International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)

Introduction and History

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the
leading global organization representing library and information professionals.
• Founded: September 30, 1927, in Edinburgh, during the International Congress of
Libraries.
• Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.
• Initially, IFLA began as a small association of national library organizations and
academic libraries. Today, it has 1,500 members from approximately 140
countries.
Aims and Purpose
IFLA aims to:
1. Promote high standards for the provision and delivery of library and information
services.
2. Advocate the value of libraries and information services worldwide.
3. Represent the interests of its members in global forums.
Its overarching mission is to foster international cooperation, discussion, research, and
development in library activities, including bibliographic services, information science, and
personnel training.

Core Activities
IFLA's activities address issues common to libraries globally, directed by its Professional
Committee. Key initiatives include:
1. ALP (Action for Development through Libraries Program): Focuses on
addressing library needs in developing regions.
2. FAIFE (Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression): Advocates for
the right to information access.
3. ICADS (IFLA-CDNL Alliance for Digital Strategies): Encourages digital
transformation.
4. PAC (Preservation and Conservation): Promotes the preservation of cultural
heritage.
5. UNIMARC: Develops universal standards for cataloging and bibliographic
records.

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 6. CLM (Committee on Copyright and Legal Matters): Handles copyright and legal
concerns.

Organizational Structure
1. Divisions and Sections
o IFLA comprises 43 sections grouped into five divisions:
a. Library Types.
b. Library Collections.
c. Library Services.
d. Professional Support.
e. Regional Activities.
o Sections focus on specific library types (e.g., academic, public) and
geographical regions.
2. Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
o Temporary, informal groups discussing specialized topics.
o Currently, IFLA has 15 SIGs addressing emerging trends and challenges.

Regional Activities
• IFLA has three regional sections: Africa, Asia and Oceania, and Latin America and
the Caribbean.
• These sections work to address regional issues, promote IFLA programs, and
collaborate with Regional Offices in Pretoria (South Africa), Singapore, and Rio de
Janeiro (Brazil).

Publications
IFLA disseminates the results of its programs through:
1. IFLA Journal: Peer-reviewed articles on library science.
2. Annual Reports: Summarizing activities and initiatives.
3. Professional Reports: Addressing specific topics like bibliographic control.

Significance

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 • Global Influence: IFLA is the voice of the library profession globally, fostering a
platform for exchange of ideas, innovations, and best practices.
• Advocacy: Champions free and equitable access to information for all.
• Development: Supports library services in underprivileged regions through
programs like ALP.

Conclusion
IFLA's comprehensive initiatives and activities have made it a cornerstone in advancing
library and information services worldwide. Its commitment to international cooperation,
advocacy, and standardization ensures its ongoing relevance in the digital age.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization)

Introduction
UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1946. Its primary
mission is to promote international cooperation in education, science, culture, and
communication to foster peace and sustainable development.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• UNESCO was founded following World War II to rebuild educational, scientific,
and cultural institutions destroyed during the conflict.

Key Objectives
1. Encourage intellectual cooperation among nations.
2. Rebuild libraries and archives destroyed during the war.
3. Promote universal access to information for human rights, peace, and
development.
4. Support professional training in library and information sciences.

UNESCO’s Role in Libraries and Information Services

UNESCO has significantly contributed to modernizing libraries and information services
globally, especially in developing countries.

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Early Contributions
• Focused on rebuilding library infrastructure.
• Supported the establishment of documentation and archival services with emphasis
on:
o Professional training.
o Book promotion.
o Internationalization of library services.

Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Established in 1990, the CI Sector focuses on leveraging information and communication
technologies (ICTs) to improve access to information.
Key Programs
1. Freedom of Expression and Media Development:
o Promotes press freedom and media pluralism.
2. Knowledge Societies Division:
o Develops strategies to promote equitable access to information.
3. Intergovernmental Programs:
o IPDC (International Program for the Development of Communication):
Supports media development.
o IFAP (Information for All Program): Facilitates access to information for
marginalized groups.

UNESCO’s Networks
To facilitate global collaboration, UNESCO has established information networks:
1. APIN: Asia-Pacific Information Network.
2. INFOLAC: Focuses on Latin America and the Caribbean.
3. MEDLIB: Virtual library for Mediterranean countries.
4. RINAF: Regional Information Society Network for Africa.
5. ORBICOM: A global network of communication chairs.

