Competency O

Introduction

In the twenty-first century, the exponential growth of the information and technological landscape coupled with massive globalization means that we as a civilization are more connected than ever. We as individuals are now able to access information from anywhere in the world without leaving the comfort of our homes. As information professionals riding this worldwide info-technological wave, we have the responsibility to know about and consider the economic, educational, and social well-being of global communities.

Cultural Awareness and Competency

A significant part of the provision of equitable access to information is ensuring that underserved, diverse populations are given the same opportunities as those populations that we are aware. This along with our communities becoming increasingly diverse means that a successful information professional develops strong cultural competence and commitment to learning about the diversity of their local communities.

A few essential elements of cultural competence include valuing diversity, capacity for a cultural self-assessment, conscious awareness of the dynamics between different cultures, cultural knowledge (including being familiar with languages spoken, social customs and norms), and offering services that demonstrate an understanding of cultural diversity.

The International Foundation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)

The IFLA is an organization that represents the interests of the information services profession all over the world. Their mission is to inspire, engage, and connect the global library field. The association endorses the principles of freedom of access to information and freedom of expression. They believe that high-quality LIS services guarantee equitable access to information for social, educational, cultural, democratic, and economic well-being.

In their Strategy for 2019-2024, the IFLA presents a strategic roadmap to build a united library field that will power literate, informed, participatory societies. The four focal strategy areas include (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2019):

• strengthening the global voice of libraries

• Inspire and enhance professional practice

• Connect and empower the field

• Optimize the organization

LIS Issues from a Global Perspective

Copyright and Access to Knowledge

Currently, old copyright laws are reducing the impact that libraries can have. To keep information accessible to all, the IFLA works with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to introduce national copyright reforms, such as open licenses, and support of open access, science, and education resources. Through the Marrakech Treaty, the WIPO has demonstrated that they have the ability to provide the guidance needed to modernize national copyright laws. The Marrakech Treaty addresses the book famine for people with print disabilities caused by copyright (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2022).

Human Rights

In the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers (United Nations, n.d.). While Individuals living in nations like Canada and the United States are very fortunate to have unfettered access to information and freedom to express their thoughts, many other communities face barriers to access information and expression caused by lack of reliable internet access, lack of skills, language barriers, economic factors and political tensions. The IFLA’s Global Vision states that libraries and information professionals are well-positioned to act as champions for intellectual freedom and freedom of expression for all.

Safeguarding and Preserving Cultural Heritage

With so many LIS professionals being well-versed in the preservation of elements of the human record, libraries are well-placed to make a significant contribution to the cultural life of their communities. As multicultural hubs, libraries can promote respect and appreciation for democracy and human rights, as well as dignity and freedom. The IFLA works with other organizations, such as UNESCO, to support the cultural work that libraries and heritage organizations are doing with funding help, programs, and tools (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, n.d.-b).

International Standards and Practices in LIS

Having knowledge of international standards and practices means that information professionals from all over the world can consistently and seamlessly communicate. Standards include International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD) the standard to promote universal and international bibliographic control and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 10161 defines interlibrary loan application protocol (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2018).

There are also tools and resources where professionals can learn about standard practices in LIS, such as the websites of library associations (ALA or IFLA). A tool I found while doing research for this competency was the IFLA’s Library Map of the World, a source library statistics tool that provides country-level data about different library performance metrics. The map covers all types of libraries (including public, academic, school, community, and special) and features metrics such as the number of libraries providing internet access, the number of staff and volunteers, the number of registered users and visitors, and the number of loans (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, n.d.).

Information Professionals Having Global Reach Through Local Actions

While it is really easy to just put the focus on providing resources, services, and programs for those in our local communities, globalization and rapid advances in technology are forcing information professionals to think globally and act locally. These are a few activities that library professionals can do to transform their libraries into globally oriented organizations (Ford, 2018).

Celebrate and Promote Diversity in Your Community

Libraries can celebrate and promote diversity by curating collections that feature multicultural and multilingual content, such as language learning. Library professionals can also promote diversity by creating connections with local community groups and organizations that celebrate different cultures. Hosting reading and language programs and multicultural performances and events or creating displays that highlight international holidays and commemorations are also opportunities that libraries can use to celebrate their community’s diversity.

Network with Libraries in Other Countries

One way to create connections with libraries in other countries is through a Sister City program. This program offers the opportunity for staff exchange or the possibility of collaborating with international colleagues on conference presentations or training programs. Another option is to attend the IFLA conferences or check out IFLA resources.

Keep on Learning and Get Out Into the World

It is beneficial for information professionals to continue educating themselves, ways to learn about new cultures include learning a new language or taking a course about the history and culture of another country or region. When travelling take the opportunity to tour the local libraries and talk to staff. Alternatively, you can take a more active role and look into international volunteer and education opportunities.