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62nd IFLA General Conference - Conference Proceedings - August 25-31, 1996

Paper for the Open forum - Division 3 - Libraries serving the General Public

SISSEL NILSEN,
Chair of Division 3

and

TORNY KJEKSTAD
Secretary of Division 3


PAPER

The Division groups together libraries serving the general public as well as special library services directed to specific groups of the general public, such as children, linguistic minorites, people with disabilities, people in hospital or prison. The Division promotes the improvement of library services and information to all people, initiates projects, supervises their accomplishment and coordinates the activities of its Sections, Round Tables and Working Groups. In the recent years the Sections and Round Tables have more than before worked cross-divisional and are cooperating rather than competing. The Division continues to be concerned that IFLA promotes literacy and reading promotion through libraries. This basic idea of libraries playing an more important role in combat ting illiteracy throughout the world is supported both by the Professional and the Executive Board, and a 2-3 three year project has been initiated. The Division has also, together with the Section of Public Libraries, contributed to the revision and promotion of the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto, and cooperated with the Children Section on Guidelines for Library Service to Young Adults. T he Division which consists of nine Sections and Round Tables, is the largest of the IFLA divisions. Underneath we have compiled a brief report of the objectives and projects of the different bodies. Most of the Sections and Round Tables also publish newletters presenting trends and activities.

SECTION OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES

The section serves as a forum for all types of libraries serving the general public.

Objectives:

Ongoing projects:

Publications:

SECTION OF SCHOOL LIBRARIES

The use of school-libraries is the foundation for the use of all other libraries. In most countries this is the only place possible to reach all children.Literacy is natured in the schools and is prerequisite for all subsequent library and information use. In a technological world where daily access to information becomes an essential tool, effective school libraries have a significant contribu tion to make. In schools the role of the school-librarians is to encourage reading for pleasure and information. Library programmes and library services are essential in meeting curriculum needs and the interests of students and teachers . Vital to such provision is the of adequately-trained school librarians, appropriate government policy and effective links with the library and information inf rastructure.

Object ives:

  • to promote school library services to ensure that they meet the needs of all user groups
  • to delineate the role of the school librarian
  • to promote the role of school libraries
  • to promote research in the field of school librarianship
  • to assist school librarians in their professional development.

    Ongoing projects:

    Publications:

    SECTION OF CHILDREN'S LIBRARIES

    The Section`s major purpose is to support the provision of library service to children and young adults throughout the world.

    Objectives:
    The main objectives are to promote international cooperation in the field of library services to children and to encourage the exchange of experience and research in all aspects of this subject

    Abstracts:
    Youth Library Service (IRA-YLS ) is a prototype version now available on Internet. The database can be reached on the Internet through GOPHER. It is also available in printed form and on computer disk. The project will be ongoing for a five year period.

    Publications:

    Children's Literature

    Abstracts:
    Quarterly international guide to books and periodical articles about children's literature. Guidelines for Children's Li brary Sevices International Research.

    Abstracts:
    Youth Library Services. Computer database of research abstracts available in print or electronic format - soon to be available.Guidelines for Library Services for Young Adults.

    SECTION FOR LIBRARIES SERVING DISADVANTAGED PERSONS

    The Section focuses on promoting library services to meet the needs of those groups in the community who for various reasons are unable to make use of conventional library services, who need assistance in using these services, or who need library services that are adapted to their specialneeds. These groups include people in hospitals and prisons, the elderly in nursing homes andcare facilities , the homebound, the deaf, and the physically and developmentally disabled.

    Objectives :

    Ongoing projects:

    Publications:

    SECTION OF LIBRARIES FOR THE BLIND

    The Section reflects the interest in library services for the blind and other print-handicapped readers. It is a main purpose to promote national and international cooperation in this field and to encourage research and development. The Section is also aiming at improving the availability and quality of materials for these groups.

    Objectives:

    Ongoing project:

    SECTION ON LIBRARY SERVICES TO MULTICULTURAL POPULATIONS

    The Section on Library Services to Multicultural Populations brings together librarians and libraries involved in the development and availability of library services and materials designed to meet the needs of cultural and linguistic minorities, both immigrant and indigenous, in the belief that all segments of the population in a country should have access to appropriate library and information services. To achieve this vision the section seeks to promote education, planning and implementation in multicultural library services by making available information on how to organize, implement and provide services and materials suitable for linguistic and cultural communities.

    Objectives:
    The Section provides a forum for exchange of information concerning the development of multilingual and multicultural library and information services

    ROUND TABLE ON MOBILE LIBRARIES

    Mobile libraries operate in rural and urban environments to provide library services where it would not be feasible to operate branch libraries. The Round Table focuses on all aspects of mobile library operations and services. It is promoting and developing activities worldwide, particularily in those countries which have few or no mobile libraries.

    Objectives:

    Ongoing projects:

    Publications:

    ROUND TABLE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN CITY LIBRARIES (INTAMEL)

    INTAMEL is a platform for professional communication and information for libraries of cities with 400.000 or more inhabitants. The RT reflects inter-divisional interests as they apply to large metropolitan city libraries.Objectives:The principle objectives are to provide assistance and support for members sharing similar problems and challenges, given the wide variations in the state of developm ent of library services between cities and countries.

    Ongoing projects:

    ROUND TABLE ON NATIONAL CENTRES FOR LIBRARY SERVICES (ROTNAC)

    This round table groups managers of national centres for library services. It encourages cooperations between the members and promotes cenral services as well as exchange of information on working methods, price setting and new developments.

    Ongoing projects: