The IFLA Internet Manifesto

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Copyright © International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

The IFLA Internet Manifesto

Abstract (Summary)

IFLA encourages the international community to support the development of Internet accessibility worldwide, and especially in developing countries, to thus obtain the global benefits of information for all offered by the Internet.


IFLA encourages national governments to develop a national information infrastructure which will deliver Internet access to all the nation's population.


IFLA encourages all governments to support the unhindered flow of Internet accessible information via libraries and information services and to oppose any attempts to censor or inhibit access.


IFLA urges the library community and decision makers at national and local levels to develop strategies, policies, and plans that implement the principles expressed in this Manifesto


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Things I learned from my Reading Assignment (RA)



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 and regardless of frontiers.


-United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 19-



Intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to exercise this freedom is a basis of democracy. The global interconnectedness provides by the Internet sets a medium which this right may be enjoyed by all. This would be significant for poor countries where accesses to information are for those who can afford only. Internet unlocks these barriers by providing access to information anywhere and anytime to remote areas connecting people wherever you are in the globe, making it possible to visit Egypt without leaving your chair or writing your own article available to everyone without using any penny.

But the vast resources on the Internet may mislead, provide incorrect information also. Librarians should promote Internet literacy to avoid ignorance; ignorance that hinders the true purpose of freedom of access to information which is to promote equal access on information for all to alleviate poverty and despair. It is the responsibility of a librarian to promote responsible access on quality networked information by then only can achieved the purpose of this Manifesto.

Access to information should promote equality not only for personal development as well as for global alleviation in overcoming barriers of poverty & despair.