Author Archives: richards

Making Libraries Visible

 

 

 

 

One aim of my engagement with  IFLA is to make the value/importance of libraries more visible. So I am very happy to have the opportunity to participate at the International Advocacy Programme (IAP).

What is IAP?  IFLA launched the International Advocacy Programme (IAP) in 2016, as a capacity-building program designed to promote and support the role libraries can play in the planning and implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The objectives of the IAP are to:

  • Raise the level of awareness on the SDGs of library workers at community, national and regional levels, and to promote the important role libraries can play in development by contributing to the UN 2030 Agenda and the SDGs;
  • Increase the participation of library associations and public library representatives in advocacy work at national and regional levels to secure sustainable public access to information through library services and programs.

You can find additional information on the IFLA website

 

Swiss Federal Act on Copyright and Related Rights being revised

 

 

 

 

In Switzerland the Federal Act on Copyright and Related Rights (the so called Copyright Act) is currently being revised.

The main aim of the modernization of the Copyright Act is primarily combating Internet piracy. At the same time legal regulations are adapted to the latest technological developments. The draft of the amended Copyright Act also includes the lending right which requires libraries to pay a fee for every single lending of an item to the collecting societies (public lending right/library levy/library royalties). This could become particularly life threatening for public libraries. As a result of the ongoing revision of the Copyright Act a special Task Force was established on 12 November 2015 on the initiative of the BIS – the Swiss Library Information Association. This Task Force consists of more than 40 representatives of “memory institutions” such as archives, libraries and museums as well as from education, science, technology and research – the PBZ is/are also involved. The Task Force wants that with the revised Copyright Act the interests of the above mentioned institutions will be most appropriately taken into consideration.

In December more than 600 libraries and about 600 other institutions made a written “intervention” to the government, that we don’t accept the law in this way without protest and that we will fight against. Now the government has revised the proposed law again and at least the “library royalties” is no longer a theme. The first step is done.

But in addition to the participation in the consultation on the new Copyright Act it will be crucial that the institutions involved use their networks in order to build up a strong lobby. Only on this basis will our concerns will be taken seriously by both the National Council and the Council of States when the draft bill will be passed to the two chambers of the Parliament.

 

Margaret Allen, candidate for PLS SC

 

Many of you will know Margaret Allen from the Governing Board. Margaret has decided to turn her attention to her great love, public libraries. Read her story here

 

Name: Margaret Allen
Institution: State Library of Western Australia
Country: Australia (Perth, Western Australia)

What experience I will bring to the role of Standing Committee
As a member of the IFLA Governing Board from 2017, I have been part of the GlobalVision project and its development. GlobalVision provides a unique opportunity for the close connection between public libraries and their communities worldwide to be recognised and strengthened within IFLA.

Public libraries are the first to recognise and respond to social, technological, cultural and economic changes in our worldwide community. From technology skills, literacy and learning and access to books and information public libraries are vital to the cohesion and health of their communities. As State Librarian of Western Australia I understand the challenges faced by public libraries in their communities from large well resourced libraries to those that are the heart of very small communities with access to limited resources. The Section provides a vital and valuable role in connecting librarians and sharing their stories of challenge and success.

As a Committee member I bring a passion and enthusiasm for public libraries, connection to the strategic leadership of IFLA, an understanding of how the public libraries and the section are at the heart of IFLA’s Global Vision and a commitment to advancing their cause on behalf of the Public Libraries Section.

Ismena Meic

 

Ismena Meic from Croatia is also standing for the Standing Committee. We wish her and all other nominees well

 

Name: Ismena Meić
Institution: Zagreb City Libraries
Country: Croatia
What experience will you bring to the role of Standing Committee Member?
As a Head of The City Library of Zagreb (central library in the network of The Zagreb City Libraries) I have a good insight in today’s public library which is changing from a traditional to modern library.
My main fields of professional interest include: library digitization, web 2.0 design and implementation, desktop publishing, exploring new media and digital arts.
First of all, my relevant interests include programs for managing knowledge and creative potential of users. I have extensive experience as an organizer and editor of the forums, which are organized by City Library in Zagreb. When considering developments in technology, Zagreb City Libraries provide a platform for interaction of prominent scientists, authors, artists and other innovative individuals with users.
New technologies are here but ways to use them and development of a self-conscious individual who will be able to decide for himself and for the well-being of the community is a main task of a new modern library.
Because of the lack of space, the priority is the construction of the new building of the City library, a central library of Zagreb City Libraries. Now, we are campaigning for the new building. The new City Library should be a new symbol of Zagreb. I hope, with my future experience I will contribute to this issue.

