Development of Libraries of the Future: Bank of Ideas of the IFLA “Global Vision” Project

Abstract

The article presents an overview of the Bank of ideas of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), created in the course of implementation of the “Global Vision” project (2017—2018). The Bank of ideas is designed to host innovative proposals in order to strengthen the influence of libraries around the world. With its help, librarians share their experience and best practices. Everyone can contribute to the formation of collective concept for the development of libraries of the future. Over two years of its existence, more than 30 thousand specialists from 190 countries of the world took part in its formation. The paper emphasizes the importance of this project for the implementation of the IFLA Strategy 2019—2024. The author highlights the priorities of innovative activity of librarians in the following areas: ensuring equal and free access to information and knowledge; supporting of reading and information literacy; meeting the information needs of society; applying digital innovations in libraries; protecting the interests of libraries at the national and regional levels; attracting to decision-making the young professionals who are dedicated to their work and striving for leadership. The author focuses primarily on ideas that may be of practical interest to domestic library specialists. The article marks the role of the Russian library community in the formation of ideas for the development of libraries and implementation of the IFLA “Global Vision” project. The ideas collected through the initiative of librarians around the world should take the form of actions to make the Global Vision a reality. The Bank of ideas is a source of inspiration for strategic and day-to-day librarians’ activities aimed at creating strong and unified library community.