Shaping the global information picture

IFLA is calling on information professionals from all walks of life to help transform the 10 opportunities identified in its Global Vision document into reality.

The Global Vision document has been created as part of IFLA’s strategy to define its future direction. A worldwide consultation saw information professionals take part in six workshop events, helping to focus ideas. Now IFLA is looking for more input through its online Ideas Stores.

IFLA Secretary General Gerald Leitner said: “IFLA is building a new and forward-looking strategy from the bottom up, one that will shape its key actions. By contributing to the Ideas Store, you have the opportunity to help define the future direction of IFLA. As library and information professionals, it’s therefore your strategy. And, crucially, it depends on your participation.”

The consultation will run until the end of October and each and every suggestion will be analysed by a team of IFLA-appointed experts, before being presented to the IFLA Governing Board in the first week of December.

Gerald said: “We need your ideas to turn the Global Vision’s ten opportunities into reality. This is your chance to contribute to the collective vision for the library field of the future.

Everyone is welcome to contribute ideas that will help define the strategy: individual librarians, associations, institutions, library supporters, and others. Our platform is translated into, and accepts submissions in all seven IFLA languages. Wherever you are, we want to hear your voice.”The Ideas Store website provides a quick and easy portal to submit ideas and is being billed as the “largest global discussion the library field has ever seen”.

The Global Vision Report’s 10 opportunities for IFLA are: to be champions of intellectual freedoms; to update traditional roles to the digital age; to understand community needs better and design services for impact; to keep up with ongoing technical changes; to recruit more and better advocates at all levels; to ensure stakeholders understand our value and impact; to develop a spirit of collaboration; to challenge current structures and behaviours; to maximise access to the world’s documentary heritage; and to give young professionals effective opportunities to learn, develop and lead.

Anyone can take part in the consultation and add as many ideas as they want – in one or more of the categories. To take part visit IFLA's Ideas Store.