Libraries in the world : a long-term programme for the International Federation of Library Associations [1963]

From the introduction: "Five years ago the International Federation of Library Associations was predominantly a forum for librarianship in Western Europe with some support from the United States. Now it is an organisation of world-wide scope representing libraries in 52 countries. This is something more than growth; it implies a radical change in responsibility and a considerable extension of activities. These, in turn, make an impact on the structure of the organisation itself. IFLA has reinforced its central position by establishing a permanent secretariat; it will also do its utmost to decentralise some of its functions by founding regional groups of library associations. With regard to the activities of the Federation, it seems desirable to outline a programme for the next five to ten years. It is this programme that is presented in the following pages." [Gustav Hofmann, IFLA President 1958-1963]