IFLA Guidelines for Library Services to Persons with Dyslexia – Revised and extended  a joint project of the Library Services to People with Special Needs & Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Sections has been translated by Mika Ishikawa and supervised by Misako Nomura.   

It can be found on the following guidelines page:  https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/9457

The Cataloguing Section, jointly with the RDA Steering Committe and the European RDA Interest (EURIG), present the virtual meeting RDA in Europe, which will be held next September 15th. Originally intented to be a satellite meeting from the cancelled WLIC2020, the meeting will revise case studies on adaptations of the new 3R RDA, in its first part, and will address some practical approaches to RDA (application profiles use, RDA and MARC..)

Please, visit the RSC announcement peage at http://www.rda-rsc.org/node/643, for registering (free) and access the programme.

In the month following the devastating explosion in the Lebanese capital, the international community and the people of Beirut have been actively working to recover the cultural institutions of the city. IFLA is collaborating with both international organisations and local partners to ensure that the libraries of Beirut are included in assessment and recovery efforts.

The Lebanese Library Association has gone above and beyond to take the critical first steps towards recovery of the city’s libraries. From the very beginning, they have been working with Blue Shield Lebanon to gather information, assessing the extent of damage at libraries and archives across the city.

A complete assessment of damage continues to be critical at this time. IFLA Headquarters has made itself available to support the Lebanese Library Association in this assessment, including disseminating information and connecting international experts to assist in the creation of assessment tools. The challenge is great, as damage to structures, equipment, and collections all must be evaluated.

IFLA’s Preservation and Conservation (PAC) Centres, namely those hosted at Qatar National Library and the Library of Congress have both been active in sharing knowledge and providing other means of support.  As assessment continues, IFLA stands ready to continue connecting expertise and support from the global library and preservation and conservation communities to aid in library recovery.

IFLA also continues to work in collaboration with our partners at Blue Shield International and at UNESCO to participate in international recovery efforts, and to advocate on behalf of Beirut’s libraries.  We are ready to continue this collaboration as recovery frameworks are developed.

Libraries are essential to lifelong learning and participation in cultural life. They are spaces where communities can gather, remember, and heal. The recovery of libraries is vital to the recovery of Beirut, and IFLA will continue our collaboration with both local and international partners in this effort.  

With the overwhelming impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, research librarians are faced with several issues which affect their work and services. This also includes budget challenges which result from the need to offer access to research materials outside the premises, their use in teaching, and additional access to digital materials.    LIBER continues…

The post Comments on the Current State of European Research Libraries during the COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on LIBER.

In July, OPERAS and a consortium of partners launched a survey to conduct a study commissioned by cOAlition S on open access journals and platforms that are free of charge for readers and authors (also known as the “diamond journals”).  So far, OPREAS reports that almost 2000 journals have participated in the survey. However,  the…

The post Survey on Open Access diamond journals: 2000 contributions already. Do we have yours? appeared first on LIBER.

Literacy is a foundational skill. With it, doors are opened to countless other opportunities to learn and grow. Without it, people struggle to find work, to make the most of the internet, or to gain new skills.

Libraries traditionally have a key role within the infrastructure of any country for promoting literacy.

From providing opportunities for pre-schoolers to maximise their exposure to language, to complementing the work of teachers in schools, to allowing adults to continue to hone their skills through access to books, and through offering a gateway to further learning for those who need it, libraries are often recognised in national literacy strategies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruption in teaching and learning in general, including of course to literacy-promotion. Yet simply suspending work here is not an option.

Without opportunities to build these skills, people with low-literacy risk falling behind. In schools, less well-off children can see the gap between them and their more fortunate peers grow. Outside, at a time when millions more people are facing unemployment, a lack of skills will make it even more difficult to find work, or at least benefit from government programmes.

