WSIS, IFLA, UNESCO and GATS: networking for libraries on an international level

Purpose: The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) shows the political dimension of the global information society. This article considers the state of WSIS after the second phase and shows possibilities for libraries to participate in the WSIS implementation. Furthermore, relations between WSIS, GATS and the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions are explained. IFLA, as leading library organization, as well as national associations, is taking up the challenge of advocating libraries as agencies of information societies. Design/methodology/approach: Report and analysis of WSIS Summit 2003-2005 and WSIS Stocktaking for Libraries. Findings: Relevance of WSIS Summit 2003-2005 and WSIS Stocktaking for Libraries. Originality/value: First-hand information on the WSIS process. Proposals for networking between libraries and advocacy for libraries on global political level.