From the IFLA Congress in Milan
Dear ALIA members,
Buongiorno from Milan. The chair of this morning’s first section session has noted that Milan is finally coming to life after most Milanese have been on Summer holidays. Over 3000 library representatives at the IFLA Congress from around the world are also making the city a livelier place this week and are identifiable by their bright orange satchels. The programme for IFLA is extensive, not just for the sessions but for the other events, meetings, social gatherings and networking. Last night there was a special performance at the spectacular La Scala that resulted in an encore performance from the orchestra.
There are quite a few Aussies here this week (about 40 from the looks of the attendance list) and looking around the room we’re currently in, we can spot a few. Unfortunately, many have been unable to attend due to financial constraints and last minute happenings and the whole issue of the Economic Crisis and its impact on our sector will form the basis of separate discussions here in Milan.
Many colleagues have expressed their disappointment to the (outgoing) Australian National Committee members at the moving of the 2010 conference. The matter was discussed at a number of Standing Committee meetings held on Saturday, including the Management of Library Associations Section and the Asia and Oceania Caucus. We have been able to meet our colleagues in Sweden who are taking on the challenge instead and it has been a great opportunity to wish them all the best in person.
How the IFLA programme works is that each of the sections has a two-hour timeslot to present papers. Many sections combine to create a longer session e.g. for the morning, usually on a theme, decided by the section standing committee members at the previous conference.
This morning we’ve heard from the Public Libraries and Metropolitan Libraries Sections about the mid year meeting that was held by these sections in Brisbane and South-east Queensland in May 2009, as well as developments in the public library sector around the world. It was great to have some Australian innovations and best practice showcased including the new ideas of city/library poppies concept at the SLQ (at The Edge). An Australian statistic that is also included in our Little Book of Public Libraries on the amount (or lack thereof) of public library funding in Australia was also mentioned. There were also presentations from ‘The Library of the Year’ - Queens Library, Gold Coast City Libraries and Vancouver.
IFLA provides a wonderful opportunity to think outside the square and attend sessions that are not necessarily in your area of expertise. The delights of meeting colleagues from other countries and sectors can’t be overemphasised. Business cards with things to follow up are squirreled away to follow up at a later date. Every meal, including breakfast, every walk to the convention centre gives you the chance to meet new people to learn, and to share. You can also keep up with what’s happening from anywhere in the world via twitter at #ifla2009.
It’s easy to see how people become IFLA Junkies!
Ciao
Jan and Sue