Dear Professionals Libraries as Transparency Institutions: IFLA Transparency Manifesto Workshop" inaugurated at Punjabi University, Patiala *Message from Ms. Ellen R. Tise for the Workshop * Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), I would like to convey my best wishes for a successful workshop. The theme of the workshop “Libraries as transparency institutions” has not been as rigorously debated as it should be as librarians tend to shy away from engaging the issue as it is deemed to fall outside of their jurisdiction. The Department of Library and Information Science, Punjabi University, Patiala needs to be applauded for accepting the responsibility to host the IFLA FAIFE Transparency Workshop. I am certain that the discourse over the next two days will eliminate misconceptions, provide clarity, unearth methodologies to determine solutions and such, all of which will add value to the already critical services that a library provides. IFLA continues to propagate good governance and transparency. These issues have and continue to dominate IFLA official documentation. IFLA has continuously indicated that transparency is the basis of good governance and the first step in fighting corruption. It provides a universal rationale for the provision of good records management systems, archives, and financial regulatory and monitoring systems. It is directly linked to the practice of socially responsible authorship and journalism, the work of editors, the publishing and the distribution of information through all media. Corruption undermines basic social values, threatens the rule of law, and undermines trust in political institutions. It creates a business environment in which only the corrupt thrive. It hinders scientific work and research, weakens the functions of the professions and obstructs the emergence of the knowledge society. It is a major contribution to the creation and prolongation of human misery and the inhibiting of development. Corruption succeeds most under conditions of secrecy and general ignorance. Therefore, it is imperative that the delegates use this forum, set for 17-18 November 2009, to rigorously debate the issue of transparency and good governance and eliminate the negative elements and expound the positives. Prof Paul Sturges, Professor Emeritus, Department of Information Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough (UK) and Former IFLA FAIFE Chair has pointed out that, “there is a dangerous paradox at the heart of the argument that libraries should be involved with the struggle against corruption. The progress of transparency is dependent on political will and the strength of civil society…” . This workshop is taking that bold step to say that we can make a difference and that we can influence civil society to change for the better, to have the snowball effect of drastically reduce corruption. It is my contestation that corruption is one of the many barriers to access to information. As you may be aware ‘libraries driving access to information’ is my presidential theme, therefore, in the spirit of this theme, it is imperative that all hindrances to access to information must be removed as a matter of priority. This workshop is one of many ways in which we can strive for free and open access to information. I am also delighted to acknowledge international experts such as Dr. Kai Ekholm, Director and Chief Librarian, National Library of Finland, and IFLA FAIFE Chair (2009-11) and Dr. Barbara Jones, IFLA FAIFE Expert resource person and International Library Consultant and Instructor from USA, who have taken the time to provide leadership and guidance and, contribute to the discourse. As IFLA President, I pledge my support for libraries to assume a more proactive role in propagating good governance and transparency. I eagerly look forward to the positive learning outcomes of this workshop. I wish you well in your deliberations. *(Ellen R. Tise)* President, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), The Hague, The Netherlands ***************************************** Information for Transparency to Check Corruption at Public Institutions Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala in his presidential address at the Inaugural Session of "Libraries as Transparency Institutions: IFLA Transparency Manifesto Workshop" highlighted that one’s own conscience, religious values and God-fearing attitude are more important in checking corruption and bringing transparency. This two-day workshop being organized by the Department of Library and Information Science, Punjabi University from 17-18 November 2009 is first of its kind event in South Asia sponsored by the Committee on ‘Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression’ (FAIFE) of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), the Hague, the Netherlands. Nearly 100 participants from all over India are participating in this workshop. Dr Kai Ekholm, Director, National Library of Finland, Helsinki, and IFLA FAIFE Chairman in his keynote address emphasized that corruption is not a concept, rather it has become an industry across the globe. Transparency is necessary to check corruption, and censorship must be opposed at all levels. He hoped that deliberations would lead to Punjabi Declaration on the workshop theme. Dr H.K. Kaul, Director, Developing Library Network in his inaugural address said that sometimes librarians themselves create barriers to free access to knowledge and information by adopting closed access. There is corruption everywhere, including in library collection, and equipment purchase. Dr. Barbara Jones, FAIFE Expert Resource Person and International Library Consultant from the USA highlighted that there is a conflict between national security and privacy rights of citizens, and a there should be balancing act in place to resolve this. Dr B.S. Ghuman, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Panjab University, Chandigarh explained three paradigms of transparency. He emphasized on the open paradigm for transparency and governance. Dr M.S. Saini, Dean Academic Affairs, Punjabi University said that there is a lack of transparency in reporting for academic and research funding, and in information related to life, and quality of daily use items such as milk. On this occasion, Prof. M.P. Satija of Department of Library and Information Science, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar was honoured by the Vice Chancellor by releasing a festschrift volume ‘Library and Information Science in the digital age’, edited by Jagtar Singh, I.V. Malhan and Trishanjit Kaur, in recognition of his international standing and more than three decade long contribution to the profession. Earlier, Dr. Jagtar Singh, Head, Department of Library and Information Science, Punjabi University and the Workshop Coordinator welcomed the guests, and Dr Trishanjit Kaur introduced the key speakers. Dr H.P.S. Kalra of the department conducted the stage. Regards -- Khushpreet Singh University Research Scholar, Department of Library & Information Science, Punjabi University, Patiala-147002 (INDIA) E-mail: khushpreet.singh@gmail.com Mobile: +919815303000 -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.