IFLA and UNESCO in Library and Information Science

🌍 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)

• Founded: 1945
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Mandate: Promote global collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication to build peace and sustainable development.

📚 Role in LIS

• Policy & Advocacy: Access to information, knowledge societies, freedom of expression.
• Publications: Reports, manifestos, guidelines on libraries, literacy, information access.
• Key Programs:
  • UNESCO Public Library Manifesto (1994, revised 2022)
  • Memory of the World Programme (1992) – safeguard documentary heritage
  • Information for All Programme (IFAP)
  • Promotion of Open Access & Open Educational Resources (OER)

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📖 IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions)

• Founded: 1927
• Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
• Mandate: Serve as the global voice of libraries, advancing access to information and high standards in library services.

📚 Role in LIS

• Membership: 1,500+ associations & institutions worldwide
• Advocacy: Represents libraries at the UN and global policy platforms
• Standards & Guidelines:
  • Cataloguing, bibliographic description, preservation, digital practices
  • IFLA Manifestos (School Library Manifesto, Internet Manifesto, etc.)
• Conferences: Hosts the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC)
• Key Focus: Libraries and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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🔗 IFLA–UNESCO Collaboration

These two organizations frequently collaborate to shape the future of libraries worldwide. Examples include:

• IFLA/UNESCO Public Library Manifesto – defining role of public libraries globally
• IFLA/UNESCO School Library Manifesto – framework for school libraries in education
• Joint reports, projects, and advocacy for literacy, cultural heritage, and universal access to knowledge

Note: IFLA provides the professional expertise, while UNESCO gives the global policy platform.

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✅ Summary

• UNESCO = UN agency shaping global policy & strategy for education, culture, and information.
• IFLA = Global professional body for libraries, setting standards and representing librarians worldwide.
• Together, they drive initiatives on access to knowledge, open access, library development, and cultural preservation.