Fortunately, libraries have shown both resilience and inventiveness in finding ways to continue to support literacy throughout the populations they serve. To celebrate International Literacy Day, here are just a few ideas:

 

Taking storytimes out of the library

Storytimes offer a great way to expose younger children to language, building their vocabulary, skills and imagination. Yet bringing people together in the library to run them has not been possible for many in the last few months.

In response, many libraries have looked to set up online storytimes. In some countries, this has been relatively simple, thanks to flexible copyright laws that recognise that what is possible in person should also be possible online. Elsewhere – notably in Australia, Ireland and New Zealand – library associations have agreed with publishers that online storytimes should be possible.

Therefore, for example, across the State of Victoria in Australia, there have been over 600 000 views of specially created storytimes between April and June, and a million if uploads from other library services is included.

Meanwhile in Hässelholm, Sweden, where meeting together in the library has not been possible, libraries have taken story-time to the park, with children enjoying hearing fairy tales! Based on the experience already gained, OCLC’s WebJunction has been able to share some tips for virtual storytimes.

 

Running reading challenges

For those countries who have school summer holidays between June and August, summer reading challenges are a regular part of library programming. These can be highly valuable for more vulnerable children, who otherwise can risk losing skills over the long break.

Once again, meeting in person has not been possible – and so libraries and reading support agencies have taken reading challenges online. England’s Reading Agency did so, and indeed this proved so popular that their website struggled to deal with all the visitors it was receiving! Dutch and Flemish libraries too have sought to take reading challenges online, in order to keep young readers engaged.

 

Providing access to materials remotely

As highlighted, a key way in which libraries support literacy is simply through providing access to materials. We know from analysis of adult skills by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development that when adults – especially older ones – do not use their skills, they risk losing them. Access to books can help overcome this for people who may not need to read or write much otherwise at work.

With libraries closed, librarians have proved good at finding alternative ways to provide books to people. As well as cancelling fines and due dates, some have increased the number of books people can borrow, intensified home delivery services, and increased their online offers, as seen for example in New South Wales, Australia.

eBooks in particular have seen major increases in uses, although given the cost and terms under which they are available, maintaining high levels of use may pose budgetary challenges in future. Alternatively, sharing photos and running storytimes over the phone can also help keep children engaged, as the manager of Dandelion Mobile Library in Iran has done.

In doing so, libraries have of course been cautious not to risk the health of those receiving books, especially people who are older or have conditions.

 

Running conversation classes for second language speakers

For newcomers to any society, being able to speak and use the language can be vital for integration. Libraries can help by providing literacy support, not least through guidance from librarians, provision of relevant materials, and hosting language cafés.

While in-person meetings are not always possible now, libraries in Malmö have moved to bring them online, working with the Red Cross. This has brought the added benefit of meaning that they can draw on a wider range of volunteers.

 

And beyond!

The above provide just a few examples of all of the great work taking place around literacy in libraries around the world, even while the measures necessary to tackle COVID-19 have forced them to close their doors.

There are plenty more like them, as well as wider activities which demonstrate how libraries’ strengths can be used to deliver benefits for society, even in lock down – for example, the State Library of Victoria has launched online bibliotherapy sessions to help people cope with the stress of the renewed restrictions there. 

Please do share your own great ideas through social media, and of course – Happy Literacy Day!

EIFL will attend the 2020 WIPO Conference on the Global Digital Content Market (GDCM) that takes place online. The Conference will explore changes brought about by digital technologies, especially in the COVID-19 environment. ​ A special focus of the Conference will be on emerging business models, emerging digital markets, and the role of artificial intelligence for entertainment industries. 

EIFL will attend the 2020 WIPO Conference on the Global Digital Content Market (GDCM) that takes place online. The Conference will explore changes brought about by digital technologies, especially in the COVID-19 environment. ​ A special focus of the Conference will be on emerging business models, emerging digital markets, and the role of artificial intelligence for entertainment industries. 

