Following almost a year of discussions involving IFLA’s Governing Board, members and volunteers, this document sets out a draft proposal for a new governance structure as the basis of a more inclusive, transparent and effective IFLA. We are again calling on IFLA’s members and volunteers to contribute their ideas and insights, to come to the best possible governance framework for the global library field.

IFLA’s transformation continues!

Following the development of the Global Vision and IFLA Strategy 2019-2024, the next step is to ensure that we have the best possible structures and processes to deliver on our ambitions.

The document, released today, presents the Governing Board’s draft proposal for a new governance structure.  It builds on the key themes that have emerged through the Global Vision and Strategy discussions, as well as a survey of members and volunteers in October 2019. Your contributions have already had a decisive impact.

The draft proposal reflects your desire for more transparency, efficiency and collaboration, stronger regional representation, greater financial and organisational sustainability, more varied opportunities for participation, and better support for volunteers.

SEE: IFLA Governance Review Draft Proposal

As set out in the principles agreed by the Governing Board in December 2019, we are continuing the conversation. We will not take decisions about you – the members and volunteers who make IFLA what it is – without your engagement.

The document is the basis for further consultation.  A survey will be open from Monday 22 June to Tuesday 14 July, and there will be a number of virtual open forums in August. Your contribution will be vital in improving these proposals for a more inclusive, more transparent and more effective IFLA.

In the document you will find an overview, a set of highlights of how the proposed governance reforms respond to the priorities you have identified, and specific proposals about changes to our Governing Board, Professional Committee, Strategic Committees, and the establishment of a new Regional Council. 

Members and volunteers engaged in our Standing Committees, Special Interest Groups and other structures will receive a personalised link to the survey. Further details will be posted about virtual open forums, to be held in August, on our engagement webpage. 

See IFLA President Christine Mackenzie’s short presentation of the first Draft Governance Review Proposal: https://bit.ly/37G1N5V

Gerald Leitner
IFLA Secretary General