An Enabling Policy Framework for Public Libraries

Group 1 Process towards Developing National Policy

Facilitator: Richard Atuti & Carol PriestleyRapporteur: Abdou W. Mbye

Agenda

• Introductions• Definition• Progress since the Pretoria Summit 2011• Tasks set for the Parallel Group:

Introductions

• Richard Atuti, Director, Kenya National Library Services (KNLS)

• Carol Priestley, Director, NIDA (Network for Information & Digital Access)

• Abdou W. Mbye, The Gambia National Library Services Authority

Definition of national public library policy

‘policy’ – in simple terms a plan of action or a statement of aims and objectives providing a framework for actioni.e. a policy is developed with the intention to guide, influence and determine decisions, actions and other matters.

‘a national policy’: a statement of a government’s perception of and commitment to a particular sector.

‘a national public library policy’: a framework for the planned and coordinated development of a country’s public libraries; a plan of action and a statement of ideals proposed or adopted by government.

Progress since Pretoria Summit, 2011

• Pretoria Summit PL ‘Future ‘ strand – PL group identified policy as highest priority area to be addressed

• Period of stakeholder consultations and dialogue• Building on research carried out with large team of resource persons

2010-2011 with outcomes of Study report, case studies further stakeholder consultations were held in 2011 – 2012 which led to model framework outlines

• IFLA Special Interest Group on Library Policy (IFLA SIG PL), Helsinki 2012• NIDA now working in partnership with IFLA SIG for WLIC Singapore 2013• In response to requests, NIDA also working with a number of countries

in at different levels – email, consultative workshops, advice etc

NATIONAL POLICY must be nationally prioritised, owned and implemented. Policy is CONTEXT SPECIFIC

Examples of model frameworks available now (September 2012)

Framework for sector assessmentFramework for Economic AnalysisFramework for library policy holistic approach e.g. NamibiaFramework for sub-sector library policy e.g. public library e.g. Kenya

Library policies are context specific and need to be developed in conjunction with other policies e.g. ICT, education, culture, agriculture, health policiesHolistic vs sub sector

Where we stand now: one requested priority identified as preparation of a manual outlining policy process options

Task for the Parallel Group

Which stakeholders are important to engage to contribute towards national policy? How can these stakeholders be mobilized in support of national policy on public libraries?

What background information is required in preparation for developing a policy?

Which topics are essential to include in a policy framework?

What recommendations can this group make for inclusion in the Summit Communique?

Which stakeholders are important to engage to contribute towards national policy? How can these stakeholders be mobilized in support of national policy ?

What background information is required in preparation for developing a policy?

Which topics are essential to include in a policy framework?

What recommendations can this group make for inclusion in the Summit Communique?

Merci beaucoup

Thank you