The global is rooted in the local: Peter Lor and international librarianship

Abstract

Purpose

Peter Lor’s contributions to library and information science and practice are myriad. This essay focusses on his contributions to the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).

Design/methodology/approach

The essay recalls Lor’s achievements and draws on the author’s experience of working with him during challenging times for IFLA.

Findings

Lor’s work and achievements illustrate how the global interconnectedness of the field emerges from and enlivens its local practice and that the global is in turn informed by the local.

Social implications

As an international Federation of library associations and libraries together with practitioners, IFLA reaches into the majority of the world’s nations. This essay demonstrates how leadership within one nation and at a global level can have far reaching results.

Originality/value

The author was in a unique position as IFLA President-elect and then President when Lor was appointed Secretary General of the Federation. The author viewpoint is that of an insider and a colleague.

Citation

Byrne, A. (2023), "The global is rooted in the local: Peter Lor and international librarianship", Library Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-11-2022-0109