Copyright: Protection and Managing Digital Content

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.

Can Artificial Intelligence lead us to a smarter ILL future or other library services? – Video Recording

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.