December issue of International Leads published

The December issue of International Leads is now available for viewing.

Stories featured in this issue include a look at the deepening ties between universities in Peru and Vermont; India's largest online library for the print disabled; celebrating 25 years at the Mortenson Centre for International Library Programs; connecting, collaborating and building community at the 2016 IFLA World Congress; and recommended resources in support of the United Nations Sustainability Goals 2030.

The issue begins with inspiring thoughts from IRRT Chair Elizabeth Cramer and Chair-Elect Loida Garcia-Febo:

All types of libraries, including academic, public, school, and special, can join efforts to promote the SDGs in their countries and cities. As per the United Nations, the SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

Libraries from all over the world are already helping their communities and countries to achieve the SDGS by providing information and in many cases collaborating with agencies and organizations in efforts related to the environment, gender equality, sustainable cities, clean water, quality education, peace, justice, and strong institutions, among others. We would like to encourage libraries and library workers to continue advocating that libraries and access to information be placed on the agenda of decision makers. IFLA’s Access and Opportunity for All: How Libraries Contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda, is a booklet with useful examples and recommendations for policymakers demonstrating the contribution of libraries to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The materials also include a handout which librarians could adapt or distribute when meeting with decision makers.

Related to these efforts, a new multi-year programme was announced, the International Advocacy Programme (IAP). The goal is to "develop the IAP to give the library sector the capacity to create and promote a favorable policy framework for valued library services to the community, set and implement regional and national action agendas, and build advocacy skills."

Read all the stories for even more inspiration on the IRRT website http://www.ala.org/irrt/intlleads/internationalleads