Since the original version almost 10 years ago, the IFLA Trend Report has become a platform for sharing key ideas and insights from exciting thinkers inside and outside of the field. Across this all, the key theme has been that of looking to the future, identifying emerging issues and how to respond.
Crucially, it has been about promoting an active, rather than a passive, response. The fact that libraries have been around for so many centuries does not mean we are stuck in the past or unable to change. Indeed, it is because we have been able to change that we are still here today.
The Trend Report is therefore also about stimulating positive engagement with the future, and aims to give the bases for librarians and libraries everywhere to do just this.
The latest update follows on from the theme of the 2021 Update in two key ways.
First of all, it looks to provide a response to the emerging issues identified in the last report by suggesting how it is that the global library field—and IFLA as the body bringing it together globally—can act.
Across 11 recommendations for our wider field, and 10 for IFLA, structured according to the four pillars of IFLA’s mission (inspire, engage, enable and connect), it urges a new focus on building sustainability and ensuring that we set ourselves up best for the future.
Secondly, it is again the result of the work of emerging leaders across the field—the people who will be leading our sector in years to come. IFLA is very grateful to the authors: Waleed Al Badi, Laurie Alvandian, Anna Au, Magdalena Gomulka, Esther Bravo Govea, Louise-Anne Charles, Fatima Oury Sow Gueye, Jemmimah Maragwa, Michaela Mrázová, Damilare Oyedele, Rabab Shaker, and J.M Shalani Dilinika
Download the IFLA Trend Report Update 2022