EIFL will attend the 2020 WIPO Conference on the Global Digital Content Market (GDCM) that takes place online. The Conference will explore changes brought about by digital technologies, especially in the COVID-19 environment. ​ A special focus of the Conference will be on emerging business models, emerging digital markets, and the role of artificial intelligence for entertainment industries. 

Local History and Genealogy Section Webinar

 

What Librarians Need to Know about DNA

When

24 September 2020

Where

Online

Objectives

• To understand what "genetic exceptionalism" is and why DNA testing is now critical for your genealogical patron
• To gain a basic knowledge of what DNA testing can and cannot do for genealogical research
• To identify relevant resources for the library's collection and for the librarian's continuing education

Librarians had to learn how to…

• Do lookups in catalogs and PERSI
• Operate a microform reader
• Use the Web to search for and access online resources
• Use online subscription services
• Teach these skills to patrons
• Assist patrons in doing these things

Join the webinar on 24 September 2020, 10.00 - 11.30 CST
Check your timezone and save the date!

Speaker:

• Drew Smith
  Associate Librarian, University of South Florida Libraries (USA)

Audience: IFLA Members, librarians, archivists, genealogists

Organiser:  Cherie Bush, Local History and Genealogy Section Standing Committee Member (localhistgen@gmail.com)

Sponsored by: IFLA Local History and Genealogy Section

#WeMissiPRES is a celebration to bring the global digital preservation community together until in-person meetings can happen again. The programme includes talks and presentations, and is a chance to share and celebrate the achievements of the digital preservation community in what has been an unusual year.

There will be three half-days (on 22, 23 and 24 September) of online conversation and debate using Zoom. The timings of each half-day have been optimized for different time-zones around the world. The event will take place in English.

#WeMissiPRES is a celebration to bring the global digital preservation community together until in-person meetings can happen again. The programme includes talks and presentations, and is a chance to share and celebrate the achievements of the digital preservation community in what has been an unusual year.

There will be three half-days (on 22, 23 and 24 September) of online conversation and debate using Zoom. The timings of each half-day have been optimized for different time-zones around the world. The event will take place in English.

#WeMissiPRES is a celebration to bring the global digital preservation community together until in-person meetings can happen again. The programme includes talks and presentations, and is a chance to share and celebrate the achievements of the digital preservation community in what has been an unusual year.

There will be three half-days (on 22, 23 and 24 September) of online conversation and debate using Zoom. The timings of each half-day have been optimized for different time-zones around the world. The event will take place in English.

DEADLINE: 23 October 2020

In 2018, the Professional Committee established the IFLA Dynamic Unit and Impact Award (DUIA) to recognise Professional Units who excel at putting the expectations of a Dynamic Unit into practice.

Dynamic Units have the greatest impact on IFLA’s global work – engaging members, developing strong leadership and identity, delivering high-quality services with a measurable impact, and communicating activities within IFLA and beyond. This is not a personal award, but rather an opportunity to recognise exceptional teamwork.

The Award aims to encourage outstanding work from Professional Units by recognising and promoting excellent examples of their work and highlight impact of the work on the field.

The 2020 IFLA Dynamic Unit and Impact Award winner(s) will be announced during the Closing Session of the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in 2021, alongside the 2021 winner. 

Who is eligible?

1. The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award will be presented to one or more of the following:
   • Divisions
   • Sections
   • Special Interest Groups
   • Strategic Programmes
   • Core Activities
2. Unit applicants shall have shared their Action Plan for 2020 or a summary of the year’s planned objectives and activities on their IFLA webpage.
3. Units should have demonstrated the Dynamic Unit criteria at a superior level.
   1. Quality and impact of the work
   2. Communications and impact
   3. Membership and leadership engagement and development

Examples of this criteria are listed below.

NOTE: Winners of the DUIA are not eligible for nomination in the year immediately following their win, but will instead be invited to join that year’s jury.  Recipients of the award can then be nominated in subsequent years. You many nominate your own Unit, or another.

