Global Perspectives on Effective Information Practices
Understand global perspectives on effective information practices that are supportive of cultural, economic, educational, or social well-being.
“The challenges facing us from ever-increasing globalization can only be met & overcome by an inclusive, global response from a united library field.”
– Gerald Leitner (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Secretary General, Global Vision Report)
Evidence
For this assignment, I analyzed and compared three film archives worldwide. I chose the British Film Institute (BFI) in London, the Eye Filmmuseum in the Netherlands, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Film & Television Archive. For each institution, I discussed their origin and history, scope of collection(s), outreach, and preservation efforts. Interestingly, most of these now world-renowned organizations started with no equipment, no collection, no physical space, and a minuscule budget. Some archives have continued functioning due to aid and recognition from international organizations such as the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF).
Although I initially expected significant differences between the institutions, I quickly realized that despite their geographical span, they function similarly. Each organization works to preserve its collections, hold public screenings, provide workshops on creating films, and utilize social media to bring awareness to collections and promote events. Whether intentionally or not, these institutions promote globalization and make information accessible to all. In a globally networked environment, information resources can be made available worldwide, which lends itself to the global cooperation and sharing of ideas and solutions (Ford, 2018).
This assignment required me to choose a film topic and watch related media, including seven feature films, two documentaries, and an episode of a television show. I initially struggled to select a topic but ultimately explored Arab films. I didn’t realize how eye-opening this genre, which spans 22 countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa, would be. I have created this filmography to be used as an educational resource for both undergraduate and graduate instructors. While watching each film, documentary, or television show, I noted important themes and elements that may be difficult to watch and/or could generate discussion.
After completing this project, I have continued exploring Arab media and strived to stay more informed on past and current global events. It also inspired me to seek out books, both fiction and nonfiction, about Arab and Islamic culture. Unknowingly, I have developed cultural competency throughout my adult life. Whenever I encounter a culture or background that is unfamiliar to me, I make an effort to learn more about it. Since I live in a diverse environment, this benefits me and those around me. Possessing knowledge of patrons’ cultural backgrounds can help meet their information needs and aid in creating relevant and accurate resources for specific communities.
Saving Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online (SUCHO) Project
During one of my courses, my professor sent out an announcement about a volunteer opportunity called the Saving Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online (SUCHO) project. This project was created in response to the invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Over 1,500 international volunteers/contributors collaborate online to digitize and preserve Ukrainian cultural heritage. Since the start of the invasion, SUCHO has web-archived more than 5,000 websites and 50TB of data of Ukrainian cultural institutions to prevent these websites from going offline (SUCHO, 2024). The websites range from national archives to local museums, from 3D tours of churches to children’s art centers.
During the project’s first phase, a team monitored geographical areas at risk and alerted us to websites in danger via Slack. We then had to work quickly to prevent the loss of information. I was a part of the task force that assisted in capturing cultural websites and reviewing saved content online using Browsertrix and Docker to create files to store the website information. The Browsertrix Cloud software was later implemented to reduce the coding required, eliminate the need to save the files on our personal computers, and make the process of uploading the information to the server easier. During phase two, I helped create item records in the online digital content management software Omeka to be published in the SUCHO online gallery. Utilizing my HTML coding and metadata knowledge to protect cultural heritage with a worldwide team has been a remarkable and humbling experience. I intend to keep volunteering my time and efforts for this significant project for as long as they are needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cultural competence and awareness benefit information professionals and individuals worldwide. Thanks to technological advancements, information is no longer limited to specific regions or areas but has become accessible globally. As an information professional, I will work towards promoting global collaboration, facilitating universal access to information, and encouraging the inclusive and equitable flow of knowledge across borders.
