Applying IFLA Standards to Compile National Standards: Standardization Activities in Iran

Abstract

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is a leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users.

One of the objectives assumed by IFLA as an independent, international, nongovernmental, and nonprofit organization is promotion of high-level standards for presentation of library and information services. Over the past fifty years, IFLA has codified a wide range of standards at all fields of library and information services.

Translating IFLA standards, different countries of the world make use of these standards in order to present enhanced library and information services. Even though, in Iran, as a leading country in application of IFLA standards, other activities are undertaken as well. Iran is located in south western Asia. It has more than 3,000 public libraries. According to the Iranian law, institution of Iranian public libraries is a general and nongovernmental foundation that is responsible for establishment, construction, equipment, development, management, and supervision over statewide Iranian public libraries. This Foundation has a department called Bureau of Standards. In addition to translating IFLA standards and comparing conditions dominant on the Iranian libraries with IFLA standards, Iran Public Libraries Bureau of Standards makes use of IFLA standards to codify national Iranian standards.

In Iran, the National Organization for Standardization is a member and representative of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Before 2014, ISO standards had been used to codify national Iranian standards at all fields of library and information services. After multiple attempts made by the Iran Public Libraries Bureau of Standards, IFLA standards, much like ISO standards, were ratified in the Iranian National Standards Organization in order to be used in codification of national standards. In this research, a report on the manner by which IFLA standards are applied and the activities undertaken to codify national standards in Iran is presented. This research might serve as an appropriate framework for other countries of the world in application of IFLA standards.