China Accelerates the Digitisation of Ancient Books as a Part of a Smart Library System
17 August 2024China 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.
Introducing support for the Indigenous North Sámi language at the National Library of Finland
16 August 2024Better 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.
Unshelving Voices: Empowering Libraries Against Censorship
16 August 2024On 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 Marketing Strategy of the Seoul Library to Attract Users despite a Continuous Decline in Patrons: Seoul Outdoor Library (SOL)
14 August 2024The 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.
PH Grants Additional Budget to Support Development of Philippine Public Libraries
14 August 2024The 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.
Three (and a Half) Strategies to help Academic Libraries achieve Student Success
14 August 2024Student 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.
Widening Access to Resources using Indices in times of Financial Crisis – Sharing an Experience from Sri Lanka
14 August 2024University libraries in Sri Lanka have adopted simple yet cost-effective tools to organise and index their resources, thereby improving user access and understanding.
Punggol Regional Library Hosts United Nations General Assembly President
14 August 2024Singapore’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.
2nd Executive Board Meeting for CONSAL XIX
13 August 2024Malaysia 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.
Message from the IFLA President on the IFLA Information Futures Summit 2024
13 August 2024I 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.
Message from IFLA’s Asia-Oceania Regional Office Manager
13 August 2024This is a message from IFLA's Asia-Oceania Regional Regional Office Manager.
Message from IFLA’s Asia-Oceania Regional Division Committee Chair
13 August 2024This is a message from IFLA's Asia-Oceania Regional Division Committee Chair.
Addressing censorship, information integrity, indigenous matters and AI at the Mexican Information Global Forum
13 August 2024The 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.
IFLA attains charity status
13 August 2024We 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.
Call for submissions — A Corto di Libri/Short of Books: Short Films Tell About Libraries
12 August 2024The thirteenth edition of the contest “A corto di libri. Short of books: short films tell about libraries” is open!
Request for Proposals – Redesigning the Library Map of the World
12 August 2024We are looking for a contractor to join us in crafting and implementing a new vision and look for the Library Map of the World website. Is this you? We invite bidders to submit proposals for redesigning the Library Map of the World by 2 September 2024.
What shapes the future? Respond now to our trends survey
9 August 2024As part of the preparation of the 2024 Trend Report, we are calling on IFLA members, volunteers and the wider library field to share their views on which trends will matter most in the years to come, as well as how you see them working together. Deadline: 28 August 2024.