IFLA Bails on Brisbane
Citing ailing world economy, 2010 congress relocating from Australia to Sweden
Michael Rogers -- Library Journal, 7/9/2009 10:07:00 AM
- Gathering moved to Göteborg
- All satellite meetings cancelled
- Pacific librarian expresses disappointment
IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) is relocating its 2010 World Library and Information Congress from Brisbane, Australia, to Göteborg, Sweden, citing the troubled global economy. With money tight, IFLA fears its European and North American members—who make up the bulk of attendees—won’t be able to afford the lengthy trek to Australia. In a July 8 announcement, the group said, “we must recognize the contraction in the world economy will inevitably mean many of our colleagues will be, as we all are, reassessing plans and investments to move forward in these difficult economic times.”
Nancy E. Gwinn, chair of IFLA’s Professional Committee 2007–2009, said that all 16 Satellite meetings scheduled to be held throughout Australia just before/after the Congress in August 2010 have been cancelled. “IFLA Professional Programmes Director Sjoerd Koopman will approach the Section contact persons for all scheduled August 2010 satellite meetings separately, in order to consider possibilities for the replacement of these events with satellite meetings in the vicinity of Göteborg," she said. “This will be done in collaboration and consultation with current and incoming PC members. The upcoming Milan Congress (August 23–27) will provide opportunities for further internal consultation,” Koopman added.
Lost opportunity
Libby Cass, information specialist, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji, expressed dismay at the decision, stating on PLGNET-L listserve that the Brisbane gathering was the closest IFLA has been to Pacific librarians since the 1988 Congress in Sydney.
“In the intervening years, Pacific representation at the IFLA World Congress has been low, the distance and cost for representation for Pacific library and information workers is often insurmountable, and on occasion Pacific people who have had abstracts/papers accepted for presentation at IFLA World Congresses cannot find the funds to attend,” she said. “For many library and information workers in the Pacific attendance at an IFLA Congress is only a dream, and it now appears that it will continue to remain that way. IFLA has lost a chance to engage with the Pacific community and the Pacific has lost a chance to get understanding and support from the peak professional association.”
IFLA will be providing information updates on its homepage.
