Policies and strategies of social responsibility in Central America: a proposal

Abstract

For the countries of Central America, the implementation of policies that strengthen social engagement is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity to develop societies that are more inclusive, equitable, just, healthy, protective of the environment, educated, informed, connected and more human. In this context, Central American Federation of Library Associations (FECEAB) is convinced that the libraries working collaboratively, with strategic allies of government, public and private companies, are able to contribute to the achievement of this vision of society, “ensuring public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements”.

This paper aims to be a base document and frame of reference for working on the issue of social responsibility in the Central American region and promoting the development of best practices among university, public and school libraries, as well as library associations. Therefore, it proposes four strategic lines of work, which derive from the international and national policies, agreements and development plans of the countries, framed in the SDGs. Finally, challenges and reflections are pointed out for libraries and librarians, like, they must know the international and national policies, agreements, laws, development plans in order to developing targets, strategies, policies and indicators that enable measurement of the impact of the objectives and actions developed.