91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – Today the Executive Board of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) released the following endorsement for 91´«Ã½ Past-President Loida Garcia-Febo to serve as International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) President-Elect (2021-2023).

IFLA is the leading international body representing library and information services and their users' interests. The association has more than 1,500 members representing 150 countries across the globe and serves as the global voice for the library and information profession.

“The 91´«Ã½ Executive Board together with U.S. library associations of IFLA, including the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE), Association of Research Libraries (ARL), Chinese American Librarian Association (C91´«Ã½), Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), Special Libraries Association (SLA), and many others, support Loida Garcia-Febo for IFLA President-Elect 2021-2023,” stated the 91´«Ã½ Executive Board.

If elected, Garcia-Febo would be the first Puerto Rican Latina to be IFLA President. She will bring her professional experience and personal global and multicultural worldview to the position.

"Loida Garcia-Febo is an energetic library advocate, tech-savvy person who embodies the global library leader that IFLA needs. She is a past 91´«Ã½ president, worked with colleagues in all regions of the world, and advocated for libraries in venues such as the United Nations on behalf of IFLA and the European Parliament. Her work has consistently supported library services for all, including multilingual and multicultural populations.

"She is passionate about working together with IFLA to drive change, position libraries as key players within global and national bodies, develop partnerships to strengthen libraries, and provide essential services to communities deeply affected by COVID-19 during the pandemic.

"As IFLA Governing Board member 2013-2017, Loida was part of the Global Vision process to develop the IFLA Strategy 2019-2024. She is eager to continue her work to support efforts to bring more collaboration, transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability to IFLA.

"Loida brings her extensive experience, energy, and fresh ideas to carry further the global advocacy role of libraries -- not only in ensuring access to information and knowledge but also in reducing social inequalities and developing inclusion. A remarkable example is her advocacy for libraries at the United Nations on behalf of IFLA to support culture, education, ICTs, and the successful inclusion of access to information on the Sustainable Development Goals on Goal 16, specifically, Target 16.10.

"Additionally, Loida's extensive service in IFLA includes member leader at FAIFE, CPDWL, and Management of Library Associations. In 2004, she co-founded IFLA New Professionals (NPSIG) to engage new librarians in associations' work.

About the 91´«Ã½

91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.