IFLA supports its members in their work to advocate for laws which enable libraries to fulfil their missions as effectively as possible.

Through dedicated library legislation, as well as provisions in codes and acts on culture, education, research, copyright and beyond, decision-makers create responsibilities and opportunities for our institutions.

Such laws can have a significant impact on the ways in which libraries can act, and how their resources can be used.

As highlighted elsewhere on this site, we already have a strong focus on laws around copyright and access to knowledge, connectivity and skills, analysing and promoting provisions that best enable libraries to carry out their missions.

In other areas such as open government, gender equality, literacy and health, we gather examples that can serve as references for libraries around the world – see the publications linked to this page for more.

Building on this, we publish analyses and tools to help our Members both to understand and to act in different policy areas.

A significant priority in our Strategy 2019-2024 is to develop an understanding of the types of policy and laws that affect libraries from region to region around the world.

Based on a survey of priorities, IFLA’s Regional Council and Divisions work to share ideas about priorities, and identify areas where IFLA can develop tools and materials which will support better laws, wherever these can make a difference.