An evidence base for IFLA’s global vision

In August of 2017, IFLA member institutions and library professionals from around the world gathered in Wroclaw, Poland’s historic Centennial Hall for a conference focused on the theme of Libraries, Solidarity, and Society. Throughout the conference, librarians participated in discussions in tune with the IFLA theme of creating a Global Vision, focusing on ways to further explore how a globally connected library field can meet the challenges of the future. In many ways, this issue of IFLA Journal complements these discussions. Articles in this issue focus on many of the important themes considered as IFLA works with its worldwide membership to set the trajectory of the profession. Looking toward the future of libraries, Dorner, Campbell-Meier, and Seto focus on major projects conducted by library associations that work to understand the role of libraries in a future that presents multiple challenges amidst the opportunities presented by technological developments. By focusing on the profession’s attempts to make sense of its collective future, this article provides evidence of a shared sense of crisis facing libraries and the profession as they react to the pace of digital evolution, providing insights into the institutional and professional sensemaking that is influencing the broad and comprehensive ambitions of the Global Vision project. Technological advances continue to drive and impact the manner by which cultural products are created and preserved for posterity. Smart’s research on the increasing role of Caribbean libraries in acquiring and preserving regional cultural products emphasizes the manner by which forces of technology and cultural globalization are both creating new forms of tangible and intangible culture and impacting local cultures, values, and identities. This work shows how libraries are adding local cultural preservation to their traditional informational role in society, broadening access to local cultural products while preserving them for future generations. IFLA’s Global Vision conversations also relate directly to the role of libraries in supporting educational institutions and learning at all levels and for all ages. The forward-looking research of Loh et al. provides an evidence-based approach to building a reading culture within Singapore’s school libraries, establishing strong indicators for factors that influence successful school library programs that build an ecology for reading. At the other end of the spectrum, Cooper and Hughes explore the manner in which academic library resources and spaces are interpreted and utilized by international students. This research provides important insights into the manner in which libraries support students and modify services to address the increasing mobility of university students that is being experienced across the globe. As noted by IFLA’s Secretary General, Gerald Leitner (2017), “the challenges facing the library field from ever-increasing globalization can only be met and overcome by an inclusive, global response from a unified library field”. Advancing our knowledge base and understanding of the nature of these challenges, their scope, and models for adjusting to change are essential to continuing this conversation and building upon the expertise and strengths manifested by the library profession across the globe. As IFLA Journal enters its 44th year, its dual mission to (1) disseminate timely and high quality research from across the library and information science field and (2) provide practitioners and scholars from around the