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Future Programs
UNESCO is committed to several future-oriented initiatives:
1. Promoting freedom of expression in all media forms.
2. Empowering citizens through universal access to ICTs.
3. Bridging the digital divide by supporting open-source software, open educational
resources, and innovative technologies.
4. Preservation of documentary heritage: Protecting and digitizing archives for
education and research.

Significance of UNESCO in Developing Countries

• Acts as a catalyst for improving library and information infrastructure.
• Provides technical assistance for digitization and modernization efforts.
• Facilitates cross-border exchange of cultural, educational, and scientific
knowledge.

Additional Information: UNESCO’s Contribution to Libraries

1. Memory of the World Programme:
o Launched to preserve and promote access to the world's documentary
heritage.
2. Open Access Initiatives:
o Encourages sharing and availability of academic and scientific information
globally.
3. Global Reports and Guidelines:
o Provides best practices for sustainable library development.

Conclusion
UNESCO plays a pivotal role in advancing access to information, freedom of expression,
and the development of libraries globally. Its focus on bridging digital divides and
preserving cultural heritage underscores its commitment to fostering knowledge societies
for a sustainable future.

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International Labour Organization (ILO)
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United
Nations established in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles. It became the first specialized
agency of the UN in 1946.
History and Purpose
• The ILO was founded to promote social justice and internationally recognized labor
rights.
• It is the only surviving organization from the Treaty of Versailles.
• Its unique tripartite structure includes representation from governments,
employers, and workers, ensuring all stakeholders have an equal voice.
Main Objectives
1. Promoting rights at work: Advocates for freedom of association, collective
bargaining, and the abolition of forced labor.
2. Decent employment opportunities: Encourages fair and equitable labor markets.
3. Enhancing social protection: Strengthens social security and safeguards workers'
rights.
4. Dialogue on work-related issues: Facilitates discussions on policies, standards,
and reforms.
Key Functions and Services
• The ILO formulates international labor standards through conventions and
recommendations, covering basic rights and working conditions.
• It provides technical assistance in areas like vocational training, employment
policies, and occupational safety.
• Promotes the development of independent workers' and employers' organizations.
ILO Library
• The ILO Library is a global repository on labor-related issues, sustainable
livelihoods, and social development.
• Its collections include books, journals, reports, labor legislation, and statistics, with
a strong focus on developing and transition economies.
• The library maintains comprehensive collections of national labor statistics and
official gazettes.
Labordoc

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 • Labordoc is the ILO’s database, containing references to a wide range of print and
electronic publications.
• It provides online access to bibliographic data and full-text resources related to
labor, economic development, and human rights.
Significance
• The ILO serves as a critical platform for shaping global labor policies and ensuring
equitable working conditions.
• Its library and databases like Labordoc play a key role in disseminating knowledge
and supporting research on labor issues.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

Introduction
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), established in 1947, is the
world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards. ISO is an independent, non-
governmental organization with 161 national standards bodies as members, including the
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) from India. Its primary role is to create global
standards that ensure quality, safety, and efficiency in products, services, and systems.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

History
ISO was founded with the mission to facilitate global trade by providing common standards
that bridge differences in national practices. It has since developed over 19,500 standards,
covering technology, business, and library sciences.

Objectives
1. Promote international standardization: Break down trade barriers and enhance
global interoperability.
2. Ensure quality and safety: Develop state-of-the-art specifications for products and
services.
3. Support innovation and efficiency: Provide strategic tools for organizations to
reduce waste and increase productivity.

Library and Information Science Standards

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ISO has developed numerous standards for the library and information science field,
ensuring compatibility and quality in information systems. Examples include:
1. ISO 25964-2:2013: Focuses on thesauri and interoperability with other
vocabularies.
2. ISO 2789:2013: Covers international library statistics to assess performance.
3. ISO/TR 14873:2013: Addresses web archiving statistics and quality.

Key Features
1. Standards Catalogue:
o ISO standards are classified into fields (e.g., electrical engineering, library
sciences).
o Accessible via ISO’s online platform.
2. Online Collection:
o Libraries and organizations can subscribe to ISO’s standards through an
Online Browsing Platform (OBP).
o Benefits include up-to-date content, easy navigation, and universal
accessibility.
3. Graphical Symbols:
o ISO provides collections of high-resolution symbols for various
applications, available through annual subscriptions.

