Wed, 17 Dec 2003 13:45:04 GMT

Libraries can promote freedoms of access and expression. Stuart Hamilton and Niels Ole Pors, Freedom of access to information and freedom of expression: the Internet as a tool for global social inclusion, Library Management, 24, 8/9 (2003) pp. 407-416. Abstract: “This paper explores how the relationship between freedom of access to information and freedom of expression is expressed across the international library community. Specifically, it analyses this relationship in the setting of Internet access in libraries where the Internet has been seen as a tool for fostering democracy and furthering social inclusion. Using preliminary analysis of data collected from a global survey of Internet access issues within the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) member countries (2003), and by comparing this data with a survey of European library institutions carried out in 2002, the paper shows the extent to which libraries –from the point of view of national associations and national libraries– are able to use the Internet to promote freedom of access to information and freedom of expression despite the
existence of barriers to this task.” The articles does not mention open access. [Open Access News]