KL hosts IFLA world library congress
KUALA LUMPUR: For the first time in the 83-year history of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), the notable congress is being held here in Malaysia.
In line with the theme of the congress “Transform Libraries, Transform Societies”, there will be presentations which address the role of libraries in delivering the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
A significant event that will take place at the congress will be the launch of the Global Vision Call For Actions — a global project which aims to create the biggest ideas store for actions by libraries in providing equal and free access to information and knowledge, supporting literacy, learning and reading, engaging with communities and focusing on the advancement of communities.
The week-long congress, which starts today, is organised by IFLA, Librarians Association of Malaysia and the National Library of Malaysia, with the support of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry. It is also supported by the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) — an agency under the ministry that provided its expertise in preparingfor the successful bid for the congress.
Ministry secretarygeneral Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah said: “This is an iconic moment for Malaysia and our tourism board, as whenever there is a congress of this scale, the country generates a lot of income.
“Business tourism is among those that generate highest income to the tourism industry.
He said the ministry hoped that conferences such as these would encourage delegates to return to Malaysia for future visits with their friends and family.
More than 3,337 participants from 111 countries, including the United States, China, Singapore and Germany, have registered for the congress.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa will be the keynote speaker, while Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi will speak at the opening ceremony today, and a special message from Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be delivered.
Almost 250 sessions with more than 600 paper presentations will allow participants to discuss, debate and exchange ideas on issues related to the library profession.
Leading edge initiatives will be presented and experts will be present.There will be 121 poster presentations on topics, such as ”The Role of NGOs in library development” (Bangladesh) and “Makerspace at the library” (Sweden).
A trade exhibition will also be held.
Library visits to 44 Malaysian libraries will be arranged to allow participants to visit the National Library of Malaysia, academic libraries, public and school libraries.
The National Library has contributed so much to the advancement of the libraries in the country and we are incorporating digital as well right now, said National Library of Malaysia director-general Datuk Nafisah Ahmad.
“Malaysia has advanced immensely in this area and we are forward thinking.
”The world of technology has evolved; children can read books in the comfort of their homes via our website: www.u-library.gov.my.”