Page 146 - DLIS101_LIBRARY_AND_INFORMATION_SOCIETY

Unit 13: Libraries and Library Organisations

is the global voice of the library and information profession. Our members are national library Notes
associations, libraries of all types (national, academic, public, special libraries) and library and
information educational institutions (faculties, schools) in approximately 150 countries. IFLA is an
independent, international, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization. Our aims are to:
• Promote high standards of provision and delivery of library and information services
• Encourage widespread understanding of the value of good library & information services
• Represent the interests of our members throughout the world
IFLA’s worldwide membership represents the large and growing number of library and information
professionals, now estimated to be between 500.000 and 1.000.000!
You as a librarian or information specialist may want to get involved in the professional activities
that IFLA performs, develop international contacts and contribute to our work.
A good way to get started is to contact one or more of our Sections. These Sections are the nuclei in
which IFLA’s professional activities take place. Some of the groups represent library types, some
library activities, while others focus on a specific region of the world. Another opportunity is to
attend our annual World Library and Information Congress.
Being an IFLA member offers you a great opportunity to establish international contacts to further
or evaluate your everyday practice. It helps you to broaden your horizon by contributing to library
work in your specific working area at an international level.
IFLA offers its members a platform for exchanging ideas and promoting international co-operation,
research and development in all fields. Participating in IFLA’s international library network enables
you to participate in setting the political agenda and lobby for the good of the profession.

Define the aims of IFLA.

Some Facts about IFLA Members

IFLA is the global voice of library and information services. Through its members, IFLA represents a
large and growing number of library and information professionals from all over the world. Did you
know the number of information workers worldwide is now estimated to be between 500.000 and
1.000.000?
IFLA currently has over 1600 members from 151 countries world wide. Our members are library
associations, library institutions, but also individual librarians and information professionals. LIS
Students are also welcome to join IFLA.
The most important work in IFLA happens in the various groups that make up the organization.
They are all filled with enthusiastic people who gather materials and work to further the profession.

The World Library and Information Congress

The IFLA World Library and Information Congress is the international flagship professional and
trade event for the library and information services sector. It brings together over 3,500 participants from
more than 120 countries. It sets the international agenda for the profession and offers opportunities
for networking and professional development to all delegates.
It is an opportunity for the host country to showcase the status of libraries and information science
in their country and region as well as to have their professionals experience international
librarianship and international relations in a unique way.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 141