Developing International School Library Guidelines to Make a Difference: A Case Study

The IFLA/UNESCO School Library Guidelines were first introduced in 2002 to support the foundational principles expressed in the IFLA/UNESCO School Library Manifesto 1999 and interpret those principles in practical terms. A revision to the 2002 edition of the Guidelines was deemed necessary to reflect current research, practice and conditions of 21st century school librarianship. The two year process of revision involved a wide network of international contributors, guided by a Joint Committee from the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) School Library Section and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL). The process of developing the Guidelines for approval from the IFLA Governing Board is detailed along with a discussion of challenges, and lessons learned during this undertaking.