IFLA/UNESCO Internet Manifesto

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. IFLA Internet Manifesto. 2002. Retrieved on August 11, 2009 at http://archive.ifla.org/III/misc/im-e.htm


ABSTRACT:

The IFLA Internet Manifesto is grounded / consistent with United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, focusing particularly to Article 19 which 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.” This stresses that library users have the right to expect the same degree of freedom of expression and freedom of access to information on the Internet as they do with print materials. With the changes and development continuously happening with the Internet, librarians are given the primary responsibility to train and educate users to effectively and efficiently access information on the Internet.

MY THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:

> The values of different cultures also had to be considered along with questions of cultural bias toward western liberal democratic values.

> The idea of the Internet as a tool to reduce social exclusion has gained credence, thanks to its ability to open access to government information and communication channels and libraries have contributed to this concept by making collections and catalogs available online for those unable to physically access library resources.

> Libraries should take citizens from awareness to empowerment.

Librarians should work collaboratively with the government in developing and implementing a clear policy on Internet use. IFLA Internet Manifesto emphasizes that access to information on the Internet should not be hindered by a person’s race, age, sex, gender, culture, etc. Simply put, “Internet is for all.” It unlocks barriers to information because it provides access anytime, anywhere. It connects people to all places around the world. But, Internet provides vast information which may cause a user to access inaccurate details. Librarians should provide trainings for Internet Literacy, they should clearly state to users the realities of Internet – that some of information from it may be misleading.

As a librarian with clients concentrated in the medical fields, I make sure that the Web sites I recommend for them to access really provide scholarly information. I do the selection through consultation with the Medical Research team of my department. It should be remembered that “Internet access is for everyone, but access should be coupled with responsibility.”