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IFLA World Library and Information Congress Singapore 2013

IFLA Conference

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79th IFLA World Library and Information Congress, Singapore. 2013.

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IFLA World Library and Information CongressSingapore 2013

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79th IFLA Conference

17-23 August 2013

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79th IFLA Conference

In August 2013 I had the privilege of attending the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) and 79th General Conference and Assembly of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) in Singapore. My attendance at the Congress was made possible by a LIANZA Scholarship.

With this photo book, I hope to convey a sense of the Congress and a taste of what I gained by attending the WLIC 2013.

Phillippa Ashbey

[email protected]

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Flamboyant welcome

The opening session set the scene for the Congress with a fabulous welcome to Singapore. A fluorescent dragon wove its way through 3500 delegates from 120 countries and on to the stage where an extravaganza of dance and drumming was performed by local groups and a flag waving contingent of 80 enthusiastic children from the National Library Board pre-school library programme bounced in time to the music.

In her opening address, Elaine Ng, the Chair of the WLIC 2013 made the point that we are joined in a common purpose in which "libraries create better lives through discovery and learning."

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Coming together

The Congress was well organised with good communication, knowledgeable volunteers, efficiently run programmes and well-coordinated buses to off-site events. News and information was readily available via Twitter, Facebook and the Congress websites.

Conference papers are available at: http://library.ifla.org

Images: Registration desk, New friends, Translators at work.

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Plenary power

A new ‘Hybrid Age’ is emerging in which widely varied technologies are converging and humans and technology are merging. Several of the keynote speakers referred to the social and technological changes now occurring in the Hybrid Age. For a summary of the plenary sessions see: http://express.ifla.org/tags/plenary-sessions

For Cherian George’s paper on the “Fate of the public in an age of individual choice” and a world of “informational impunity” see: http://www.mediaasia.info/the-unknowing-of-public-knowledge/

Images: Woodlands Regional Library.

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Trends to go

The IFLA Trend Report was launched at Congress. It identifies the five high-level trends that will change our information environment. All of the five trends are shaped by new technologies. They were formulated by a group of leaders from the corporate, academic, library and information technology sectors. These trends do not set out to show what libraries will look like in the future but what the information economy will look like and this will have impacts for all libraries.

The IFLA Trend Report demands our attention: http://trends.ifla.org/

Riding the waves or caught in the tide? For insights from the Trend Report see: http://trends.ifla.org/insights-document

Images: Maker spaces, Lessons in electronics and 3D Printing.

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Ideas, innovations, anticipating the new

Throughout the Congress, I followed a track titled: 'Ideas, innovations, anticipating the new'. This lead me to an excellent stream of sessions on eBooks, library buildings and equipment, and services for new adults.

The eBook sessions looked at the transformation of the media and information market and highlighted the fact that publishers are struggling to develop a new business model, licensing is complicated and the traditional rights to own and share a book have gone. IFLA is committed to creating mutually beneficial partnerships under fair terms and conditions that will allow eLending by libraries. I participated in a 'World Cafe' session looking at the future of eBooks and in which delegates had an opportunity to discuss the issues and to influence IFLA's position on eLending.

Images: World views, World Cafe discussions.

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The sessions on library buildings and equipment were memorable. As armchair travellers we crossed the world to view inspiring library architecture and to come to know the philosophy behind these designs and structures.

The strong growth in library activities that are not collection-related, was an overriding theme. A shift from an emphasis on 'product' to 'user-orientation' is taking place and this transformation is being led by changes in society, the development of post-modern cities, and the new information economy.

Image: Jurong Regional Library Teen area.

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I took the opportunity to visit many libraries while in Singapore including the Singapore National Library, Singapore Public Library, NTU Art, Design and Media Library, Woodlands Regional Library, and the Jurong Regional Library.

A conference tour to the Jurong Regional Library involved a half-day programme of speakers from five countries on services to children, young adults and a new sector known as 'New Adults'. The 18 to 24 year age group of emerging adults is being treated as a distinct group within libraries. New adults have different interests and behaviours and are being catered for in new ways.

Next page: NTU Art, Design and Media Library

Overleaf: Singapore Public Library Children’s area, Singapore National Library, Woodlands Regional Library

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Outside the square

I found plenty of interest to me at the trade exhibition hall where I enjoyed meeting with vendors and seeing a range of products, some of which were new to the market. I thoroughly enjoyed the full social programme of the Congress, including a cultural evening in the form of a beach party at a beautiful resort on Sentosa Island. It was also a privilege to be welcomed to the Australian High Commission in a joint function for Australian and New Zealand Library Association members.

Images: Trade exhibition hall, Sentosa Island activities.

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IFLA at work

It was interesting to see the processes and election of officers taking place at the Annual General Assembly meeting. Through the Congress, my eyes have also been opened to the work of IFLA. I have had an opportunity to learn about the projects that are currently underway including initiatives around eBooks; Copyright; Cultural Heritage Protection; the Building Stronger Libraries programme; new collaboration with the Arab Federation of Library Associations; and the many activities of the Professional Committee.

IFLA provides invaluable support for the work of Library and Information Associations around the globe.

Image: General Assembly.

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Singapore celebrates with IFLA

Jurong Regional Library