Bibliotekforeningen

Bibliotekforeningen is a national or regional professional association for libraries, librarians, and information professionals. It acts as an umbrella organization representing library institutions and advocates for library services, literacy, information access, and professional standards.

The term Bibliotekforeningen is used in several Nordic contexts to denote a library association. The organization historically emerged from late 19th or early 20th century library movements and has evolved to include public, school, academic, and special libraries.

Its purpose is to promote high-quality library services, professional ethics, continuing education, open access, and universal information literacy; to coordinate policy discussions and standards across the sector; and to liaise with government and funding bodies.

Activities typically include annual conferences, publications (journals, bulletins), professional training, accreditation programs, advisory services to member libraries, and advocacy on issues such as digitalization, copyright, privacy, and equitable access.

Membership is generally open to public libraries, academic libraries, school libraries, special libraries, and individual information professionals; local chapters or regional sections may exist; membership levels and dues vary by country or region.

Governance is usually provided by a board or council, with a president or chair, treasurer, and committees for standards, education, and policy; the organization is often staffed by a secretariat or executive office.

Impact often includes influencing national policy, supporting library workforce development, and fostering collaboration among libraries to share resources and best practices.

See also: Library Association, National Library, Information Policy.