From the 21-25 August 2023, IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) held their 88th World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The Congress brought together IFLA’s global network to explore how libraries can contribute to a more inclusive society, with a focus on topics such as language and digital skill development, access to culture, and innovation.
Several members of the LIBER network were present at the IFLA WLIC 2023 to ensure the voice of the European research library community was heard. Two LIBER Working Groups presented their work at the congress; the LIBER Educational Resources Working Group and FIM4L (Federated Identity Management for Libraries) Working Group.
Enhancing the Discoverability of Open Textbooks: The European Initiative of the LIBER Education Resources Working Group
Date: Tuesday, 22 August, 15:00 – 16:15
Session: Learning from pitfalls and embracing the promises of Open Educational Resources collection development
The LIBER Educational Resources Working Group works to support librarians in their role to provide educational resources to staff and students. Group co-chair Dr. Tamara Pianos presented their work, in particular the recent focus on open textbook discoverability and collection curation, and the measuring and assessment of the impact of open textbooks.
The particular issues regarding educational textbooks were presented and discussed. The presentation touched on how to make open textbooks more easily discoverable and used through libraries for the benefit of learners and educators, and how the impact of open textbooks can be monitored to demonstrate the benefits of going open.
There are specific issues coming up when dealing with educational publications, compared to research collections: There are no consortium deals for educational content, resources come in different forms and shapes, language is a more important factor in education than it is in research, and publishers have increasingly restrictive and costly models of provision.
The Educational Resources Working Group will continue its work on enhancing access to educational resources within libraries within the framework of LIBER’s new 2023-2027 Strategy. Find out more about the group and their work.
Access to the Online Collection: Authentication and Privacy in a Changing Infrastructure – LIBER FIM4L Working Group
Date: Thursday, 24 August, 11:30 – 12:30
Session: Digital Technologies and Sustainability: Say Your Piece in 7+3
The LIBER Federated Identity Management for Libraries (FIM4L) Working Group is working to develop a library policy for federated authentication which is broadly supported by libraries and publishers. Group Chair Jos Westerbeke gave a 7-minute lightening talk to introduce the group and discuss issues of online access and privacy.
The concept of federated access to library e-resources (personal accounts created to access online resources) was explained, including the risk to users’ personal data that can be associated with this method. Ensuring that libraries are equipped to protect the personal data and provide anonymous access to online resources will guarantee they remain as trusted institutions for their patrons.
A modern library likely provides access to its collection in an online fashion. Their users only need a laptop or device connected to the internet and a library is able to provide its service at every home. Great opportunities in the light of sustainability: Reduce traveling, no fixed PC’s needed in the building, etc. But what about online identification to access the library collection? What about privacy? We would like to bring this to your attention.
To support librarians, FIM4L released a list of recommendations: “Federated access to online resources: Principles and recommendations for library services’’. To learn more about the Working Group and how you can get involved, visit their webpage.
Are you interested in joining a LIBER Working Group and contributing to LIBER’s work on topics such as FIM4L and Educational Resources? Take a look at our range of Working Groups and get involved. Participation in LIBER Working Groups is open to all staff from LIBER member institutions.
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