Role in International Trade

ISO standards are strategic tools that enable companies to:
• Access new markets.
• Reduce costs by minimizing errors and waste.
• Foster sustainable practices and innovation.

Additional Information
1. ISO 9000 Series:
o The ISO 9001 standard is globally recognized for quality management
systems (QMS).

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 o It helps organizations consistently meet customer and regulatory
requirements.
2. ISO 14000 Series:
o Focuses on environmental management systems, promoting sustainable
development.
3. ISO and Digital Standards:
o ISO collaborates on cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence,
cybersecurity, and blockchain technology.
4. Partnerships:
o Works with organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to align global standards.

Impact of ISO on Libraries and Information Services

ISO’s library-related standards ensure that systems across nations are compatible,
improving the efficiency of cataloging, data sharing, and bibliographic control. These
efforts help in:
1. Facilitating global knowledge sharing.
2. Enhancing the accuracy of digital repositories.
3. Providing frameworks for evaluating library performance.

Conclusion
ISO’s commitment to developing high-quality standards has made it a cornerstone of
international cooperation, particularly in the fields of technology, business, and library
sciences. By addressing global challenges and fostering innovation, ISO plays a critical
role in advancing sustainable development and bridging gaps between industries and
nations.

International Council on Archives (ICA)

Introduction
The International Council on Archives (ICA) is a global organization dedicated to the
effective management of records and the preservation of the world’s archival heritage. It
was established in 1948 and operates as a neutral, non-governmental organization,
funded by its membership.

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Headquarters: Paris, France.
Membership: Approximately 1,400 members from 199 countries, including central
archives, professional associations, and individual archivists.

History and Objectives

History
The ICA was founded after World War II to address the growing need for international
cooperation in archival preservation and records management.
Objectives
1. Ensure the preservation, care, and accessibility of archives worldwide.
2. Promote the importance of archives as critical resources for democracy, identity,
and human rights.
3. Foster collaboration among archivists, policymakers, and stakeholders.

Key Activities and Initiatives

1. Advocacy
o Promotes the value of archives in supporting democracy and transparency.
o Campaigns for better legislative frameworks to protect archival records.
2. Standards Development
o Creates guidelines for archival management, digital preservation, and
metadata standards.
3. Professional Development
o Provides training, workshops, and resources for archivists globally.
4. Networking and Collaboration
o Facilitates connections between professionals through conferences, forums,
and online platforms.

Resources
1. Multilingual Archival Terminology
o An online database offering translations of archival terms to support
international collaboration.

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 2. Online Resource Centre
o Houses a wide array of publications, guidelines, and best practices for
archival work.
o Many resources are open access, while some are reserved for members.
3. ICA Publications
o Articles, proceedings, and newsletters covering advancements in archival
science.

Membership Structure
ICA offers two types of membership:
1. Institutional Membership: Includes central/national archives, professional
associations, and international organizations.
2. Individual Membership: Open to professional and student archivists.

Additional Information
1. ICA Programs
o Records in Context (RiC): A conceptual model for archival description and
management.
o Digital Records Management: Provides guidelines for digitizing and
preserving electronic records.
2. Collaboration with UNESCO
o Works closely with UNESCO to implement the Memory of the World
Programme, ensuring the preservation of documentary heritage.
3. Partnerships
o Collaborates with intergovernmental bodies like the Council of Europe and
non-governmental organizations to promote archival preservation globally.
4. World Digital Preservation Day
o Promotes awareness about the importance of preserving digital records.

Significance of ICA

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 1. Preservation of Global Heritage: Protects invaluable historical records that serve
as irreplaceable witnesses to past events.
2. Support for Human Rights: Advocates for access to records that underpin
individual and community rights.
3. Capacity Building: Strengthens the skills and knowledge of archivists, particularly
in developing nations.

Conclusion
The International Council on Archives is a vital organization ensuring the preservation,
management, and accessibility of archival records worldwide. Through its advocacy,
resources, and partnerships, the ICA plays a pivotal role in safeguarding global heritage
and supporting the professional growth of archivists. Its contributions to digital
preservation and international collaboration underscore its importance in a rapidly evolving
information landscape.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the specialized health agency of the United
Nations, established in 1948. Its mission is to ensure the highest attainable level of health
for all people globally. WHO provides leadership on global health matters, shapes the
research agenda, sets norms and standards, and monitors health trends.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
Membership: 194 countries.

