Developing Library Professionals IFLA works to strengthen the abilities and knowledge of library and information science professionals and paraprofessionals throughout the world in order to improve service to the user. Programmes supported by IFLA encompass all educational processes, including library and information science curricula and continuing education activities such as lectures, seminars, workshops and in-service training. Promoting Standards, Guidelines, and Best Practices IFLA actively promotes standards, guidelines and best practices to provide guidance to libraries throughout the world in how to perform core functions well, and in many cases how to perform them in the same manner. The latter is particularly important in areas such as electronic communications where conformity with clear, established and widely accepted and understood standards is indispensable for the exchange of information in cost-effective ways. Supporting the Infrastructure of Library Associations IFLA supports the infrastructure of library associations, especially in countries and regions where these are poorly developed, because they provide the essential means for accomplishing IFLA's goals at the national level.
Library associations provide many valuable services to librarians.
They work to develop effective library programmes and services that meet the needs of library users and advance societal objectives and interests, ensuring public access to information, and preserving and protecting cultural resources. Representing Libraries in the Technological Marketplace IFLA serves as an international advocate for libraries and their users, seeking to influence the development of technology in the world marketplace, especially technology that controls the flow and availability of information. IFLA represents both the sophisticated interests of high-tech libraries and the practical concerns of more traditional users.