To apply:

Submit the application online. The application consists of the following:

1. A statement (300 words or less), describing how the Unit fulfils the Dynamic Unit criteria.
   1. Highlight successes achieved as a result of creative and innovative approaches.
   2. Clearly state outcomes and impact from the work
2. Photos, video, &/or links to illustrate information found in the above statement.

Criteria Examples
Criteria 1: Quality and impact of the work, for example:

• Effectively networking with its community in order to define and develop the Unit’s role in line with IFLA strategy and the general expectations of an IFLA Unit;
• Synthesizing ideas and suggestions into clearly expressed and communicated objectives for the Unit that reflect IFLA’s strategy and unique position as a global library organisation;
• Identifying and carrying out a variety of activities that contribute to achieving the objectives of the Unit and are communicated through a well-formulated Action Plan;
• Thinking about how the results of its work are communicated for maximum impact;
• Regularly reviewing and updating its activities to ensure they meet the changing demands and changing environment.

Criteria 2: Communications and impact, for example:

• Implementing a written communication plan
• Having frequent and regular communication within its own committee, with at least one (possibly online) meeting between Congresses;
• Frequently and regularly communicating with its Members:
• Proactively communicating its activities widely and reach out to other IFLA Units or other stakeholders in order to identify synergies;
• Facilitating ongoing discussion with its community of interest, especially in order to identify ‘hot topics’ and where IFLA might have a role to play; Communicating and discussing progress and challenges with its Division Chair;
• Increase publication output via IFLA’s publication channels (IFLA Journal, Professional Report series (online, Open Access publications), IFLA Publications series).

Criteria 3: Membership and leadership engagement and development, for example:

• Attracting new members at each election;
• Having an inclusive process that involves all members in both planning and execution;
• Achieving diversity in its membership, and if this is not possible, actively seeking diverse views and input to its work, for example, in relation to geographical representation, gender and age;
• Having capable leaders that: ensure the Unit has a clear goal and sense of direction and produces quality work; identify roles and responsibilities for others; ensure all members have a voice; communicate progress and problems to the Division Chair.
• Having succession planning and mentoring in place for both the Officer roles and the member roles;
• Ensuring there is continuity of activities when membership or responsibilities change, and that the transition to the new Committee in an election year is smooth;
• Articulating what value a member gains from involvement;
• Functioning effectively using volunteers, encouraging remote participation either of members who cannot attend physical meetings or people beyond the committee where relevant and appropriate;
• Having involvement, partnerships and communication with relevant non-IFLA partners;
• Having an international community that identifies itself as an active supporter of the Unit’s objectives or an active contributor to the Unit’s work and includes individuals who regularly and actively engage with the Unit.

Timeline

• 23 October 2020: deadline for nominations
• November 2020: Short list announced
• August 2021, WLIC Closing Ceremony: Awards presented

 

IFLA Headquarters
The Hague, 4 September 2020

DEADLINE: 23 October 2020

In 2018, the Professional Committee established the IFLA Dynamic Unit and Impact Award (DUIA) to recognise Professional Units who excel at putting the expectations of a Dynamic Unit into practice.

Dynamic Units have the greatest impact on IFLA’s global work – engaging members, developing strong leadership and identity, delivering high-quality services with a measurable impact, and communicating activities within IFLA and beyond. This is not a personal award, but rather an opportunity to recognise exceptional teamwork.

The Award aims to encourage outstanding work from Professional Units by recognising and promoting excellent examples of their work and highlight impact of the work on the field.

The 2020 IFLA Dynamic Unit and Impact Award winner(s) will be announced during the Closing Session of the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in 2021, alongside the 2021 winner. 

Who is eligible?

1. The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award will be presented to one or more of the following:
   • Divisions
   • Sections
   • Special Interest Groups
   • Strategic Programmes
   • Core Activities
2. Unit applicants shall have shared their Action Plan for 2020 or a summary of the year’s planned objectives and activities on their IFLA webpage.
3. Units should have demonstrated the Dynamic Unit criteria at a superior level.
   1. Quality and impact of the work
   2. Communications and impact
   3. Membership and leadership engagement and development

Examples of this criteria are listed below.