History and Objectives

History
WHO was founded post-World War II to coordinate international efforts in combating
diseases and promoting public health. Its Constitution came into force on April 7, 1948,
now celebrated as World Health Day.
Objectives
1. Provide global leadership in health matters.
2. Promote universal health coverage and strengthen healthcare systems.
3. Support countries in preparing for and responding to health emergencies.

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 4. Address social determinants of health, aiming to reduce inequalities.

Key Activities and Functions

1. Leadership and Advocacy
o Directs international responses to public health emergencies (e.g.,
pandemics).
o Sets health-related norms, standards, and guidelines.
2. Research and Knowledge Dissemination
o Shapes global health research agendas and provides evidence-based policy
options.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation
o Tracks health trends globally to guide interventions.
o Publishes reports like the World Health Statistics and Global Health
Observatory.
4. Capacity Building
o Supports healthcare infrastructure development in low-income countries.

WHO Library and Information Services

1. WHO Library
o Recognized as the leading library for public health.
o Provides access to WHO publications and other global health literature.
o Focuses on cost-effective information sharing with low- and middle-income
countries.
2. IRIS (Institutional Repository for Information Sharing)
o A digital library for full-text technical publications from WHO since its
establishment in 1948.
o Freely accessible in the six official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English,
French, Russian, Spanish).
3. Global Index Medicus (GIM)
o Provides access to biomedical and public health literature from low- and
middle-income countries.

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 o Aims to increase the visibility and usability of such resources.

WHO’s Global Health Initiatives

1. Polio Eradication Initiative: Led efforts to nearly eliminate polio worldwide.
2. Health Emergencies Programme: Provides rapid responses to outbreaks like
Ebola and COVID-19.
3. Global Vaccine Action Plan: Promotes equitable access to immunization.
4. Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Ensures access to essential health services
without financial hardship.

Additional Information
1. Key Publications
o World Health Report: Provides in-depth analysis of global health
challenges.
o Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025: Promotes digital
technologies in healthcare delivery.
2. Collaborations
o Partners with organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,
Gavi, and UNICEF for health initiatives.
o Works with member states to develop health policies and implement
sustainable practices.
3. Focus on Digital Health
o WHO is increasingly adopting technology-driven solutions like
telemedicine, AI for diagnostics, and mobile health apps.
4. World Health Assembly (WHA)
o WHO’s decision-making body, where health policies and budgets are
discussed annually.

Significance of WHO
1. Global Health Security: WHO’s leadership in disease outbreak responses ensures
international preparedness.

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 2. Equity in Healthcare: Promotes access to healthcare in underprivileged regions.
3. Standardization: Sets global standards for health practices, ensuring uniformity in
healthcare delivery.

Conclusion
The WHO remains the cornerstone of global public health, providing leadership, resources,
and strategies to improve health outcomes worldwide. Its focus on equity, technology, and
preparedness underlines its critical role in addressing present and future health challenges.
Through initiatives like IRIS and GIM, WHO ensures that scientific knowledge is
accessible to all, particularly in resource-constrained regions.

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Introduction
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized self-funding
agency of the United Nations, established in 1967. It serves as the global forum for
intellectual property (IP) services, policy, information, and cooperation.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Membership: 193 member states.
WIPO aims to develop a balanced and effective IP system that fosters innovation and
creativity for the benefit of all.

History and Purpose

History
• WIPO was founded under the WIPO Convention (1967) to streamline IP protection
and encourage international cooperation.
• It replaced its predecessor, the United International Bureaux for the Protection
of Intellectual Property (BIRPI), established in 1893.
Purpose
• To lead the development of international IP rules.
• Support economic, social, and cultural development through innovation and
creativity.
• Facilitate global cooperation on IP matters.

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Key Functions and Services
1. IP Protection and Policy
o Provides a forum for shaping global IP policies.
o Develops and harmonizes IP standards and treaties (e.g., the Patent
Cooperation Treaty).
2. Global IP Services
o Offers tools for registering and managing IP rights internationally, such as
patents, trademarks, and designs.
o Resolves disputes through its Arbitration and Mediation Center.
3. Capacity Building
o Supports developing countries by enhancing their IP infrastructure.
o Provides training and technical assistance for better utilization of IP systems.
4. Knowledge Sharing
o Maintains databases, publications, and tools to facilitate access to IP
information.
o Hosts a comprehensive repository of laws, treaties, and IP-related
documents.

