Status:
IGF Theme(s) for workshop: Access and Diversity
Main theme question address by workshop: 1, 2
Concise description of the proposed workshop:
Building on discussions at the 2011 IGF and 2012 EuroDIG, this workshop will take the form of a dialogue between policymakers, technology companies, funding bodies and representatives from the regional and international library communities, and others on the subject of digital inclusion policies and practices. Taking as its starting point recent research which shows that in many countries’ libraries still remain largely overlooked as community development partners despite idealistic support for their activities from policymakers and communities, the workshop will explore the case for future investment and support of public library and community services to ensure sure that libraries and other services meet existing community needs today and can continue to work to meet the changing needs of communities in the future.
By creating a forum for policymakers and other stakeholders to explain what they need from libraries and other community services in order to meet their development goals, and by highlighting existing innovative digital inclusion projects (such as investment in public library innovation by foundations and communities in developing countries and ongoing large-scale digital inclusion projects being carried out around the world) that involve stakeholders from all sectors, the workshop will explore the way public libraries and other community services can be utilised to deliver policies relating to online inclusion, including increased access to technology and the skills needed to find and post crucial information online.
Placing public access to the Internet through libraries on the agenda of IGF cuts across a number of key IGF themes such as Internet governance for development (IG4D) and Access and Diversity. The workshop will be supported by members of the Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries, which was founded following the 2011 IGF in Nairobi. The DC is a virtual multi stake-holder forum with geographical and gender balance which aims to bring library representatives into contact with policy makers in pursuit of sustainable funding and favourable policies towards libraries and public Internet access. Documentation of established current best practice in providing innovative public library services that are in line with the policies of decision makers and funders while meeting community needs in education, health, agriculture, employment, entrepreneurship, and the inclusion of disadvantaged and marginalised groups such as youth, women and rural populations, will be provided for discussion. Findings from the major Beyond Access conference in Washington DC in October 2012 will also be made available. Beyond Access will sponsor participation in the IGF for selected public librarians from around the world.
Background Paper:
Name of the organiser(s) of the workshop and their affiliation to various stakeholder groups:
Monika Elbert, Senior Policy Advisor, EIFL.
Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL - www. eifl.net) works in collaboration with libraries in more than 60 developing and transition countries. EIFL enables access to knowledge for education, learning, research and sustainable community development. EIFL is an international not-for-profit organisation based in Europe with a global network of partners from governments, civil society, foundations and the business sector.
Stuart Hamilton, Director of Policy and Advocacy, IFLA.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA - www.ifla.org) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users in over 150 countries worldwide. It is the global voice of the library and information profession.
Christine Runnegar, Senior Policy Advisor, ISOC.
The Internet Society (ISOC – www.isoc.org) is the trusted independent source for Internet information and thought leadership from around the world. With its principled vision and substantial technological foundation, the Internet Society promotes open dialogue on Internet policy, technology and future development among users, companies, governments, and other organizations. Working with its members and Chapters around the world, the Internet Society enables the continued evolution and growth of the Internet for everyone.
Have you, or any of your co-organisers, organised an IGF workshop before?: Yes
Please provide link(s) to workshop(s) or report(s):
IGF 2011 'Do policy makers understand the role of libraries in mobilising the Internet as a catalyst of for development, innovation and freedom'
http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/component/chronocontact/?chronoformname=…
IGF 2010 'Why we need an Open Web: Open Knowledge Governance for Innovation'. http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/component/chronocontact/?chronoformname=…
A report was submitted and uploaded but there does not seem to be a link anymore.
Provide the names and affiliations of the panellists you are planning to invite:
Stuart Hamilton, Director of Policy and Advocacy, IFLA
Ramune Petuchovaite, Lithuanian Ministry of Culture
Siri Oswald, Programme Officer, Global Libraries, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Jean-Jacques Sahel, Skype
Microsoft representative
Government representative, Chile or Columbia
Paul Baran, Digital Champion, Biblionet Romania
Ann B. Nyikuli, Permanent Under-Secretary, Kenyan Ministry of Culture
Olivier Crepin-Leblond, ISOC England Chapter
Name of Remote Moderator(s):