Government Information and Official Publications
Section
Strategic Plan
2005-2007
Mission
The Mission of the Government Information and Official Publications
Section is to promote the discovery, collection, bibliographic control,
preservation and dissemination of information from and about
governments, intergovernmental organizations and public
non-governmental organizations. By achieving free and equitable access
to quality information it is hoped to ensure accountability from
governments and other public bodies to the people they serve.
Goals and Activities:
1. Continue the Section's ongoing series of professional
seminars and training programs in different regions of the world.
Activities:
a. Develop linkages and research funding options for seminars for
government information librarians in Asia, the Middle East and South
America.
b. Complete any remaining work for dissemination of the papers
from the Africa seminars.
Professional priorities: Supporting the Role of
Libraries in Society; Defending the Principle of Freedom of
Information; Providing Unrestricted Access to Information; Promoting
Standards, Guidelines, and Best Practices
IFLA Pillars: Society; Profession; Members
2. Review plans and modalities for the Directory of
Government Information Specialists.
Activities:
a. Assess feasibility of the Internet version
b. Determine whether, how and when to publish print version.
Professional priorities: Supporting the
Role of Libraries in Society; Defending the Principle of Freedom of
Information; Providing Unrestricted Access to Information; Promoting
resource sharing; Promoting Standards, Guidelines, and Best
Practices
IFLA Pillars: Society; Profession; Members
3. Conduct workshops and special meetings/seminars, in
conjunction with IFLA annual conferences, on methods of electronic
access to information produced by governments, inter-governmental
organizations and public non-governmental organizations.
Activities:
a. Plan satellite conference, in conjunction with Science and
Technology Libraries Section, on dissemination of government scientific
publishing and policy and science portals in August 2008.
b. Plan and initiate activities, including assisting with
sponsorships to ensure substantial attendance at Africa network meeting
at Quebec Conference.
c. Co-sponsor program on digital publishing for legal materials with
Law Libraries Section at WLIC 2008 in Quebec, Canada.
d. Plan and implement GIOPS program on "Globalization of
government information: creating digital archives for increased
access" for WLIC 2008 in Quebec, Canada.
e. Plan and implement GIOPS program for WLIC 2009 in Milan,
Italy.
f. Seek opportunities for joint programs for WLIC 2009 in Milan,
Italy.
Professional priorities: Supporting the
Role of Libraries in Society; Defending the Principle of Freedom of
Information; Providing Unrestricted Access to Information; Promoting
Standards, Guidelines, and Best Practices
IFLA Pillars: Society; Profession; Members
4. Develop educational tool-kit to train users and
information professionals in means of access to government information.
Activities:
a. Review the Internet version and extend it.
b. Explore options for publication in other media.
Professional priorities: Supporting the
Role of Libraries in Society; Defending the Principle of Freedom of
Information; Providing Unrestricted Access to Information; Promoting
Standards, Guidelines, and Best Practices
IFLA Pillars: Society; Profession; Members
5. Raise awareness of the issues surrounding impediments to
access to government information.
Activities:
a. Conference or seminar on copyright and user fees
b. Complete work to publish series of papers from preceding GIOPS
conference sessions.
Professional priorities: Supporting the
Role of Libraries in Society; Defending the Principle of Freedom of
Information; Providing Unrestricted Access to Information; Promoting
Standards, Guidelines, and Best Practices
IFLA Pillars: Society; Profession; Members
6. Promote both the section and membership in the
Section
Activities:
a. Contact IFLA members who are not Section members and invite
them to join the Section
b. Prepare and distribute bookmarks to promote the Section
c. Produce two newsletters per year and expand the content of the
newsletters.
Professional priorities: Developing library
professionals
IFLA Pillars: Profession; Members