Introduction
It’s extraordinary how certain concepts and ideas can bring people together, regardless of where they reside in the world. Information, art, and music are perfect examples of this—they transcend borders, cultures, and continents. Library and information professionals can educate, transform, and empower to enhance positive change and development in communities worldwide (Ford, 2018). The Open Source movement is comprised of online volunteers who share insights and provide free knowledge for anyone, anywhere to use. These volunteers also create tools and software like Koha, the first free and open-source library system, to encourage global collaboration and open access.
International Standards & Collaboration
Numerous international organizations are devoted to promoting global understanding, cooperation, discussion, research, and development within and beyond the library and information field. As we continue to develop and disperse technology, the possibility for information to flow with total freedom and for everyone on the planet to have free access to human knowledge presents an unprecedented opportunity in global history (Ford, 2018). The core values of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) (2024), state that they endorse the principles of freedom of access to information, that people, communities, and organizations should promote universal and equitable access to information for the public’s well-being, and that they promote and value the principles of diversity and inclusion.
Beyond Access is one of the international groups working to assist in training library staff, many of whom are volunteers, worldwide. Their aim is to improve the quality of life and engage in development efforts in countries such as Myanmar, which currently has a high literacy rate due to these efforts (Ford, 2018). Another prominent group is the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), which created the International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD). The ISBD serves as a principal standard to promote universal bibliographic control and to make bibliographic data universally and promptly available for all published and unpublished resources in a form that is internationally acceptable in all countries (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2023). In addition to this, the International Council on Archives developed the International Standard for Describing Functions (ISDF). The ICA committee recognized the importance of functions in the creation context of records and led the group to propose the development of an international standard for the description of functions in archival information systems (International Council on Archives, 2007). These combined efforts have played a significant role in promoting global awareness and developing international connections.
Cultural Competency & Awareness
Cultural competence is a broad concept that generally refers to the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people of different cultures and backgrounds (Sherrer, 2023). This includes those in one’s social circle and outside of it. To promote cultural competency in any environment, one must have a fundamental understanding of one’s own culture, a desire to learn about the cultural practices and worldviews of others, a positive attitude towards cultural differences, and a willingness to accept and respect those differences (Preemptive Love, 2020).
The Society of American Archivists Code of Ethics (2020) states that archivists should strive to contribute to preserving cultural heritage and, in so doing, help increase the overall social awareness and understanding of past events. Archivists also aim to preserve memories of individuals and cultures, increasing social awareness and understanding. This promotes inclusivity and a mindset of acceptance and connection to people from different backgrounds and cultures. Information professionals need to have the ability to listen, learn, exchange ideas, and understand local needs in a global context (Ford, 2018). There is an increasing need in the field to possess the ability to communicate and network with individuals who speak different languages and come from diverse cultural backgrounds. Studying a different language or culture can be a great starting point.
References
Ford, B. (2018). LIS Professionals in a Global Society. In K. Haycock & M.J. Romaniuk (Eds.), The portable MLIS: Insights from the experts. Libraries Unlimited.
International Council on Archives. (2007). International Standard for Describing Functions, First Edition. Committee on Best Practices and Standards (ICA/CBPS). https://www.ica.org/resource/isdf-international-standard-for-describing-functions/
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. (2023). About the ISBD. https://www.ifla.org/g/isbd-rg/international-standard-bibliographic-description/
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. (2024). About IFLA: Our Mission and Values. https://www.ifla.org/vision-mission/
Preemptive Love. (2020, January 23). What Is Cultural Competence? And Why Is It Important? Preemptive Love Non-Profit Blog. https://preemptivelove.org/blog/cultural-competence/
Sherrer, K. (2023, November 17). Cultivating Cultural Competence in the Workplace. Technology Advice Blog. https://technologyadvice.com/blog/human-resources/cultural-competence-in-the-workplace/
Society of American Archivists (2020). SAA Core Values Statement and Code of Ethics. https://www2.archivists.org/statements/saa-core-values-statement-and-code-of-ethics
SUCHO. (2024). Saving Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online (SUCHO) project. https://www.sucho.org/about