Working together: access to information and our power to cause change

This is a momentous time for libraries and librarians. Library workers and information professionals from all library settings are joining forces with organizations to reflect, explore, create and redesign access to information and knowledge through new technologies and new initiatives. We are advocating at local, regional and global levels to continue providing access, services, promoting reading and literacy. The role of libraries and librarians is essential in the information ecosystem to promote citizen participation, social inclusion, positivism and hope. Globally, librarians have joined efforts with organizations to create policies that benefit people of all ages, races, gender, abilities, and social status to access information. Librarians and libraries have become key social tools to promote just and democratic societies. The global information environment is being transformed by new policies, new technologies and renewed focus on the communities served. Libraries, professional associations, community organizations and other agencies are working together to help develop innovative services that meet the changing needs of local communities and at the same time support sustainable development for the economies and societies of the world. The time to take action is now. We can start right where we are. Librarians are creative game-changers, innovators, and caring, brave and global professionals. We must continue having a place at the table promoting libraries before the decision makers. At a national and global levels, we need to be brave and creative to show the world how libraries and librarians are saving lives every day.