As we look into international libraries, the issue that has always been ongoing because of global conflicts is refugees. Throughout mankind, conflicts have always created refugees, from one person to a population from one nation. Global conflicts always end in a lose-lose situation because of the monstrosity of damage caused by the physical and emotional disconnect between nations. Between the emotional damage between nations, refugees are in the middle of finding the most basic necessities, but the migration to another nation is the hardest journey of all. As we relate to global libraries, refugees are slowly migrating to different countries by land and sea. As countries have taken notice of refugees starting to show up in their country, some have negative thoughts due to a number of reasons, but some countries are accepting the realization that it is the right thing to do.
Through the waves of refugees seen on the news, they have been trying to survive when trying to enter another country; unfortunately, there are rules and regulations about it, but some countries have been opening their doors for refugees, giving them hope and a sense of newly found freedom. As countries are trying to help refugees settle, a group or a nation can feel homesick due to their original homeland being taken over or deemed unsafe. Their culture has been taken away from them, but the European Bureau of Library, Information, and Documentation (EBLIDA) has created resources for refugees to help them restart and create a new life or lives in the new country that they call home now. What helped me resonate with why libraries are such an important asset for humanity is how one can gather and help one or a nation when help is needed. There is a quote that brings out the democracy in countries.
“EBLIDA believes that libraries all over Europe should act as a platform for democratic and open-minded values, and be a safe place where social inclusiveness for all is a priority.” (Pyatetsky, 2015)
Libraries in Europe have adopted different ways to help with creating a new sense of identity and also to help rebuild their culture by visiting libraries, which hold an ample amount of information and also hold workshops for all age groups to succeed in their new lives. Through the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, it is amazing to see different European countries resolve the issues of incoming refugees. These countries’ libraries have created different types of programs and outreach opportunities for all ages, and this proves that there is a universal understanding of helping each other in need, and that’s what makes humanity worth fighting for.
References
Ptacek, B. (2016, October 10). The library is not a place, it’s a concept. | Bill Ptacek | TEDxCalgary. YouTube. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES0zGUvZj5s
Pyatetsky, J. (2015, November 24). Refugees Supported by Public Libraries in Europe. Public Libraries Online. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2015/11/refugees-supported-by-public-libraries-in-europe/
Responding! Public Libraries and Refugees, IFLA. (2015). IFLA. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://www.ifla.org/publications/responding-public-libraries-and-refugees/
Hi Maverick,
I agree with you and admire the point that libraries can be refuges for refugees. They can be a lifeline in so many different ways–naturalization to a country is one that is not traditionally thought of as a service libraries provide. That is what I love about Libraries Without Borders. They bring libraries to people experiencing crises and offer a little calm in a storm.
Maverick – this is right on target and so important to consider. I appreciate everything you highlighted regarding refugees finding a place in the library. I think this is one of the things I want everyone to take away from this class is that everyone should feel like they belong in libraries.