[Pal-dc] Ats.: Defining libraries in principles statement

Tue Sep 29 15:37:33 BST 2015

Hi Christina, 

I think Makane has got the point. I have an alternative suggestion to re-inventing the library definition - in the body of the text we can make a reference to ‘access in libraries, as well as information and documentation centers, especially, when and where libraries are not available. Which often will be the case in developing countries.  

To my view, it is essential in the statement to put an emphasis on existing networks of sustainable local information institutions that can add value to the communities by providing public access to computers and the internet, and necessary support to get skills for digital participation and opening new opportunities. Libraries and their sister institutions such as information and documentation centres are, or potentially could be, central to providing free or very low cost Internet access to the ICT’s and basic computing skills for remote, low income or otherwise marginalized communities. By contrast, there are quite enough examples of failed initiatives to sustain over the longer term any newly established telecenters, especially when donor money moves on. 

If necessary, in the footnote we can refer to ‘other public access venues’ adopting a simplified version of the one given in the Global Impact Study (2007-2012) by TASCHA - the Technology & Social Change Group at the University of Washington Information School (available here - https://digital.lib.washington.edu/researchworks/bitstream/handle/1773/23885/Global_Impact_Study_library_report.pdf?sequence=1 ). For example, It may also include other kinds of public access venues, such as reference centers, community resource centers, telecenters, etc. - given they a) offer for free or on a very low cost information and public access to the internet and b) are open to the public, and do not have restrictions on who can use them. 

Kind regards, Ramune

Ramune Petuchovaite
Public Library Innovation Programme Manager
EIFL - Electronic Information for Libraries -  <http://www.eifl.net/> www.eifl.net
Email:  <mailto:ramune.petuchovaite at eifl.net> ramune.petuchovaite at eifl.net ; Skype: p.ramune; Twitter: @ramupetu
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Iš: pal-dc-bounces at lists.apc.org [mailto:pal-dc-bounces at lists.apc.org] Vardu Christina de Castell
Išsiųsta: Tuesday, September 29, 2015 12:18 PM
Kam: pal-dc at lists.apc.org
Tema: [Pal-dc] Defining libraries in principles statement

Hello everyone,

We need to finalize incorporating comments into our principles statement this week. We have a comment that I'd appreciate your input on. It is from Makane, who has suggested the following in reference to our heading, which is "Public Access in Libraries": 

It may be useful to attempt to have a definition of libraries to be inclusive of other access centres, such as “documentation centres”, “information centres”, ” archives”, “reference centres”, etc. Not having an inclusive definition, may exclude other professionals who are in charge of these access utilities.

Later in the statement, we make note of the importance of issues such as government funding and professional staff who can offer training and support.

My questions for you:

1. Do you agree that we need to expand the definition of libraries?

2. If so, should this be a footnote or part of the body?

3. Please react to the following: "Libraries includes other government-funded public facilities that prioritize access to information and provide the necessary technology to facilitate access, while recognizing the importance of information literacy skills for use and supporting access with professionally trained information staff. This includes publicly accessible facilities such as information centres, documentation centres, reference centres and archives."

Our statement is available here: http://review.intgovforum.org/igf-2015/dynamic-coalitions/dynamic-coalition-on-public-access-in-libraries-dc-pal/

Your comments continue to be welcome in the coming weeks, as we approach discussion at the IGF in November.

Christina 

Christina de Castell

Manager, Policy and Advocacy

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)

PO Box 95312

2509 CH The Hague

Netherlands

00 31 70 314 0884

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