Internet a decade later and the update of the IFLA Internet Manifesto

In 2002 IFLA approved their first Internet Manifesto, providing “an early recognition of the vital role that the Internet plays in the work of library and information services”. 2 days ago, last 25^th November they`ve launched an update of that work, that “reflects this experience and reinforces the vital role of library and information services in ensuring equitable access to the Internet” and can be found here: http://goo.gl/QV4Jp0

But how was the Internet in 2002, when the IFLA Manifesto was approved? Best Education Sites, a project that gathers a panel of specialists from different fields “counseling to analyze the state of the academic web space” which was awarded by the AASL (American Association of School Librarians) with the 2014 Best Websites for Teaching & Learning Award, launched a couple of years ago, in 2012, the results of a survey where (with information from Nielsen, Google and CNet) the Internet in 2002 is compared with its version a decade later.

 The results are quite enlightening. Web pages reached 555 million in 2012, while a decade before it was 3 million. Connection speed has almost tripled (from 16 seconds average to load a page to 6 seconds), etc.

You can see the results of this study in this highly user-friendly website: http://goo.gl/Qc3agm

Linking Open Data cloud diagram 2014, by Max Schmachtenberg, Christian Bizer, Anja Jentzsch and Richard Cyganiak. http://lod-cloud.net/

Call for papers: ISKO-UK Biennial Conference (London, 13/14 July 2015)

ISKO (International Society for Knowledge Organization) was founded in 1989. Today, it “counts about 600 members all over the world, from fields such as information science, philosophy, linguistics, computer science, as well as special domains such as medical informatics”.

 It has 12 chapters for different countries or regions around the world. ISKO-UK will be celebrating their biennial conference next 13th – 14th July 2015 in London. 

Call for papers is open, deadline for submissions has been extended from 29 November to 7 December). You can see all the details at http://www.iskouk.org/conf2015/index.htm  

Latest news from the Sister Libraries Blog

This week at Sister Libraries, take a look at the new Polish Library joining the Program.

 Visit the Sister Libraries’ blog for further information.

Dialogue on Public Libraries

The Aspen Institute Dialogue on Public Libraries is a forum that gathers “thought leaders from business, technology, education, government, the nonprofit sector and libraries” seeking to “shape and advance a renewed national vision for public libraries in the 21st century”.

Amongst their conclussions we’d like to highlight this: “To get started, public libraries, library directors, library staff and their supporters must forge new partnerships and collaborations in the community and align their work with the community’s goals”.

They have launched a web with very interesting resources, apart from the full report they’ve elaborated, “RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: Re-Envisioning Public Libraries”. One specially has caught our attention: Strategies for Success. It consists of specific action steps for 3 different stakeholders at public libraries: 15 steps for library leaders, 15 for policymakers and 15 for the community.

You can find all the information here

Europeana Challenge

Europeana has launched a new challenge aimed to promote the re-use Europe’s digitised cultural heritage.

The materials used for the designing products must be accessed through Europeana and submitted before next 15th January.

Find all the information here.