The Regional Conference On Public Libraries: Planning For Future Needs was successfully held from 10 to 12 November 1997 at the Auditorium Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia. The Conference was jointly organized by Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia, IFLA Section on Public Libraries, IFLA Regional Standing Committee for Asia and Oceania, the Council of Malaysian Public Library Directors and the Library Association of Malaysia, with financial assistance from IFLA/ALP.

The conference was launched by the Honorable Dato'Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Minister of Education, Malaysia. 150 participants comprised of librarians, information professionals, community leaders, policy makers, teachers, academicians, publishers, booksellers and interested parties from Southeast Asia and the Indian Sub-Continent attended the conference. 17 working papers were presented during plenary and concurrent sessions. A workshop was also conducted. The conference focused on key issues which has guided in the formulation of a Plan of Action for the development of public libraries in Southeast Asia and the Indian Sub-Continent in accordance with the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto. However, a number of related issues were also highlighted. A Plan of Action was recommended and agreed by all delegates.

PLAN OF ACTION

1. REDEFINING THE OBJECTIVES AND ROLES OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES

• Each library to formulate or redefine its Vision, Mission and Objectives, enhance its roles in relation to local community needs in urban and rural areas, and set priorities with strategic plans for short-term and long-term action.

2. SETTING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES

• Each country to formulate standards and guidelines to monitor, assess and identify opportunities for improvement of collection and services provided. The standards and guidelines formulated will need to emphasise on both the qualitative performance measurement and physical aspect of the library.

3. COOPERATION AND NETWORKING AMONGST PUBLIC LIBRARIES

• Each country to establish cooperation and networking amongst public libraries at both national and regional levels. Each library therefore must take steps to:

1. affiliate itself with existing public library groups at national, regional as well as international level. Where such groups do not exist at national level, public libraries in the country will need to initiate its formation.
2. work in partnership with relevant libraries and agencies in particular national education authorities and school resource centres;
3. create bibliographic databases of each library's collection to facilitate sharing of resources within and outside the country;
4. collaborate and establish linkages with other libraries using the latest technologies.

Salbiah Yusof
Head of Training Division
National Library of Malaysia

 

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