Formation of a new Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries at the Internet Governance Forum

“IFLA [International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions] is pleased to report that a new Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries has been approved by the Secretariat of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). IGF Dynamic Coalitions are informal, issue-specific groups consisting of stakeholders that are interested in particular issues. They gather academics, representatives of governments, and members of civil society interested in collaborating, participating in debates, and engaging in the coalition’s work.The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL) are the organisers of this coalition and we are now seeking more members who are interested in the topic and wish to be kept informed of the DC’s activities, discussions and progress. At the IGF 2011 (see video above), Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL) organised a workshop to discuss the findings of a recent study of perceptions of public libraries by policy makers in six countries in Africa. The study revealed that policy makers still think of libraries in terms of printed media, and not as spaces for catalysing internet access and use. Evidence was presented that public libraries that offer innovative and ICT enabled services based on free public access to the Internet can contribute to positive change in their communities and support development goals in vital areas including health, agriculture, employment, education and children and youth at risk. The lively workshop discussion underlined the need for a shared vision and dialogue by policy makers, civil society, private industry and librarians, on how Internet-enabled public libraries can contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The workshop discussion finished with an agreement between participants to move ahead with the creation of a Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries to explore these issues further in an IGF setting... hundreds of millions of people utilise the Internet through shared connections, or through providers of public access to the Internet such as libraries. It will not be possible to maintain or increase the number of worldwide users without continued support for public access to the Internet... However, libraries still remain largely overlooked as community development partners... Public access to the Internet is tackled in a cross-programme sense, but the sheer reach of libraries – there are over one billion registered library users on the planet – demands that special attention be paid to the challenges and opportunities faced and offered by these crucial institutions. Everyday libraries face challenges offered by serving disparate user groups – children and young people, the unemployed, the elderly, the disabled and many other mainstream and marginalised groups... The formation of a new Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries creates a space within the IGF to address the Internet governance issues relating to public access, and will enable a discussion to take place...”