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outline the scope of collaborative efforts by representatives of different areas
to support and promote linguistic diversity.
We have attempted to offer a document containing specific methodological
and practical guidelines for one of the institutions supporting multilingualism.
The publication “Developing Multilingualism in Cyberspace: Guidelines
for Libraries” has been prepared by the Interregional Library Cooperation
Centre and the Russian UNESCO IFAP Committee. The book is intended
primarily for library heads and specialists, but can be also useful for other
organizations and institutions working in the fields of culture, science,
education, information, communication, ethnic and cultural policy. We aimed
at representing the global approach to solving this problem, the activities of
international organizations, and the current linguistic situation in Russia.
Why are we focusing on libraries UNESCO considers libraries to be key
partners in expanding access to diverse cultural and linguistic resources, and
actively cooperates with the International Federation of Library Associations
to promote the information capacity building in the library sphere.
Libraries are regarded as educational, cultural and information centers
that maintain, develop and represent various cultures, provide access to
educational materials and programmes, acquire, create, systematize and
provide access to information to meet the needs of all communities.
The IFLA Multicultural Library Manifesto underscores the importance and
essential nature of libraries in learning, as they facilitate access to a variety of
cultural and linguistic resources that open horizons to different experiences.
In order to fulfill this mandate, libraries must meet the varied needs and
interests of the communities they serve, especially marginalized or minority
groups that may exist within any given community.
Library and information services in a culturally and linguistically diverse
environment include both the provision of services to all types of library
users and the provision of library services specifically targeted to underserved
cultural and linguistic groups. Special attention should be paid to groups
which are often marginalized in culturally diverse societies: minorities,
asylum seekers and refugees, residents with a temporary residence permit,
migrant workers and indigenous communities.
Our publication represents best practices of libraries of Russia, CIS and
foreign countries implementing activities in support of linguistic and cultural
diversity, in particular in cyberspace.
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