NOTE: Winners of the DUIA are not eligible for nomination in the year immediately following their win, but will instead be invited to join that year’s jury.  Recipients of the award can then be nominated in subsequent years. You many nominate your own Unit, or another.

To apply:

Submit the application online. The application consists of the following:

1. A statement (300 words or less), describing how the Unit fulfils the Dynamic Unit criteria.
   1. Highlight successes achieved as a result of creative and innovative approaches.
   2. Clearly state outcomes and impact from the work
2. Photos, video, &/or links to illustrate information found in the above statement.

Criteria Examples
Criteria 1: Quality and impact of the work, for example:

• Effectively networking with its community in order to define and develop the Unit’s role in line with IFLA strategy and the general expectations of an IFLA Unit;
• Synthesizing ideas and suggestions into clearly expressed and communicated objectives for the Unit that reflect IFLA’s strategy and unique position as a global library organisation;
• Identifying and carrying out a variety of activities that contribute to achieving the objectives of the Unit and are communicated through a well-formulated Action Plan;
• Thinking about how the results of its work are communicated for maximum impact;
• Regularly reviewing and updating its activities to ensure they meet the changing demands and changing environment.

Criteria 2: Communications and impact, for example:

• Implementing a written communication plan
• Having frequent and regular communication within its own committee, with at least one (possibly online) meeting between Congresses;
• Frequently and regularly communicating with its Members:
• Proactively communicating its activities widely and reach out to other IFLA Units or other stakeholders in order to identify synergies;
• Facilitating ongoing discussion with its community of interest, especially in order to identify ‘hot topics’ and where IFLA might have a role to play; Communicating and discussing progress and challenges with its Division Chair;
• Increase publication output via IFLA’s publication channels (IFLA Journal, Professional Report series (online, Open Access publications), IFLA Publications series).

Criteria 3: Membership and leadership engagement and development, for example:

• Attracting new members at each election;
• Having an inclusive process that involves all members in both planning and execution;
• Achieving diversity in its membership, and if this is not possible, actively seeking diverse views and input to its work, for example, in relation to geographical representation, gender and age;
• Having capable leaders that: ensure the Unit has a clear goal and sense of direction and produces quality work; identify roles and responsibilities for others; ensure all members have a voice; communicate progress and problems to the Division Chair.
• Having succession planning and mentoring in place for both the Officer roles and the member roles;
• Ensuring there is continuity of activities when membership or responsibilities change, and that the transition to the new Committee in an election year is smooth;
• Articulating what value a member gains from involvement;
• Functioning effectively using volunteers, encouraging remote participation either of members who cannot attend physical meetings or people beyond the committee where relevant and appropriate;
• Having involvement, partnerships and communication with relevant non-IFLA partners;
• Having an international community that identifies itself as an active supporter of the Unit’s objectives or an active contributor to the Unit’s work and includes individuals who regularly and actively engage with the Unit.

Timeline

• 23 October 2020: deadline for nominations
• November 2020: Short list announced
• August 2021, WLIC Closing Ceremony: Awards presented

 

IFLA Headquarters
The Hague, 4 September 2020

International Open Access Week 2020 (OA Week 2020) takes place from  October 19-25, and EIFL will be celebrating with libraries and researchers in our partner countries.

International Open Access Week 2020 (OA Week 2020) takes place from  October 19-25, and EIFL will be celebrating with libraries and researchers in our partner countries.

International Open Access Week 2020 (OA Week 2020) takes place from  October 19-25, and EIFL will be celebrating with libraries and researchers in our partner countries.

EIFL has pledged its support for the Open Covid Pledge for Research in Education to underscore the critical role of education research in the collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

EIFL has pledged its support for the Open Covid Pledge for Research in Education to underscore the critical role of education research in the collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic.