[LIS-Forum] Call for IFLA/FAIFE Transparency Workshop at Punjabi University, Patiala

Jagtar Singh jagtar.kindu at gmail.com
Mon Sep 14 14:48:30 IST 2009


*Libraries as Transparency Institutions: IFLA Transparency Manifesto
Workshop, 17-18 November 2009, Punjabi University, Patiala*

* *



*Introduction*



Corruption, and the suppression of information that might help people to
lighten the burden of corruption, is everywhere. No country is free of this.
IFLA/FAIFE is delighted that Punjabi University has boldly agreed to host
the first, pilot, Transparency Workshop based on the content of
IFLA’s*Manifesto on Transparency, Good Governance and Freedom from
Corruption
*(
http://www.ifla.org/en/publications/ifla-manifesto-on-transparency-good-governance-and-freedom-from-corruption)




India is an appropriate venue for the Workshop, not because corruption is a
bigger problem here than elsewhere (it is not), but because the inspiration
for the IFLA Manifesto came partly from some research on access to
information carried out in Delhi (Sharma, Geeta and Sturges, Paul (2007)
Using ICT to help the poor access public services: an action research
programme, Information Development, 32(1) 15-23.). The idea behind the
Workshops is that libraries (public and academic) can be transparency
institutions, contributing towards good governance and limiting the scope
for corruption. By providing access to print and electronic resources,
libraries already contribute to social, political, economic and other forms
of transparency, but there is a potential for much more. The Workshop will
explore this potential in collaboration with the IATLIS. Indian Association
of Teachers of Library and Information Science (IATLIS) is a 40 years old
professional association active in LIS education, research, training,
conferences, seminars, workshops and collaboration. One of its aims is to
raise awareness of library and information professionals concerning the
cutting and leading-edge of the library profession.



*The Workshop*



The inaugural session would be held from at 11.00 on Tuesday, 17 November
2009. From 13.30 on Tuesday until 14.00 on Wednesday 18 November 2009, in
the Senate Hall at Punjabi University, Patiala, FAIFE’s presenters, *Dr.
Paul Sturges*, *Emeritus Professor, Department of Information Science,
Loughborough University, Loughborough (UK), (Chair of FAIFE 2003-2009) *and
*Dr. Kai Ekholm, Director and Chief Librarian, National Library of Finland,
Helsinki (Finland), (Chair of FAIFE 2009-2011)* will lead participants in
the technical sessions of the Transparency Workshop. This will be based on
the Workshop Materials available on the IFLA Website (
http://www.ifla.org/en/publications/learning-materials-for-workshops-on-the-ifla-manifesto-on-transparency-good-governance-)
adapted to local circumstances for the occasion. The programme will include
a mixture of lecture presentations and interactive exercises involving all
participants.



*Participants*



Librarians of all levels of seniority and from any type of library are
invited to apply to the Workshop Coordinator, Dr Jagtar Singh, Prof. and
Head, Department of Library and Information Science, Punjabi University,
Patiala – 147002 (Punjab)

Jagtar.kindu at gmail.com



to participate in this event. The event is funded by the Swedish Development
Agency Sida, which is particularly concerned that women and members of
minorities are well represented amongst participants. Attendance is free of
charge and refreshments (sessions’ tea and working lunch only) will be
provided throughout proceedings. Participants themselves will have to manage
their travel expenses, and pay for their accommodation, breakfast and
dinner, if they prefer to stay at the Punjabi University Campus. A limit on
numbers attending of 25 will apply, so early application is advised. The
closing date for applications is 14 October 2009.



*Expected outcomes*



FAIFE intends that by the end of the Workshop participants will

   - understand more about the problem of corruption in society
   - understand the ways in which transparency can alleviate the problem
   - have developed an insight into the role libraries can play in greater
   transparency in society
   - have examined the danger of corruption in the management and practice
   of library work
   - have a clear idea of specific programmes that librarians and
   professional associations can promote for improving transparency and
   governance.



FAIFE further hopes that participants will

   - resolve to commit themselves to disseminating the transparency message
   through their own professional activity.



*Dr Jagtar Singh*

IFLA-FAIFE Workshop Coordinator

         &

President, Indian Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science
(IATLIS), Department of Library and Information Science, Punjabi University,
Patiala – 147002 (Punjab)

Email: jagtar.kindu at gmail.com

Tel: 0175-3046179 and 3046442 (Office)

Fax: 0175-2283073.


-- 
Dr. Jagtar Singh,
Professor and Head,
Department of Library and Information Science,
Dean,
Faculty of Education and Information Science
Punjabi University, Patiala
Pin - 147 002 (India)
Email: jagtar.kindu at gmail.com
Tel: +91 (0)175 304 6462 & 304 6179 (Work)
      +91 (0)175 228 2727 (Home)
Fax: +91 (0)175 228 3073

-- 
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