World's librarians to gather in Brisbane

The Australian Library and Information Association and the city of Brisbane have been selected to host the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) World Library and Information Congress in 2010.

Speaking today from this year's Congress in Durban, South Africa, President of the Australian Library and Information Association, Roxanne Missingham, said the Association is proud to have been chosen against strong international competition to host the congress which attracts several thousand delegates each year.

"This is the premier global library and information conference," Ms Missingham said.

"IFLA has led the world in advocating free access to information as a fundamental human right. It advances its work through bringing together libraries from around the world and setting the highest standards for professional education and practice."

"Libraries throughout the world are at the heart of the communities they serve. In Australia more than half the population are registered borrowers in our public library network and almost a million use university libraries."

"Australian libraries are world leaders in the provision of quality library services and in education for the profession. We are strong supporters of the international networks that enable a coordinated global approach to the free flow of information essential to a healthy democracy.

"Always, this conference is about building the communication between libraries and library professionals in different countries, for the benefit of all. We will be proud to be part of continuing the tradition in Australia in 2010."

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INFORMATION FOR EDITORS

Further information:

Jane Hardy, Assistant Director, Strategy and Advocacy, Australian Library and Information Association, phone 0432 365 366 or (02) 6215 8235

Issued on behalf of
Australian Library and Information Association, ALIA House, 9-11 Napier Close, Deakin ACT Phone 02 6215 8222 Fax 02 6282 2249 http://www.alia.org.au

ALIA The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the professional association for the Australian library and information services sector. It seeks to empower the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services to the nation, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support. ALIA represents the interests of 6,000 members, the profession, and Australia's 11 million library users.

IFLA
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession. IFLA has 1700 Members in 150 countries around the world. The national library of the Netherlands in The Hague provides the facilities for the headquarters.

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