CILIP | CILIP and IFLA

CILIP is a founder member of IFLA - The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions- the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. IFLA is the global voice of the library and information profession. As such, it is very important that CILIP is involved in IFLA and supports it.

CILIP seeks to ensure that the views and aspirations of UK LIS professionals are well represented in this vital international organisation at all levels, including the Governing Board, Professional Committee, Core Activities (Committee on Copyright and other Legal Matters [CLM] and Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression [FAIFE]). For example, Bob McKee, Chief Executive was elected to the IFLA Governing Board, June 2005.

CILIP works with and through IFLA on important international initiatives such as the United Nations World Summit on the Information Society, where IFLA has an official delegation lobbying on behalf of the LIS community worldwide.

We also seek to provide opportunities for CILIP members to enrich their professional lives. Helping CILIP members to become elected to IFLA Sections (Special Interest Groups) and facilitating their involvement with them is one of the main ways of doing this. In addition, Several CILIP members are committee officers which offers further scope for CPD.

CILIP both sends a delegation and financially supports a group of members to each annual conference. Since 2000, this has included the full sponsorship of around three members to attend their first IFLA conference. The delegation includes a small number of CILIP staff working on international matters impacting on CILIP and its members with IFLA, including representatives of the Home Nations.

Why CILIP gives travel grants to the IFLA Conference for CILIP members

By providing travel grants to attend these conferences, we aim to:

· contribute to the development of IFLA, the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users, and its ongoing work

· create a strong UK voice within all IFLA decision making bodies, especially the Sections (Special Interest working groups who continue working between conferences)

· provide feed-back on IFLA to CILIP elected bodies, secretariat & interested members

· enrich the professional lives of individual members by providing a unique professional development opportunity

Financial assistance to attend IFLA

Potential benefits of IFLA attendance

Updated: 06 March 2008