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National Library News |
The following is taken from a press release issued by the International Federation of Library Associates and Institutions (IFLA) on November 26, 1999.
The IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) School Library Manifesto has been ratified by the 30th UNESCO General Conference.
This Manifesto argues that school library services are vital and should be provided equally to all members of the school community, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, nationality, language, and professional or social status. Specific services and materials must be provided for those who are unable to use mainstream library services and materials.
"I am delighted by UNESCO’s ratification of the Manifesto; this is a major step to ensure that the role of the school library in the new information environment is understood and agreed upon worldwide", said Ms. Glenys Willars, chair of IFLA’s Section for School Libraries and Resource Centres, and a member of IFLA’s Professional Board.
The IFLA/UNESCO School Library Manifesto urges governments, through their ministries responsible for education, to develop strategies, policies and plans that implement the principles of this Manifesto. Plans should include the dissemination of the Manifesto to initial and continuing training programs for librarians and teachers.
The library community of Canada has played a significant role in the development of the School Library Manifesto. Effort will now be put into the promotion of the IFLA/UNESCO School Library Manifesto, including translation and publication in as many languages as possible. Information is available from Mr. Sjoerd Koopman at IFLA Headquarters:
P.O. Box 95312
2509 CH The Hague
Netherlands
Telephone: +31-70-3140884
Fax: +31-70-3834827
E-mail: sjoerd.koopman@ifla.org
The Manifesto can be found in the May 1999 edition of the National Library News. Archived electronic issues of the National Library News are available on the Library’s Web site at <http://www.nlc-bnc.ca> under "What We Publish".