IFLA Journal. January 1999

This issue of the IFLA Journal opens with reflections on the evolving mission of libraries in an increasingly globalized and digitized world. Articles address diverse topics such as national information policy, access to knowledge in post-communist societies, the role of libraries in development, and cultural preservation. Contributions also explore ethical responsibilities, library cooperation, and the challenges facing library systems in transition economies. The issue highlights international perspectives and underlines the continuing importance of libraries as instruments of education, equity, and democratic engagement, especially amid rapid technological change and societal transformation.