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For many libraries around the world, the mission to offer equitable access to information and knowledge also means supporting digital inclusion through public internet access offers.

Such connectivity options are ever-important today, with billions still lacking reliable individual internet access. Both the value of connectivity and the deep-running digital divides have been emphasised by the COVID-19 pandemic which saw many work, education and leisure activities rapidly move online.

This is why is it crucial for libraries to continue the global conversation, exchange of good practices and support for public internet access.

Drawing on the IFLA Guidelines on Public Access in Libraries, this webinar will explore:

  • How to effectively set up public internet access, and what the key principles and considerations are;
  • Ways to tackle common challenges that libraries may encounter;
  • Practical experiences with setting up public internet access in different libraries around the world;
  • The impacts of the Public Access Guidelines one year after their publication: success stories and insights from their implementation.
  • Library public access and digital inclusion initiatives during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the ‘new normal’.

Speakers

Prof. Louise Cooke. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead for the School of Business and Economics at the Loughborough University, UK. Prof. Cooke led the work of the IFLA Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) on the Guidelines on Public Access in Libraries.

John Dolan, OBE. Libraries and Regeneration Consultant based in Birmingham, UK. Mr. Dolan has worked with the British Council on library research and practice projects, including in Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

Kirsty Crawford. Program Director of the Libraries Unlimited (LU) British Council programme in Bangladesh; a Standing Committee member and secretary of the IFLA FAIFE Committee.

Language: English

Target Audience: Library and information professionals and policy-makers interested in public internet access and digital inclusion.

Save the date and join the webinar on 17 September, 10:00 – 11:00 CEST (08:00 – 9:00 UTC)
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Resources

Privacy and Data Protection

Please note the event will be recorded. Please review the IFLA Data Protection Policy and the Zoom Privacy Statement prior to attending.

If you have any additional questions about data protection or privacy, please contact IFLA at professionalsupport@ifla.org.

Contact

For questions about the webinar content or access needs (for example visual impairment, dyslexia, deafness, language, etc.) please contact valensiya.dresvyannikova@ifla.org so we can work together towards an excellent event experience.