International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) Launches Net Neutrality Toolkit
From the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA)
Just like cars, digital content should not be allowed to travel on preferred, or faster, highways. The practice of providing preferential treatment to particular websites or content – in violation of Net neutrality – creates discrimination and limits freedom of expression and access to information. Conversely, when Net neutrality is protected, your right to access digital content is not at the mercy of commercial decisions.
Libraries have a central role in the debate around net neutrality because their mission is to use the most effective ways to make material accessible, and to ensure that this access is not subject to barriers of any kind.
To contribute to the advocacy work of libraries, IFLA has produced a toolkit to support library action and engagement on the question of Net neutrality and zero rating. This toolkit provides a practical guide to empower librarians with the knowledge necessary to talk about this topic, to be able to share their knowledge with patrons and stakeholders, and to advocate through their professional associations for the rights of libraries.
Direct to IFLA Net Neutrality Toolkit (.doc)
Read the Complete Statement
Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Libraries, News, Patrons and Users
About Gary Price
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.