Dear Colleagues,
Libraries around the world have been unavoidably affected by the emergence and spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
Many have been obliged to close temporarily, or reduce service to a minimum in order to contribute to efforts to limit the spread of the disease. Hard decisions are being made about how best to fulfil libraries’ mission to provide access to information while also ensuring the safety of library users and staff alike.
On a personal level, in a growing number of countries, librarians and other library staff have already had to adapt to major restrictions on movement and other activities, alongside the public they serve.
On behalf of IFLA, we send our best wishes to those coping with disruption and difficulty in their lives. And on behalf of IFLA I can assure you we are doing everything possible to prepare an outstanding and vibrant WLIC in Dublin.
Nevertheless, IFLA is monitoring the situation with COVID-19 and the recommendations regarding events and travel provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).
For the IFLA Congress 2020 in Dublin, we will rely on information provided by WHO, Health Security Reports issued by the European Commission and information from the Department of Health of the Irish Government.
IFLA Headquarters is continually assessing this unpredictable situation with help from our Conference Organiser, K.I.T. Group, and the Irish National Committee.
We are observing that events in the short term are being cancelled but that other large events are being postponed until July or later:
- Hannover Messe – with 5,500 exhibitors and 200,000 visitors has been postponed from 20 April to mid-July;
- Venice Architecture Biennale – 250,000 visitors has been postponed from a starting date of 23 May to 29 August.
So much is still unknown about the virus and how quickly countries can recover from its effect. However, the health and safety of delegates is our prime concern.
At this stage, IFLA and its Professional Units are of course continuing with preparations for the conference. On the IFLA website you’ll find an IFLA and COVID-19 FAQs webpage which answers some of the WLIC-related questions we’ve received.
In this issue, you’ll find out more about the Convention Centre Dublin, the famous Library of Trinity College and a range of grants available to help you get to Dublin!
Gerald Leitner
IFLA Secretary General
