24 August 2005
IFLA/FAIFE LAUNCHES GLOBAL REPORT ON LIBRARIES AND CENSORSHIP
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has released its 2005 World Report on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries, which details how libraries in 84 countries are tackling barriers to freedom of access to information and freedom of expression.
The report is compiled by IFLA's Committee on Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (IFLA/FAIFE).
Entitled "Libraries, National Security, Freedom of Information Laws and Social Responsibilities", the 406-page report finds that while Internet access across the international library community is slowly increasing, many parts of the world, especially Africa and Asia, are still struggling with the problems of the digital divide.
It also finds that the use and acceptance of Internet filtering software in libraries is increasing, fuelled by the challenge of providing safe Internet access for children. Since 2001, the use of filtering software has increased and more library associations are in favour of using it. Meanwhile, an increasing number of librarians around the world are concerned that anti-terrorism laws are affecting library users in many countries, according to the report.
The report also details censorship, press freedom restrictions and government surveillance of Internet use in many countries, including China, Egypt, Italy,
Nepal, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The IFLA/FAIFE World Report 2005 is available in print and costs Euro 27 (US$33), including postage and handling. To order a copy, contact: faife@ifla.org
or ifla@ifla.org
Visit: http://ifla.org/faife/report/WorldReport-pr-2005.htm
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