National information and library policies in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Situation in Switzerland

Abstract

Switzerland has no federal legislation for libraries (public libraries are under the authority of communities): we have no contribution to make on national policies, as they do not exist. In fact, in Switzerland we have to fight to make the government accept libraries as partners for their work on the UN SDGs. Therefore Bibliosuisse (the National Swiss Library Association) has started a working group ‘Biblio2030’ that informs, teaches and coaches libraries on their role in the SDG work (not only in the field of free access to information).

What we are doing: 1. Information: workshops for library staff using available material. 2. Contribution of the libraries: we are reflecting on the ‘normal offer’ of libraries, but now in the context of the SDGs, and sharing best-practice examples. We will create new programs in a Biblio2030 context. The aim of the different workshops is to raise awareness that libraries (through their work) are still involved in achieving the SDGs. 3. Campaigning for the work of libraries: networking in society, and policy. Developing different working tools. We see this work as a chance for Libraries to put their local activities into a global context and to profile themselves as advocates for sustainability.