Unit 1.2: UNESCO Public Library Manifesto: 1972, 1994 and 2004
MLIS-102 (D): Public Libraries
1. UNESCO Public Library Manifesto
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Public Library Manifesto was approved in 1949 and updated in Paris on 29 November 1994. It declares the entity's belief that international public libraries are essential institutions for promoting peace and education for all of humanity. The document was introduced globally in 1949 and has undergone various revisions. The current version includes updates compiled during the PGI Council Meeting of UNESCO 1994. The Manifesto was prepared with the participation of the public libraries section of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.
The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto is a document that outlines the principles and guidelines for the development and promotion of public libraries around the world. It came into existence through a series of events and decisions.
• UNESCO Establishment: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in 1945 to promote international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication.
• Early Emphasis on Libraries: UNESCO recognised the importance of libraries in disseminating knowledge and advancing education and culture.
• 1949 UNESCO Conference: In 1949, UNESCO organised an International Conference of Directors of Public Libraries in Paris, where experts and professionals discussed the role and challenges of public libraries.
• Recognition of Public Libraries: During the conference, it became evident that public libraries played a crucial role in providing access to information, promoting literacy, and fostering cultural exchange.
• Drafting of the Manifesto: As a result of the conference, UNESCO initiated the drafting of the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto, which aimed to define the principles and functions of public libraries in the modern world.
• 1962 Adoption: The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto was officially adopted in 1962. It represented a consensus among UNESCO member states regarding the role and significance of public libraries in society.
• Content of the Manifesto: The manifesto outlined the principles of freedom of access to information, cultural diversity, and intellectual freedom. It emphasised the role of public libraries in education, culture, and social development.
• Subsequent Revisions: The manifesto has been revised over the years to reflect changing social, cultural, and technological contexts. The most recent version was adopted in 1994.
• Global Impact: The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto has had a global impact, serving as a guiding document for developing and advancing public libraries in many countries.
• Advocacy and Implementation: National governments, library associations, and advocacy groups have used the manifesto to advocate for the support and funding of public libraries. It has also been instrumental in shaping library policies and practices worldwide.
• Promotion of Literacy and Access: The manifesto has helped public libraries in their mission to promote literacy, provide equitable access to information, and support lifelong learning.
• Cultural Preservation: It also underscores the role of public libraries in preserving and promoting cultural heritage and fostering cultural exchange.
The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto emerged from recognising the vital role that public libraries play in education, culture, and society. It resulted from international collaboration and continues to be a fundamental document guiding the development and promotion of public libraries globally.
2. UNESCO Public Library Manifesto of 1972.
The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto of 1972 is an important document that builds upon the 1962 Manifesto. It provides specific guidelines and principles for developing and managing public libraries.
• Background: The 1972 Manifesto is a revision and extension of the original UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 1962. It reflects the evolving role of public libraries in society.
• Accessibility and Services: The document emphasises that public libraries should be easily accessible to all members of society, without discrimination, ensuring that the services they offer are open to everyone.
• Intellectual Freedom: Like the 1962 version, the 1972 Manifesto underscores the importance of intellectual freedom. It highlights the need for public libraries to safeguard and promote the free flow of information and ideas.
• Cultural Diversity: The document recognises the importance of preserving and promoting cultural diversity. Public libraries are crucial for safeguarding cultural heritage and exchanging ideas between different cultures.
• Education and Lifelong Learning: Public libraries should actively contribute to education and support lifelong learning. They should provide resources and programs that facilitate self-education and personal development.
• Community Engagement: The 1972 Manifesto strongly emphasises the role of public libraries as community centres. It encourages libraries to engage with the community, respond to its needs, and promote a sense of local identity.
• Role in National Development: The document acknowledges the role of public libraries in national development. It suggests that public libraries should actively support social, cultural, and economic progress.
• Technology and Modernization: The 1972 Manifesto recognises the impact of technological advancements. It encourages libraries to adopt modern technology and adapt their services to the changing information landscape.
• Professional Development: The document highlights the importance of well-trained and qualified library staff. It calls for librarians' continued professional development to meet library users' evolving needs.
• International Cooperation: It acknowledges the value of international cooperation in library development. The 1972 Manifesto encourages exchanging ideas, materials, and expertise among libraries worldwide.
