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Library Services to Multicultural Populations Section

Strategic Plan
2009-2010

Mission

The Section brings together libraries and institutions engaged in the development and the provision of library services designed to reflect the cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity in society. The Section works with all types of libraries, especially public libraries, library consortia, non-library associations and government agencies to develop services and support for multicultural populations and their cultures in all countries. Multicultural populations can include new immigrants, migrant workers, indigenous groups, refugees, ethnic minorities and other cultural groups who are seeking materials in languages reflective of their needs.

The section promotes, as stated in the IFLA's Multicultural Library Manifesto, the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto and in the World Information summit, the right that every individual in our global society has access to a full range of library and information services. In order to achieve this, the Section supports and encourages libraries in all countries to provide services to multicultural populations through the promotion and dissemination of best practices, emerging trends and issues, and relevant programs. The Section serves as an international forum for the exchange of information concerning the development of multilingual and multicultural services.

Goals

1. Promote, in our global society, access to a full range of library and information services suitable for and about cultural, ethnic, and linguistic, minorities.

IFLA's professional Priorities: (a) Supporting the Role of Libraries in Society, (b) Defending the Principle of Freedom of Information, (d) Providing Unrestricted Access to Information (i) Promoting Standards, Guidelines and Best Practices.
Pillars: The Society and The Profession

ACTIONS

1.1 Achieve UNESCO General Council endorsement for "The Multicultural Library Manifesto" and get the Manifesto translated into all official IFLA languages and to as many languages as possible

1.2 Review and revise the Guidelines to take into account technology and other developments which have an impact on service provision and directions.

1.3 Translate, publish, and disseminate via the Internet/the IFLA website the revised Guidelines in all official IFLA languages and others as desirable.

1.4 Translate the pamphlet "Raison d'être for Multicultural Library Services" to all official IFLA languages and in addition into all languages possible.

1.5 Revise and translate the pamphlet "Defining Multiculturalism" to all official IFLA languages and in addition into all languages possible.

1.6 Promote and disseminate the two pamphlets to librarians, mass media and institutions worldwide.

1.7 Propose a plan for the development of a handbook for Multicultural Library Services based upon the revised Guidelines.

1.8 Sponsor the development of a Special Interest Group on Indigenous Matter and all the associated activities.

2. Suggest and promote strategies to support multicultural services and library development in libraries throughout the world with special interest in developing countries.

IFLA's professional Priorities: (i) Promoting Standards, Guidelines and Best Practices, (f) Promoting Resource Sharing.
Pillars: The Society and The Profession

ACTIONS

2.1 Ensure that the principle/ideas/concept of the Multicultural library represent a gateway to a cultural diverse society is widely recognised.

2.2 Promote the availability of and access to all kinds of suitable resources for linguistic and cultural minorities.

2.3 Encourage cooperative purchasing of multicultural and multilingual materials By sharing best practises.

2.4 Encourage IFLA to incorporate our section actions with regard to multicultural issues in the IFLA Strategic Plan.

3. Work towards the integration of multicultural and multilingual services into the general management of libraries.

IFLA's professional Priorities: (i) Promoting Standards, Guidelines, and Best Practices.
Pillars: The Profession and The Members and The Society

ACTIONS

3.1 Encourage libraries to train local staff on multicultural issues and promote professional exchange on international level.

3.2 Promote the development of library recruitment policies which reflect the cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity in society.

3.3 Cooperate with other sections, divisions and other relevant bodies in IFLA for joint session at the annual conferences.

3.4 Organize conference sessions in Milan and Brisbane.

3.5 Plan a post-conference programme in Italy for 2009.

3.6 Plan a pre-conference in Sydney 2010.

3.7 Publish information on recruitments of diverse library staff.

4. Promote activities that advance the professional development and competence of Librarians in multicultural services.

IFLA's professional Priorities: (h) Developing Library Professionals, (i) Promoting Standards, Guidelines and Best Practices.
Pillars: The Profession and The Members

ACTIONS

4.1 Promote and encourage attendance at international and national conferences and programs; especially Satellite conferences and IFLA annual conferences.

4.2 Conduct outreach activities in conjunction with midyear meetings.

4.3 Issue the Section's newsletter on a regular schedule twice a year with an optional summer (pre-conference) issue.

4.4 Recruit professionals and institutions for Section membership through the use of IFLA net, promotional brochures and leaflets.