Associations for cooperation

The purpose of the Library Coordination office is to cooperate both within Spain and abroad in all issues regarding libraries. To achieve this, it is a member of different forums: FESABID, in Spain; IFLA, abroad; NAPLE, EBLIDA and REDIAL, in Europe and FIRNBP, in Latin America.

FESABID (Spanish Federation of Associations of Archivism, Librarianship, Documentation and Museology)

This is a private, non-profit organisation created in 1988 with the aim of forming a forum for discussion and meeting for archive, library, documentation centre and museum professionals. Its main objectives are:

• Fostering and developing activities related to libraries, documentation centres, archives and museums
• Promoting collaboration between its members to facilitate the exchange of information and experiences
• Disseminating the image of its professionals

IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions)

This is the main international body representing the interests of library and documentation services and their users. It is the global spokesperson for library and documentation professionals. It was founded in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1927.

The Library Coordination Office is an institutional member of IFLA. Since 2007 it has also had representation in the permanent committees of two sections:

• Library Services to Multicultural Populations
• Rare Books and Manuscripts

For more information

NAPLE Forum (National Authorities on Public Libraries in Europe)

The NAPLE forum is an association of European institutions with governmental responsibilities in the field of public libraries. The objectives of NAPLE are:

• To provide information on the situation of public libraries
• To design future developments at national level
• To identify areas for co-operation and research
• To promote coherent library development in Europe

Since October 2008, Spain has chaired the Executive Board of the NAPLE forum, through the Library Coordination Office. It is also responsible for publishing the NAPLE bulletin.Salto de líneaSalto de líneaFor more information:

EBLIDA (European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations)

It addresses issues related to the information society in Europe and its basic objectives include defending the profession's interests before European Union Institutions. Its activities focus on issues such as copyright, information and communication technologies and professional training.

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REDIAL (European Network for Latin American Information and Documentation)

Its purpose is to be a meeting place for research and scientific information on Latin America in Europe and to contribute to the development of communication, mutual support and the exchange of information.

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FIRBIP (Latin American Forum of National Public Library Directors)

The Latin American Forum of National Public Library Directors (FIRBIP) is composed of the national public library directors of Latin American countries, as well as those from the Regional Center for the Promotion of Books in Latin America and Caribbean (CERLALC).

This forum was created in 1998 in a first meeting with the aim of gathering together agencies and parties responsible for the coordination and development of public libraries in Latin American Countries and of implementing a stable mechanism for the exchange of information and experiences and the development of joint activities.

The result of this first Meeting was the establishment of the Latin American Program for Public Library Cooperation, which is implemented by the Forum. A committee comprised of representatives from different Latin American countries in addition to the CERLALC are responsible for its monitoring. It was recognised as a Cooperation summit program in the 10th Latin American Summit of Heads of State and Government of Latin American Countries in Panama in 2000.

The FIRBIP has met every two years in a plenary session since 1998 to monitor its actions and plan new initiatives and projects.

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