• Resource Allocation: The manifesto recommends that governments allocate adequate resources to public libraries to ensure effective functioning and development.
• Advocacy and Implementation: Like the 1962 version, the 1972 Manifesto has guided advocacy and implementation of public library policies and practices in various countries.
The 1972 UNESCO Public Library Manifesto builds upon the principles of the 1962 version while incorporating the changing roles and challenges of public libraries in the 1970s and beyond. It emphasises accessibility, cultural diversity, education, community engagement, and adapting to new technologies. This document continues to be influential in shaping the policies and practices of public libraries worldwide.
3. The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 1994.
The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 1994 is a foundational document that articulates public libraries' core values and principles. It is a call to action for governments and stakeholders to support and develop public libraries as essential institutions for lifelong learning, democracy, cultural development, and social cohesion.
The Manifesto emphasises the following key points:
• Public libraries are the local gateway to knowledge. They provide everyone free and equal access to information and resources, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, nationality, language, or social status.
• Public libraries are an essential condition for lifelong learning. They support people of all ages to learn and develop new skills throughout their lives.
• Public libraries support independent decision-making and cultural development. They provide people with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their lives and to participate in their communities.
• Public libraries are a living force for education, culture, and information. They are vital in promoting literacy, culture, and the arts.
• Public libraries are essential agents for fostering peace and social cohesion. They provide a safe and welcoming space for people to come together, learn from each other, and build understanding.
The Manifesto also calls on governments and stakeholders to ensure that public libraries have the necessary resources and support to fulfil their mission. This includes providing adequate funding, ensuring that public libraries have access to a wide range of resources and services, and promoting the use of public libraries by all members of society. The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 1994 is a timeless and vital document that guides the work of public libraries worldwide. It is a reminder that public libraries are essential for building a more equitable, just, and prosperous society.
4. UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 2004.
The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 2004 is a seminal document that articulates public libraries' core values and principles worldwide. It is a living document that is updated every ten years to reflect the changing needs of society and the role of libraries.
The 2004 Manifesto has seven key points:
• The public library is the local gateway to knowledge. It provides a wide range of resources and services to all community members, regardless of age, race, religion, or socioeconomic status. This includes access to books, other media, technology, and programs and activities promoting literacy, learning, and cultural enrichment.
• The public library is a place for lifelong learning. It supports formal and informal education by providing access to information and resources that enable individuals to pursue their educational goals at all stages of their lives. This includes supporting early childhood literacy development, providing resources for students of all ages, and offering programs for adults seeking new skills or knowledge.
• The public library is a centre for culture and information. It provides access to various cultural resources, such as books, films, music, and art. It also offers programs and activities that promote cultural understanding and appreciation. This includes hosting cultural events, providing access to digital cultural resources, and offering programs that teach people about the cultures of their communities and the world beyond.
• The public library is a promoter of democracy and social justice. It provides a safe and welcoming space for people to come together and discuss their ideas. It also supports informed citizenship by providing access to information about important issues. This includes hosting community forums, providing access to government information, and offering programs that teach people about civic engagement.
• The public library is a bridge between generations and communities. It provides opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and learn from each other. It also helps to promote social cohesion and understanding. This includes offering programs for children, families, and adults and providing access to resources that support multilingual and multicultural communities.
• The public library is an essential part of any sustainable development strategy. It provides people with the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives and the lives of their communities. It also supports economic and social development through its programs and services. This includes offering programs that teach people about digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and job skills.
• The public library is free and accessible to all. The government funds it, and is open to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. This ensures that everyone can benefit from public libraries' resources and services.
The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 2004 is a powerful statement about the importance of public libraries in society. It is a reminder that libraries are essential for promoting literacy, learning, culture, democracy, social justice, and sustainable development.
The Manifesto also emphasises the importance of the following:
• Professional librarianship: Public libraries should be managed by professional librarians with the skills and knowledge to provide high-quality services to their communities.
• Legislation and government support: Public libraries should be governed by legislation and supported by national and local governments. This ensures libraries have the resources to operate effectively and serve their communities well.
• Collaboration and partnerships: Public libraries should collaborate with other community organisations to provide a broader range of services and programs. This can help libraries to reach more people and have a more significant impact on their communities.
The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 2004 is an essential document for anyone who cares about the future of public libraries. It provides a vision for a world where everyone can access the resources and services needed to learn, grow, and thrive.
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