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58. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

58.1 Policy Objectives

The ALA Charter states that the Association was formed "for the purpose of promoting library interest throughout the world by exchanging views, reaching conclusions and inducing cooperation in all departments of bibliothecal science and economy." The commitment in the area of international relations is carried out, in part, through the activities and programs of ALA's International Relations Office.

The American Library Association establishes these objectives and responsibilities for its international relations programs:

  1. To encourage the exchange, dissemination, and access to information and the unrestricted flow of library materials in all formats throughout the world (ALA Priority Area A: Access to Information).
  2. To promote and support human rights and intellectual freedom worldwide (ALA Priority Area C: Intellectual Freedom).
  3. To foster, promote, support and participate in the development of international standards relating to library and information services, including informational tools and technologies (ALA Priority Area F: Library Services, Development, and Technology).
  4. To promote legislation and treaties that will strengthen library, information and telecommunications services worldwide (ALA Priority Area B: Legislation and Funding).
  5. To encourage involvement of librarians, information specialists, and other library personnel in international library activities and in the development of solutions to library service problems that span national boundaries (ALA Priority Area F: Library Services, Development, and Technology).
  6. To promote the education of librarians, information specialists, and other library personnel in such ways that they are knowledgeable about librarianship in the international context (ALA Priority Area E: Personnel Resources).
  7. To promote public awareness of the importance of the role of librarians, libraries, and information services in national and international development (ALA Priority Area D: Public Awareness).

(See "Current Reference File" for full text, including implementation: 1989-90 CD #14.)

58.2 Selection of Consultants to Serve Abroad

The American Library Association, serving the public interest, assigns a high priority to the development of libraries, librarianship, and information services throughout the world. ALA reaffirms its continuing desire to foster international library development in all countries, and in return hopes to continue to learn from its participation.

In response to requests for assistance from abroad, ALA must be able to recommend librarians and information specialists who are both highly qualified and sensitive to cultural and national differences. ALA will therefore apply its approved guidelines and criteria in recommending, nominating, and selecting international consultants.

(See "Current Reference File" for full text and guidelines and criteria.)

58.3 Abridgment of the Rights of Freedom of Foreign Nationals

Threats to the freedom of expression of any person become threats to the freedom of all; therefore ALA adopts as policy the principles of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The Association will address the grievances of foreign nationals where the infringement of their rights of free expression is clearly a matter in which all free people should show concern. Resolutions or other documents attesting to such grievances will be brought to the attention of the Executive Board and Council by the ALA International Relations Committee.

(See "Current Reference File": Policy on Abridgment of the Rights of Freedom of Foreign Nationals and Freedom of Expression of Foreign Nationals; Abridgement of Human Rights in South Africa: 1985-86 CD #58.)

58.4 Article 19 of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.

(See "Current Reference File": 1990-91 CD #24 and CD #76.)

58.4.1 Human Rights and Freedom of Expression

The ALA shall work with other associations and institutions that belong to IFLA to develop positions and programmatic plans of action in support of human rights and freedom of expression. The president or the member officially representing the Association at IFLA conferences shall be directed to support and carry them out; and, in the absence of such specific direction, the president or the member officially representing the Association at IFLA conferences is empowered to vote on new IFLA resolutions related to human rights and freedom. Their votes shall be guided by ALA's adoption of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the good of the Association.

(See"Current Reference File": 1996-97 CD#18.4)

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