Sanctuary, Storehouse, Gateway, Bridge: Libraries and Refugees (International Federation of Library Associations)

Libraries have long played a role in supporting marginalised groups, with refugees and other newcomers just one example of those who benefit from the access to information they provide. On World Refugee Day 2018, IFLA has put together a briefing, based on papers presented at World Library and Information Congresses and satellite meetings in recent years.

In particular, they fulfill a variety of roles for newcomers, as providing sanctuaries (safe spaces), storehouses (places to record their experiences), gateways (to new lives in host communities) and bridges (to new neighbours). Yet this is work is not necessarily easy. IFLA sections have produced valuable guidelines that help understand what may be necessary.

Read the brief here.