Reference and Information Services Section
Strategic Plan
2008-2009
The Reference and Information Services Section addresses all aspects
of reference work, in all types of libraries and information service
organizations, in all regions of the world with an emphasis on
unrestricted availability of information in physical and the digital
library and to support quality services through the development of
standards, guidelines, programs, projects and training
opportunities.
Mission
The mandate of the IFLA Reference and Information Services Section
is to promote unrestricted, free and quality reference and information
services world-wide.
Goals
1. Promote the availability and development of sustainable
user centered reference and information services worldwide.
IFLA Professional priorities:
Supporting the role of libraries in society; Providing
unrestricted access to information; Promoting resource sharing;
Preserving our intellectual heritage; Representing libraries in the
technological marketplace.
IFLA Pillars:
Profession, Members, and Society.
Actions
1.1. Examine best practices in reference and information services,
their organizational framework and staffing somponent in countries
around the world:
- Maintain the list of collaborative e-reference services around
the world: http://vip.db.dk:80/ifla/virtualref/
- Update the Toolkit on Reference Services and identify
additional IFLA papers relevant to Reference and Information
Services. http://scc-net.rutgers.edu/referencetoolkit/
- Create a “How Do You Say Reference” website with
profiles of reference and information services in different types
of libraries in countries around the world.
1.2. Through IFLA WLIC sessions, satellite conferences and
collaborative initiatives with other IFLA sections and groups,
investigate impacts of the digital and physical environment on
reference/information services.
1.3. Develop list of potential collaborative partners from
international, national and regional organizations.
1.4. Prepare the groundwork for a world manifesto on reference and
information services. Material from “How Do You Say
Reference” will be used.
1.5. Provide a web-based global forum for information on the
nature of reference and information services worldwide, possibly
utilizing web 2.0
2. Establish quality and ethical standards for reference and
information services.
IFLA Professional priorities:
Supporting the role of libraries in society; Defending the principle of
freedom of information; Preserving our intellectual heritage;
Developing library professionals; Promoting standards, guidelines and
best practices; Representing libraries in the technological
marketplace.
IFLA Pillars:
Profession, and Society.
Actions
2.1. Investigate work listing existing ethical guidelines and
assessment mechanisms.
3. Develop and support library staff to provide high-quality
reference and information services.
IFLA Professional priorities:
Developing library professionals; Promoting standards, guidelines and
best practices; Representing libraries in the technological
marketplace.
IFLA Pillars:
Profession, Members.
Actions
3.1. Emphasize the need for reference and information services
training within the formal curricula in programs provided for library
and information services. Information from “How Do You Say
Reference” will be used.
3.2. Emphasize and support continuing education and
professionalization of library and information services staff through
guidelines and toolkits. (see also 1.1,2.1,2.2)
4. Increase membership and participation in the activities
of the Section.
IFLA Professional priorities:Supporting the role of
libraries in society; developing library professionals.
IFLA Pillars:
Professions, Members, and Society.
Actions
4.1. Establish a marketing sub committee to explore the options
for increasing institutional and personal membership
4.2. Translate the section bookmark and other informal materials
into as many languages as possible
4.3. Publish the section’s newsletter bi-annually in May and
November
Links
Overview of IFLA professional priorities: www.ifla.org/III/misc/pp1.pdf
IFLA's Three Pillars: Society, Members and Profession: www.ifla.org/III/IFLA3Pillars.htm