ALIA West

September 2005

IFLA Conference 2005 Oslo

Yet another interesting and worthwhile IFLA World Library and Information Conference has ended. While a number of the delegates were affected by the Heathrow strike with some staying at Heathrow airport until flights resumed, others not receiving their luggage until 3 - 4 days later, this intrepid conference goer and colleague Anne Horn were amongst those who were well looked after by The spirit of Australia - Qantas - on the way over. We arrived a little late, but it could have been a lot worse.

There were over 3000 delegates at the conference

My hotel was towards the centre of what is not a very large city and it took me 15 minutes to walk to the conference each day. The conference website gives the full conference details. My own activities centred around the library theory and research section of IFLA and I stepped down as chair after the IFLA sunset clause of 4 years clicked in. I was able to attend sessions on copyright, open access and also government information. There is nothing like an IFLA conference for a world view on library issues.

Forty Australians are listed in the delegates list and amongst the first timers were Alex Petrie and Margo Lundy from WA!

I also took a public library tour to the Tonsberg-Notteroy Public Library, built on the ancient ruins of an old monastery, parts of which are remembered in the construction of the library. I brought home some delightful bookmarks showcasing childrens' artwork.

The conference always starts with a colourful opening and this one was no exception. We were entertained musically by a harpist with rock accompaniment, a tenor and Secret Garden band; all in the presence of King Harald of Norway. The opening plenary given by Francis Sejersted, focussed on the importance of libraries for freedom of expression. It was a very thoughtful paper and can be found online [115kb pdf]. The social events held each evening included the opening of the refurbished National Library of Norway; a reception at the Oslo Public Library: an imposing mix of the old and the new; and a cultural evening where we were bussed to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History - an open air museum featuring authentic buildings from different national regions over different periods of time. I was also able to take in the Kon Tiki Museum.

Retiring IFLA President Kay Raseroka (who gave me permission to reproduce this photo) was given a standing ovation at the conclusion of the conference. Alex Byrne, now IFLA president and the first Australian in this role, will have a hard act to follow.

The next conference is in Seoul, Korea, 20 - 24 August 2006. Check out the details as they are posted on the website.

Kerry Smith, information studies, Curtin University