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IFLA/IPA Membership

IFLA/IPA Joint Press Release:
Publishers and librarians promote freedom of expression on the Internet

A joint steering group with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the International Publishers' Association (IPA)

Representing book and journal publishers through national, regional and specialised publishers associations

PRESS RELEASE:
For immediate release
August 2003

An international group of librarians and book and journal publishers re-asserted the importance of freedom of expression on the Internet for democracy and creativity, expressing its willingness to further promote and work towards ensuring respect of this fundamental human right in a digital era.

The joint statement on freedom of expression on the Internet was agreed by the Joint Steering Group, established by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the International Publishers Association (IPA).

The statement urges the international community to support the development of Internet accessibility worldwide, national governments to develop a national information infrastructure delivering broad Internet access and all governments to support the unhindered flow of Internet accessible information and to oppose any attempts to censor or inhibit Freedom of Expression.

Ingrid Parent (IFLA), co-Chair of the IFLA/IPA Steering Group declared: "Technology presents us with the exciting capability to make information more readily available all around the world. But it can also be used to limit access to information. I am pleased that IFLA and IPA are together vigorously promoting freedom of expression on the Internet so that communities and individuals can benefit from the wealth of information that can be made available."

Herman P. Spruijt (IPA), co-Chair of the Steering Group declared: "It is important that people around the world will have unhindered access to the Internet infrastructure. This Internet has already become a powerful tool to disseminate cross border factual information and personal views. It allows individuals to form their independent views and opinions and to seek dialogue with other individuals. The Internet is a forceful instrument to establish free interchange between nations and cultures. Publishers facilitate these processes professionally and consider practices like filtering information and blocking access detrimental to the concept of free flow of information".

Full text: Joint IFLA/IPA statement on Freedom of Expression on the Internet


Further information from:

Alexis Krikorian
Secretary General
International Publishers Association (IPA)
Avenue de Miremont 3
CH-1206, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 3463018
Fax: +41 22 3475717
Email: krikorian@ipa-uie.org

Ross Shimmon
Secretary General
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
P O Box 95312
2509 CH, THE HAGUE
Netherlands
Tel: +31 70 3140884
Fax: +31 70 3834827
Email: ross.shimmon@ifla.org

Notes for editors:

IFLA is the global voice of the library and information profession. Established in 1927, it celebrates its 75th anniversary at its annual conference in Glasgow, Scotland in August 2002. IFLA currently has more than 1,750 members in over 150 countries. More information can be found on the IFLA website www.ifla.org

IPA represents the publishing industry world-wide through 78 national, regional and specialised publishers associations in 65 countries. Established in 1896, IPA was founded to promote the lifeblood of publishing: Copyright protection and freedom to publish, internationally. IPA is an accredited Non-Governmental Organisation enjoying a consultative status to the United Nations. For more about IPA, see: www.ipa-uie.org.

The members of the IFLA/IPA Steering Group are:

IFLA:
  • Ingrid Parent (Co-Chair), IFLA Governing Board member
  • Claudia Lux, IFLA Governing Board member
  • Ross Shimmon, IFLA Secretary General

IPA:
  • Herman P. Spruijt (Co-Chair), IPA Executive Committee Member /Publisher, the Netherlands
  • Marc Brodsky, USA
  • Lex Lefebvre, Secretary General, STM

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