MaLIA Resolutions 2006

The following resolutions have been prepared following feedback obtained from participants during a Forum held on the 14^th June 2006 and a follow-up meeting held on the 3^rd July 2006 during which, the final draft of the resolutions was approved.

These resolutions are intended to compliment the recommendations published in theReport on the State of Maltese Libraries published by MaLIA in 2006. MaLIA welcomes and feedback on these resolutions and any part of the mentioned report and is willing to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure that these resolutions are put into effect for the benefit of libraries in Malta and Gozo.

1. The Forum confirms the need for increased cooperation with all the entities involved in the running of libraries in Malta and Gozo. MaLIA will therefore embark on a campaign to meet with the relevant authorities to discuss and assist, wherever possible, in the implementation of the recommendations published in the Report on the State of Maltese Libraries.
2. Following the emphasis made during the Forum on the need for standards and guidelines for Maltese libraries, MaLIA resolves to prepare draft guidelines and minimum standards in consultation with the relevant authorities and taking into consideration the standards recommended by UNESCO, IFLA and other international bodies. The finalised guidelines and minimum standards should be formally endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment.
3. The need for adequate budget allocation for Maltese libraries has been one of the issues highlighted during the Forum. MaLIA expects all the authorities concerned to seriously sustain libraries so that they are in a position to provide quality services to their users.
4. As indicated in the Report on the State of the Maltese Libraries and during the Forum, there is a dire need for more qualified and trained staff in Maltese libraries. MaLIA expects that the authorities concerned to sustain the development of library workers by providing adequate training opportunities. The attainment of library qualifications is also highly desirable and employers should provide opportunities to their staff to further their studies locally and abroad.
5. The developments that have taken place in ICT at national level have not been sufficiently reflected in the library sector. MaLIA recommends to the relevant authorities to incorporate the use of ICT in libraries, along with the appropriate training for library staff, so that services such as online catalogues and Internet points will be provided to users, to facilitate access to quality electronic information resources.
6. MaLIA confirms the need for a National Bibliographic Centre that will bring the Malta National Bibliography up-to-date and provide other bibliographic services to the library systems inMalta and Gozo which are fundamental for the development of libraries and their services.
7. MaLIA emphasises that the legislation about libraries (under consideration) should be speedily enacted and should reflect MaLIA’s proposals to improve the current management infrastructure and also to recognise qualified library and information workers as professionals.

As approved during a Forum held on the 14^th June 2006 and a follow-up meeting held on the 3^rd July 2006