Published sources and themes for the historiography of IFLA

Abstract

The centenary of IFLA is approaching. IFLA’s Library History Special Interest Group has embarked on various projects to prepare for the event, including the compilation of an edited volume of scholarly chapters on IFLA’s history. This article originated as a background paper for members of the Library History Special Interest Group and others who may be contemplating conducting research on IFLA with a view to the centenary in 2027. An overview is given of published sources for the historiography of IFLA. These include publications about IFLA published by IFLA and its structures, and by other parties. IFLA’s own publications include guidelines and standards; policy statements; reports on the work of its professional units and strategic advisory committees; the IFLA Publications Series; and report series such as the IFLA World Reports and Trend Reports. Much of this material is published on IFLA’s websites, both current and archived. It provides valuable evidence of IFLA’s activities. In this article, the emphasis is on material about IFLA published by IFLA itself and by other parties. The literature about IFLA includes historical accounts published as articles, books, book chapters and theses. Many contain useful bibliographies. With a view to identifying topics and themes for the historiography of IFLA, the subject matter of some 294 items about IFLA published from 2000 to 2022 inclusive is analysed. Brief attention is paid to possible themes emerging from the literature that may be useful in developing research on IFLA.