Libraries Driving Access to Knowledge (A2K)
Date
2012-09
Authors
Tise, Ellen R.
Lau, Jesus (ed)
Tammaro, Anna Maria (ed)
Bothma, Theo J. D. (ed)
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
De Gruyter Saur
Abstract
Introduction: Many individuals and representatives of organizations have stressed, to me, the
importance bringing together a publication that records and explores the roles
of information forums and workers, libraries and librarians in driving access to
information. In an era such as this when there is an exponential growth of information,
access is a critical issue. On numerous occasions at conferences and
meetings the view has been expressed that at no other time in the history of information
provision has there been such a dire need for libraries to drive access
to knowledge and information. The exponential growth of information,
fueled by the exploitation of media such as the web and social networking,
demands that there be a mediator with the skills and capacity to extract trusted
and authentic information. Such an intermediary also has to be able to deliver
reliable and authoritative information to the information-seeking community as
well as the new knowledge and information that has been created in recent
times. It is this new knowledge and information helps to stimulate the growth
and development of societies and the world. the one hand there is globally an unprecedented growth of information;
and, on the other, for many there is a dearth of information as a consequence
of the many barriers that hinder access to information. IFLA and the library
world are cognizant that unfettered access to information is an essential in facilitating
political stability to the world, quickening the pace of recovery from
the internationally experienced recession, eradicating poverty, decreasing disease
and ensuring a green environment. At its core, access to information ensures
a just society for all. As a consequence, the creation of the Presidential
Theme for 2009-2011 took these and other issues into account so that whatever
the final decision, the theme would not only be relevant to the personal goals
of the President but also one which would assist libraries and librarians to contribute
significantly to addressing world issues as well as capture one of the
key activities of the profession and its members. The final choice of theme for
my Presidency during 2009-2011 was – Libraries Driving Access to Knowledge. This introductory chapter provides reflections on some of the key issues
that were examined during my term as IFLA President (2009-2011). They are
anchored in my Presidential theme and address the critical role that information
workers, librarians and their respective institutions play in driving access
to knowledge and information. The chapter represents the thinking that guided
the conceptualization of my theme as well as the key points that emerged during
my tenure as President in relation to thoughts and comments shared by colleagues
and others with whom I interacted during my term. Early opportunities
to explore my theme – Libraries Driving Access to Knowledge – with a wide
cross-section of persons associated with our profession were at the Presidentelect’s
Brain Storming Sessions at IFLA 74 and 75 which were held in Quebec
City and Milan in August 2008 and 2009 respectively. In addition to sharing
issues explored at those meetings and other events, this introductory chapter
presents further refinements, views and perceptions on the theme as they
emerged during my tenure as leader of our august association. Also contributing
to this paper are a selection of thoughts from my acceptance speech at the
75th IFLA Congress in Milan 2009, my opening speech in Gothenburg 2010
and other presentations/reflections on my theme made during my Presidency.
Two critical concepts, namely, knowledge and access underpin any consideration
of access to knowledge. Thus, it is important to explore these concepts
and my thinking about them as these will help to provide a background against
which the subsequent chapters in this book can be considered. It is fully acknowledged
that there may be differing and alternative views on these concepts.
The following is provided as a backdrop against which the other
contributions to this book can be placed.
Description
The original publication is available at http://www.degruyter.com/viewbooktoc/product/129022
IFLA Publications Nr. 151
IFLA Publications Nr. 151
Keywords
Acces to knowledge, Access to information, IFLA President, Open access publishing
Citation
Tise, E. R. 2012. Libraries Driving Access to Knowledge (A2K) in Lau, J., Tammaro, A. M. & Bothma, T. J. D. (eds). Libraries Driving Access to Knowledge, Berlin/Munich, De Gruyter Saur, 17-34, doi:10.1515/9783110263121.fm.