25th Anniversary Year of the IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto
The UNESCO-IFLA Public Library
Manifesto was last updated and finalised on 29 November 1994. 29 November 2018
therefore marks the start of the Manifesto’s 25th year!
First
created in 1949, the Manifesto in
its current edition establishes a set of missions and principles for public
libraries, agreed by UNESCO’s Member States.
It
highlights the key role of public libraries in education, social development
and the preservation of heritage, as well as how they can promote freedom of
expression and creativity.
As
a new
article released by IFLA today indicates, the Manifesto has not only
provided an inspiration to lawmakers and libraries alike around the world, but
forms the basis of legislation and library strategies. There are also
interesting examples of its use in assessing and measuring libraries and their
services.
To
celebrate, IFLA is working, in particular with its Public Libraries Section, to
raise awareness of the document, encourage discussion about its implementation,
and reflect on its relevance today.
The
public library is the local centre of information, making all kinds of
knowledge and information readily available to its users.
The
services of the public library are provided on the basis of equality of access
for all, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, nationality, language or
social status. Specific services and materials must be provided for those users
who cannot, for whatever reason, use the regular services and materials, for
example linguistic minorities, people with disabilities or people in hospital
or prison.
All
age groups must find material relevant to their needs. Collections and services
have to include all types of appropriate media and modern technologies as well
as traditional materials. High quality and relevance to local needs and
conditions are fundamental. Material must reflect current trends and the
evolution of society, as well as the memory of human endeavour and imagination.
Collections
and services should not be subject to any form of ideological, political or
religious censorship, nor commercial pressures.
Missions
of the Public Library
The
following key missions which relate to information, literacy, education and
culture should be at the core of public library services:
✦creating
and strengthening reading habits in children from an early age;
✦supporting
both individual and self conducted education as well as formal
education at all
levels;
✦providing
opportunities for personal creative development;
✦stimulating
the imagination and creativity of children and young people;
✦promoting
awareness of cultural heritage, appreciation of the arts, scientific
achievements and innovations;
✦providing
access to cultural expressions of all performing arts;
✦fostering
inter-cultural dialogue and favouring cultural diversity;
✦supporting
the oral tradition;
✦ensuring
access for citizens to all sorts of community information;
✦providing
adequate information services to local enterprises, associations
and interest
groups;
✦facilitating
the development of information and computer literacy skills;
✦supporting
and participating in literacy activities and programmes for
all age groups, and
initiating such activities if necessary.
Funding,
legislation and networks
The
public library shall in principle be free of charge. READ
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