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Understanding cultures, and IFLA's Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) core activity

Paul Sturges (Chair of the IFLA FAIFE Committee (Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression), and Department of Information Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK)

Journal of Documentation

ISSN: 0022-0418

Article publication date: 1 April 2005

2163

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to explore an alternative approach to library and information service in multicultural communities, based on the principles of IFLA's Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) Committee.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature‐based analysis of current approaches to multicultural services and the basis for a different approach.

Findings

The need in information and library services for multicultural communities is often described as if it is solely for members of minority communities to be able to obtain materials in their own languages and cultural traditions. A more considered view stresses the need for access to richly informative resources so that all members of a multicultural society can move towards a deeper understanding of each other. IFLA's FAIFE initiative implies more than just a campaign against the suppression and censorship of information and communication. It implies creating conditions for information access unhindered by prejudices, misconceptions and inadequate competences. FAIFE's role in facilitating removal of restrictions, combating suppression of information, fostering rights of access and supporting the development of information competences in all communities and in the information professionals who serve them, is potentially a major contributor to the enhancement of fair and harmonious relations in multicultural communities.

Research limitations/implications

There is no new research in the paper: it builds on sources already published.

Practical implications

A modified approach to multicultural library and information services based on FAIFE principles.

Originality/value

Addresses providers of multicultural services in libraries.

Keywords

Citation

Sturges, P. (2005), "Understanding cultures, and IFLA's Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) core activity", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 61 No. 2, pp. 296-305. https://doi.org/10.1108/00220410510585232

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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