Vietnam joins World Library Congress in Singapore

The 14-member delegation represents the National Library and libraries of provinces, cities, sectors and universities nationwide.

Organised by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore, the congress has drawn more than 3,500 delegates from 120 countries and territories worldwide.

During the six-day event (August 17-23), a wide range of issues will be discussed at more than 20 sessions with a focus on enhancing the role of libraries in the Internet age to meet ever-changing needs in society and applying advanced technologies in managing libraries and preserving literary heritage.

More than 400 library leaders and professionals are expected to share their vision, perspectives on trends and developments, expertise and best practices.

Besides sharing their knowledge, technology companies, publishers, foundations, libraries and educational institutions showcase their innovations and services at a trade exhibition.

Addressing the opening ceremony on August 18, Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information of Singapore, said that Singapore is the third country in Southeast Asia, after Thailand and the Philippines, to host the IFLA Congress.

He expressed confidence that ASEAN libraries will continue to work together for cultural preservation in the years to come.

Kieu Thuy Nga, Deputy Director of the National Library of Vietnam said the Vietnamese delegation will join ASEAN discussions on coordinated efforts to preserve national and regional cultures.

Since becoming an IFLA member in 2000, the National Library of Vietnam has actively participated in the federation’s activities including organising a number of training courses for Vietnamese librarians, Nga said.

Since its establishment in 1927, the IFLA has become the largest prestigious organization in the world library community with a total of 1,500 members from more than 150 countries.