Cathryn Ferencz

 

Cathryn Ferencz has nominated for the Public Libraries Standing Committee. Cathryn hails from Geelong in Victoria, Australia.

 

 

 

Name: Cathryn Ferencz
Institution: Geelong Regional Library Corporation
Country: Australia

What experience will you bring to the role of Standing Committee Member?
I have chosen to work in public libraries because I believe the freedom to access a public library is essential for participation in all aspects of life. I am very proud to play a part in enabling social inclusion and contributing to the economic well-being of our communities by working for the provision of equal and unfettered access to knowledge, information and works of the imagination.

I do this by leading extraordinary teams of people in the development of collections in all formats, information services that provide lifelong learning opportunities, heritage services that preserve and provide access to the stories and treasures of our region and access to technology that enriches lives.

Our most recent project was the creation of the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, an award winning library and cultural facility designed to meet the expectations of 21st century public library users by providing contemporary and innovative library and information services. http://modelprogrammer.slks.dk/en/cases/inspirational-cases/geelong-library-heritage-centre/

My role in this project was to develop, sponsor and strategically guide the implementation of the project plans for the collections, technology and integration of the Geelong Heritage Centre into Geelong Regional Libraries.

My name is Cathryn Ferencz (Cathy) and I am the Executive Manager, Collection and Technologies for Geelong Regional Library Corporation.

Meet Spaska Tarandova from Bulgaria

 

Spaska Tarandova from Bulgaria is also seeking election to the PLS Standing Committee. Spaska has taken time to answer our question on why you should vote for her.

 

 

 

Name: Spaska Tarandova
Institution: Bulgarian Library and Information Association, Board Member Global Libraries – Bulgaria Foundation, Executive Director
Country: Bulgaria

What experience will you bring to the role of Standing Committee Member?
I have been working in the library field for more than 26 years, most of them at Sofia City Library, including as a Deputy Director for 5 years. In the period 2011 – 2013, I was actively involved in the “Global Libraries – Bulgaria” program both as a manager at Sofia City Library and as a trainer in library management, advocacy, fundraising and project management.  Since 2015, I have been serving as an Executive Director of the Global Libraries – Bulgaria Foundation (GLBF) that works with network of 960 public libraries in Bulgaria to provide free access to computers, Internet and information for all. I am well-acquainted with the organization and the activities of public libraries in Bulgaria.

My knowledge and understanding of public libraries has been enriched through my participation in two significant international programs. In 2011 I joined colleagues from different countries in the “Librarians of Tomorrow: Communication and Leadership” program at the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 2012-2015 I was the Bulgarian participant in the International Network of Emerging Library Innovators (INELI), sponsored by Gates Foundation.

I am an active member of the Bulgarian Library and Information Association, and since 2012 I have been on the Board of the Association. In this capacity, I am communicating with government and non-government organizations, as well as with related library and cultural institutions at home and abroad. I often speak and present at conferences and give interviews for Bulgarian media. I have been among the organizers of a number of nationwide libraries and reading related programs, incl. the “Read with Me” campaign under the high patronage of the Bulgarian president.

I believe that my knowledge of the public libraries agenda, my international experience and contacts with librarians worldwide, as well as my work at the Bulgarian Library and Information Association will help me contribute actively and meaningfully to the work of the Section.

Josephine Siegrist – Switzerland

 

If you’re eligible to vote for the Public Libraries Standing Committee make sure that you read about the nominees. All have been invited to submit some information. Today we will focus on Joe Siegrits from Switzerland. Joe is standing for a second term.

 

 

 

Name: Josephine / Joe Siegrist
Institution: former director of the Pestalozzi Library Zurich – the public Library of Zurich; member of the board of the Swiss Library association (BIS), head of the International working Group of BIS, founding member of the Task force for the copy right law (of Switzerland)
Country:Switzerland

What experience will you bring to the role of Standing Committee Member?

  • to bring in the Know-how of my economic studies (Dr. rer.soc.oec.)
  • Management of a public library for 9 years
  • Board of BIS, International relationship
  • Task force URG(Revision of Swiss copy right law)
  • experience of Management of different Management Training institutions
  • IFLA related experience: take part in the IAP (international advocacy Program)
  • involved in a Pilot of global data project