Librarians and Libraries

Pic: Yonsei University Library, Seoul, Korea

Libraries as primary gateways to information are therefore important vehicles for the acquisition of knowledge.  Libraries as knowledge institutions provide spaces for information-sharing and learning for all ages, genders, ethnicities and socio-economic groups regardless of their information/knowledge needs. Libraries facilitate access to information thereby providing the means through which new knowledge is developed and made available to all. So, how do and how can libraries drive access to knowledge?

In Quebec City the following emerged as the key enablers/aspects for access to knowledge through/by libraries and librarians:

• Libraries and librarians must become more user-oriented by:
• bringing libraries and their resources to the users;
• empowering users through information literacy, social networking, etc.;
• enabling access to information (a paradigm shift from a custodial approach); and
• facilitating the full participation of all citizens in societal activities.
• Libraries and librarians must become active in advocacy by actively  promoting libraries:
• including the perspective of the users in their operations;
• communicating effectively with stakeholders on library/society matters;
• driving library policy/ies;
• facilitating and supporting open access for all;
• promoting a broader library agenda with key partners/stakeholders; and
• becoming innovative information agents.
• Libraries and librarians must create partnerships and foster opportunities for convergences with:
• other societal stakeholders such as health workers, teachers, environmentalists, etc.;
• commercial/private enterprises; and
• other cultural/knowledge institutions.
• In addition participants determined that library as space and place should foster:
• information for ALL;
• opportunities/gateways for social inclusion;
•  “Wow” environments and experiences;
• content in formats that appeal to young people and other discrete library user groups;
• community knowledge space/s;
• libraries as safe and trusted public spaces;
• multicultural communities having their voices heard; and that they should serve as gate-openers to information

Source: Words by past-President of IFLA, Ellen Tise