IFLA Opening Session Spotlights Italian Art, Theater, History

Mauro Guerrini, president of the Italian Library Association, was the first to welcome some 3,000 delegates from 136 countries to Milan for the August 23 opening session of the five-day World Library and Information Congress. Themed "Libraries Create Futures: Building on Cultural Heritage," the conference is the 75th in IFLA's 82-year history and the first in Italy since the federation met in Rome in 1964. Noting that Milan, with its 200-year-old stock market, is the financial capital of Italy, IFLA President Claudia Lux of Germany observed that libraries are being "heavily affected by a global economic and financial crisis" caused by "financial speculators" who "have taken advantage of their clients," including foundations and universities that had hoped to use their gain to support social and cultural causes like libraries. Lux emphasized that IFLA is redoubling its advocacy efforts "to stabilize the library's role in a critical time like this and to be prepared for the coming years." "Is it more important to have clean water or to have internet access?" Lux asked. This is the type of question librarians must consider, she said, when they take part in the new online "Train the Trainer" courses offered by the Committee on Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression on IFLA's revamped website. Lux observed that a conference located in Italy was a logical reminder that "it is like a Renaissance when access to knowledge is opened up to everybody and libraries contribute to it by digitizing materials otherwise 'hidden' in libraries."  She concluded, "Milan is renowned as one of the world capitals of design and fashion, and that is what libraries need, worldwide. Libraries need not only newly designed buildings or newly designed catalogs, they also need fashion, meaning current styles that reflect how libraries are developing along with their customers' needs." Following greetings from other local dignitaries, Nicoletta Maraschio delivered a history of the Italian language as represented by the holdings of the Accademia della Crusca, of which she is president, and based on her assertion that "communication is central in today's world."  Interspersed with the speeches were five multimedia tableaus, performed by the Teatro Alkaest Associazione Culturale and titled "The Book of Books." Highlighting moments from Italian history, the performances featured actors interpreting the coronation of Constantine the Great, the Renaissance and the invention of printing, Commedia dell'Arte, and opera and Italian musical publishing. The final tableau on modern Italian design and the digitized book featured a mock fashion show with models wearing clothing and accessories that appeared to have been made from books; it was the morning's biggest laugh-getter. Sunday afternoon sessions included a presentation by UNESCO, followed by the opening of the exhibit hall, and many delegates then went on to La Scala, Milan's famous opera house, where they enjoyed a "Concerto Lirico." Others spent the evening strolling through central Milan, visiting the Duomo and other historic sites, and catching up with IFLA friends and colleagues.