Event(s)
Information for All: National Symposium
Over 40 information workers, providers and educators from around Fiji met 19th September at the Information for All: National Symposium. The Information for All - National Symposium was organised by the Fiji Library Association and the University of the South Pacific Library, with support from the UNESCO Office for the Pacific States based in Apia.
The one day programme was designed to develop an understanding of the UNESCO Information for all Programme (IFAP) and to discuss information issues in Fiji. Sin Joan Yee, University Librarian at the University of the South Pacific delivered the opening presentation explaining the IFAP to participants. Her presentation also included an overview of IFAP activities in the Pacific.
Participants shared their information reality, with presentations from the National Archives of Fiji, Fiji Museum and Fiji Government Department for ITC Services. A key outcome from this workshop was the formulation of a draft action plan for Information for All in Fiji. This draft plan will finalised by the Fiji Library Association and made public with dissemination to key policy and decision makers in Fiji.
Among the many challenges for the development and implementation Information for All within Fiji is the lack of awareness at the National and Regional level about information issues. For example there is no recognition in policy statements of the need for an information literate community.
Participants agreed that this needed to be addressed and resolved to request the IFAP Pacific Regional Committee to request the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to convene such a Ministerial Meeting on “Information Content” issues as a matter of urgency. The FLA also plans to work with Fiji Government Ministries and Departments that have information responsibilities: including Ministry Information & Communications, Ministry of Education and Department for ITC Services
The urgent need for human resource development was also discussed. The lack of qualified librarians and information professionals within Fiji impacts on the capacity to implement information initiatives.
The Symposium ended with the official launch of the Fiji Library Association Information for All campaign, this campaign aims to raise public awareness about the right to information. Through the distribution of Fiji designed posters and banners to public libraries, schools and government, the Association hopes to build public awareness and create public support for information literacy initiatives. The FLA has also produced and distributed a brochure about IFAP and library bags promoting the theme.
Anybody interested in developing information initiatives or joining the Fiji Library Association, can contact Elizabeth Cass, FLA President. (email: cass_e@usp.ac.fj)
Participants shared their information reality, with presentations from the National Archives of Fiji, Fiji Museum and Fiji Government Department for ITC Services. A key outcome from this workshop was the formulation of a draft action plan for Information for All in Fiji. This draft plan will finalised by the Fiji Library Association and made public with dissemination to key policy and decision makers in Fiji.
Among the many challenges for the development and implementation Information for All within Fiji is the lack of awareness at the National and Regional level about information issues. For example there is no recognition in policy statements of the need for an information literate community.
Participants agreed that this needed to be addressed and resolved to request the IFAP Pacific Regional Committee to request the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to convene such a Ministerial Meeting on “Information Content” issues as a matter of urgency. The FLA also plans to work with Fiji Government Ministries and Departments that have information responsibilities: including Ministry Information & Communications, Ministry of Education and Department for ITC Services
The urgent need for human resource development was also discussed. The lack of qualified librarians and information professionals within Fiji impacts on the capacity to implement information initiatives.
The Symposium ended with the official launch of the Fiji Library Association Information for All campaign, this campaign aims to raise public awareness about the right to information. Through the distribution of Fiji designed posters and banners to public libraries, schools and government, the Association hopes to build public awareness and create public support for information literacy initiatives. The FLA has also produced and distributed a brochure about IFAP and library bags promoting the theme.
Anybody interested in developing information initiatives or joining the Fiji Library Association, can contact Elizabeth Cass, FLA President. (email: cass_e@usp.ac.fj)
| Start Date | 19-09-2006 |
| End Date | 19-09-2006 |
| Event Type | National Symposium |
| Event Location | Fiji |