Key Components
1. WIPO Library
o Houses over 35,000 references, including historical IP documents and
treaties like the 1883 Paris Convention.
o Supports global IP research through its online catalogue and depository
libraries.
2. Reference Section
o Offers resources such as:
▪ IP and Technology Databases: Covers patents, trademarks, and
industrial designs.
▪ IP Laws and Treaties: Provides access to international legal
frameworks.

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 ▪ Empirical Studies: Research-based insights into IP trends.

WIPO’s Global Programs

1. Technical Infrastructure Programs
o Develops platforms like WIPO CASE and WIPO GREEN to connect
innovators and stakeholders.
2. World IP Day
o Celebrated annually on April 26 to promote IP awareness and innovation.
3. Global Innovation Index (GII)
o An annual ranking of countries based on their innovation capabilities and
performance.

Additional Information
1. WIPO Lex
o An online database providing free access to IP laws, treaties, and judicial
decisions from member states.
2. Partnerships
o Collaborates with organizations like the World Trade Organization
(WTO) and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to ensure
cohesive global IP strategies.
3. Digital IP Services
o WIPO has embraced technology to make IP systems more accessible,
offering tools like:
▪ Global Brand Database: Helps users search trademarks and brands.
▪ WIPO PROOF: A digital time-stamping service to safeguard
intellectual assets.
4. Addressing Emerging IP Challenges
o Focuses on issues like artificial intelligence (AI), genetic resources, and
traditional knowledge.

Significance of WIPO

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 1. Global Innovation Support: Encourages innovation by offering streamlined IP
registration systems.
2. Economic Development: Helps countries leverage IP as a tool for economic
growth.
3. Knowledge Sharing: Provides access to resources and databases for businesses,
governments, and individuals.
4. Dispute Resolution: Offers a neutral platform to resolve international IP conflicts.

Conclusion
WIPO plays a pivotal role in shaping the global intellectual property landscape by fostering
innovation, harmonizing IP laws, and providing technical assistance to member states. With
its focus on capacity building and emerging technologies, WIPO ensures that IP rights are
accessible and beneficial to all, driving economic and creative development worldwide.
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization comprising 188 countries
that aims to foster global monetary cooperation, ensure financial stability, facilitate
international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and
reduce poverty worldwide. It was established to support the stability of the international
monetary system.
Core Functions:
1. Global Monitoring:
❖ Tracks the global economy and economic performance of member countries.
2. Financial Assistance:
❖ Lends funds to countries facing balance-of-payment issues.
3. Capacity Building:
❖ Provides practical help to member countries through policy advice, technical
assistance, and training.
IMF eLibrary:
• A comprehensive digital platform offering:
❖ Periodicals, books, working papers, and statistical tools.
❖ Research on macroeconomics, globalization, development, trade, and
poverty reduction.

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 • Key Resources:
❖ Occasional Papers, Country Reports, and World Economic Outlook
reports.
❖ Formats include analytical papers, data, and reports available for research
and policy formulation.
The IMF serves as a critical institution in ensuring the stability of the international financial
system, addressing crises, and supporting economic growth globally.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

The World Trade Organization (WTO), established in 1995 and headquartered in
Geneva, Switzerland, is the only global international organization dedicated to the
regulation of trade between nations. Its primary role is to ensure that international trade
flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible.
Core Objectives:
1. Trade Opening:
o Promotes the reduction of trade barriers to facilitate global commerce.
2. Negotiation Forum:
o Provides a platform for member countries (currently 159 members) to
negotiate trade agreements.
3. Dispute Resolution:
o Offers mechanisms to resolve trade disputes among member states.
4. Rule Enforcement:
o Ensures that nations adhere to agreed-upon trade rules.
WTO Library:
• Houses an extensive collection of resources on multilateral trading systems:
o 40,000 monographs, 1,000 periodicals, and over 800 yearbooks.
o GATT/WTO official documents dating back to the Havana Charter.
o National statistics from member and non-member countries.
• The library supports WTO staff, member delegates, and researchers interested in
trade policies.
Digital Access:

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 1. Docs Online (1995–present):
o Database for official WTO documents, including legal texts of agreements.
2. GATT Digital Library (1947–1994):
o Provides access to historical documents created in collaboration with
Stanford University Libraries.
3. UN Libraries:
o Offers specialized trade-related information.

