International Librarians Discuss the Important Role of Libraries in Supporting the Freedom of Expression at the BA
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Alexandria—
Dr. Sohair Wastawy, Head of the BA Library Sector, inaugurated “The Role of Libraries in Freedom of Expression, Tolerance, and Access to Information” Conference on Tuesday, 7 October 2008 at the BA. The Conference is co-organized by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), in association with the Egyptian Library Association (ELIA), the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI) and IFLA’s Centre for Arabic Speaking Libraries and Information Institutions.
Dr. Wastawy stated that the BA seeks to promote freedom of expression and the values of libraries in the world, and added that man will always look forward to freedom and that the struggle for freedom will continue. She maintained that libraries should support the battle for freedom; all sorts of freedom and not only freedom of reading.
Jennifer Nicholson, Secretary General, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), stated that within the library a person should sense freedom; not only political freedom but the freedom of reading, these are principles and values upon which the freedom of libraries and information is based. She added that libraries are not just educational organizations, they are also social organizations that serve all individuals in our societies and should play a major role in the development of our societies.
Dr. Saad Azzahri, President, Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI) spoke about the role of Arab libraries in disseminating freedom of expression, and added that libraries sometimes fail to provide information services in a timely manner, and they should contribute more in laying the foundations of freedom of expression and intellectual tolerance.
Dr. Paul Sturges, Chair, IFLA/FAIFE Committee, discussed the problems faced by librarians in Palestine, which are considered the most difficult in the world, and IFLA’s endeavors in supporting and training them in their home land.
Albie Sachs, Judge at the Constitutional Court, South Africa, spoke about his experience and long journey in the struggle for freedom of expression in South Africa, and how he dedicated his life to fight apartheid in his country.
The Conference targets library and information professionals and students from Egypt and Arabic Speaking region, as well as interested professionals in the field of media and education. The Conference analyzes the role of libraries in promoting freedom of expression and tolerance, and creates a wider awareness on the activities undertaken by libraries to safeguard human rights and promote tolerance for the ‘other’.
The Conference also discusses libraries as agents for freedom of access to information, the relationship between tolerance and freedom of expression, and the responsibility that producers of information shoulder to ensure that information is disseminated, in accordance with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.