International Council for Science (ICSU)

The International Council for Science (ICSU) is a non-governmental organization
founded in 1931. Its mission is to strengthen international science for the benefit of society
by fostering cooperation among scientists and addressing major global challenges. ICSU
has a diverse membership, including 120 national scientific bodies and 31 international
scientific unions.
Core Objectives:
1. Promoting Science for Society:
❖ Addresses key issues impacting science and society.
2. Fostering International Collaboration:
❖ Encourages interaction among scientists across disciplines and countries.
3. Inclusivity in Science:
❖ Promotes participation regardless of race, citizenship, language, political
stance, or gender.
4. Policy Advice:
❖ Provides independent and authoritative recommendations to governments,
civil society, and the private sector.
Key Initiative – CODATA (Committee on Data for Science and Technology):
1. Mission:
❖ Promotes the compilation, evaluation, and dissemination of reliable
numerical data for science and technology worldwide.
2. Focus Areas:

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 ❖ Data management, reliability, and accessibility across disciplines like
biology, geology, and environmental science.
3. Resources:
❖ Databases, newsletters, and the CODATA Data Science Journal.

Additional Information
Databases:
• CODATA maintains a range of specialized databases providing critical data across
disciplines such as experimental measurements, environmental monitoring, and
computational results.
• The focus is on ensuring data interoperability and enhancing its usability for
scientists worldwide.
Publications:
1. ICSU Yearbook:
❖ Documents activities, memberships, and programs of the council annually.
2. ICSU Newsletter:
❖ A quarterly publication updating members and stakeholders on current
initiatives and scientific developments.
3. Conference Proceedings:
❖ Contains detailed discussions and findings from ICSU’s international
conferences.
Collaborative Efforts:
• ICSU works closely with UNESCO and other international organizations to support
global scientific endeavors.
• Its contributions to interdisciplinary research, such as climate change and
sustainable development, are highly recognized.

Significance of ICSU:
ICSU’s focus on promoting open access to scientific data and collaboration across borders
has positioned it as a leader in advancing global science. By leveraging its network of
experts and partnerships, ICSU continues to address critical challenges like biodiversity
loss, energy transitions, and disaster risk reduction.

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International Council for Scientific and Technical Information (ICSTI)
The International Council for Scientific and Technical Information (ICSTI) is an
international, not-for-profit membership organization. It provides a unique forum for
interaction among entities that create, disseminate, and use scientific and technical
information (STI). Founded to address challenges in the evolving landscape of information
technologies, ICSTI operates across disciplines and international borders.
Core Objectives:
1. Collaboration:
o Facilitates cooperation between producers and users of scientific and
technical information.
2. Innovation in Information Management:
o Promotes the adoption of new technologies to improve information
accessibility and usability.
3. Global Networking:
o Creates opportunities for organizations to exchange expertise, share best
practices, and collaborate on STI projects.
4. Advocacy:
o Provides input on policies affecting the production and use of scientific and
technical information.

Key Activities:
• Addressing Change:
o Initiates programs relevant to scholarly communication, data management,
and digital archiving.
• Knowledge Sharing:
o Hosts workshops, conferences, and forums to discuss pressing issues in STI
dissemination.
• Capacity Building:
o Encourages the adoption of standardized methodologies and technologies to
enhance STI access globally.

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Additional Information
Databases:
• ICSTI facilitates access to international databases that house scientific and technical
information across various disciplines, ensuring they are discoverable and
interoperable.
Publications:
1. ICSTI Reports:
o Covers insights and recommendations on trends in STI management and
distribution.
2. Workshop Proceedings:
o Provides in-depth analysis and case studies from ICSTI’s events.
3. Newsletters:
o Regular updates on initiatives, collaborations, and emerging technologies in
STI.
Collaboration with Other Organizations:
• ICSTI partners with entities such as UNESCO, ICSU, and WIPO to align efforts in
STI dissemination and capacity building.
• It also engages with academic institutions, libraries, and private-sector stakeholders
to ensure a wide-reaching impact.

Significance of ICSTI:
ICSTI plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of STI by fostering an ecosystem where
data producers, disseminators, and users collaborate. Its work addresses the challenges
posed by rapid technological changes, ensuring that scientific and technical information is
more accessible, efficient, and relevant in solving global issues.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The International Nuclear Information System (INIS), established in 1970, is a
cooperative information system managed by the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA). It provides comprehensive and reliable resources on the peaceful uses of nuclear
science and technology. INIS operates with contributions from 128 countries and 24
international organizations, making it a critical global resource for nuclear information.

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Key Objectives:
1. Information Dissemination:
o Provides access to global scientific literature on nuclear energy applications
for peaceful purposes.
2. Capacity Building:
o Promotes knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in nuclear information
management.
3. Preservation:
o Ensures the preservation and accessibility of non-conventional nuclear
literature, often referred to as "grey literature."

Main Activities:
1. INIS Collection:
o Contains over 3.6 million bibliographic records and full-text documents in
PDF format, including scientific and technical reports, conference papers,
and theses.
o The collection covers topics such as nuclear safety, applications, and
environmental aspects.
2. Standardized Input and Processing:
o Member states submit nuclear literature in standardized formats for
centralized processing.
3. Multilingual Thesaurus:
o A comprehensive tool that supports indexing and retrieval of nuclear-related
literature.
4. Capacity-Building Programs:
o Provides training and e-learning resources to enhance information
management skills in member states.

Products and Services:

• INIS Database:
o Available online, the database provides direct access to bibliographic records
and full-text documents.

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 • Thesaurus:
o A tool for efficient information retrieval across languages and disciplines.
• Publications:
o Annual reports, newsletters, and guidelines on nuclear information
management.

Additional Information:
1. INIS Restructuring:
o In 2012, INIS became part of the Nuclear Information Section (NIS) of
IAEA, which integrated the IAEA Library and Systems Development and
Support Group.
o This restructuring aims to improve efficiency and expand services.
2. INIS in India:
o India has been an active participant in INIS through the Bhabha Atomic
Research Centre (BARC), contributing significantly to the database and
disseminating nuclear information locally.

Significance:
INIS is a unique global resource for researchers, scientists, and policymakers, providing
access to nuclear information essential for advancing scientific discovery, promoting safety,
and fostering international collaboration in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Its role in
preserving grey literature ensures that critical but often inaccessible materials remain
available for future generations.

The International Information System for the Agricultural Sciences and Technology
(AGRIS)
AGRIS is a global information system established in 1974 by the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Its mission is to facilitate information
exchange and improve access to knowledge in the agricultural sciences and technology.
AGRIS provides comprehensive bibliographic coverage of agricultural science literature
and links to related data resources on the web.

Key Features:

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 1. Comprehensive Database:
o AGRIS contains over 7 million bibliographic references from more than
150 participating institutions across 65 countries.
o It covers various topics, including forestry, animal husbandry, aquatic
sciences, fisheries, and human nutrition.
2. Unique Material:
o Includes unpublished scientific and technical reports, theses, conference
papers, and government publications.
3. Multilingual Thesaurus:
o Uses AGROVOC, FAO’s multilingual thesaurus, to index and classify
information in English, French, and Spanish.

Components:
1. AGRIS Repository:
o A digital repository providing open access to agricultural resources.
2. OpenAGRIS:
o A linked open data application that connects AGRIS knowledge to related
web resources.
3. Agricultural Ontology Service:
o Enhances data interoperability and improves searchability.

New AGRIS:
To adapt to modern technological advancements, AGRIS has evolved into a digital library
system with features like:
• Enhanced Accessibility:
o Retrieves and integrates diverse information, including full-text documents,
blogs, and organizational data.
• Linked Open Data (LOD):
o Connects AGRIS with other global data repositories like World Bank,
Nature, and FAO Fisheries.

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AGRIS in India:
India has been a prominent contributor to AGRIS through the Agricultural Research
Information Centre (ARIC) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
India submits approximately 3,500 bibliographic entries annually to the AGRIS database
and provides retrieval services to agricultural scientists.

Additional Information:
Publications:
1. AGRIS Outputs:
o Monthly updates from FAO are shared with member institutions for research
and development.
2. Reports:
o Include annual activity summaries and new methodologies for agricultural
data collection.
Collaboration:
• AGRIS partners with global organizations like CIARD (Coherence in
Information for Agricultural Research for Development) to promote knowledge
sharing.
• It is also aligned with initiatives by CGIAR (Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research) and GFAR (Global Forum on Agricultural Research).

Significance:
AGRIS serves as a critical resource for researchers, policymakers, and educators in the
agricultural domain. By bridging information gaps, it supports sustainable agricultural
practices, enhances food security, and fosters international collaboration in agricultural
research and technology. Its emphasis on open access ensures that valuable agricultural
knowledge is freely available worldwide.

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