Statement by the German Library Association (dbv)
The Presidium and the Governing Board of the German Library Association (dbv) stand in solidarity with the Ukraine. The statements of the German Federal States, the municipal umbrella organizations and the Alliance of Science Organizations in Germany serve as a basis for the dbv as an association of libraries.
1. The dbv once again condemns the attack on Ukraine, which is contrary to international law. This extraordinary act of aggression and attack on democratic values requires consistency and clarity in further cooperation.
2. It is recommended that libraries in Germany take the position of their respective local authorities or universities. For the time being, this means for academic libraries to suspend existing cooperation with Russian institutions with immediate effect, not to allow any funds to flow to Russia and not to enter any new cooperative relationships. Public libraries will have to closely coordinate their cooperative relationships within the framework of city partnerships with Russia of their local authorities. It is expected that all official delegation visits will be cancelled. Regional and state libraries, as well as libraries operating outside of municipalities and universities, are also advised to follow the decision of their respective governing bodies. Individual working relationships and personal contacts with colleagues in libraries in the Russian Federation should not be broken down wherever possible and justifiable.
3. Following a corresponding appeal by the Ukrainian Library Association, the dbv will turn to the Governing Board of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) with the urgent request to suspend the membership of the Russian Library Association and the Russian libraries. This means that the participation of individuals in IFLA committees and sections should be paused with immediate effect and no delegation from the Russian Federation should participate in IFLA events and conferences. This is what respect demands for IFLA committee and section members from the Ukraine and the Ukrainian delegation. The dbv urges the IFLA governing board to respond quickly to the appeal of the Ukrainian Library Association.
4. The dbv pays tribute to all the people in Russia who stand up for democracy and freedom of speech, and in doing so take great risks and dangers for themselves and their families. This includes the more than 7,000 scientists who have signed an appeal for peace. Our hope is that in this way we all can work towards an immediate end to this war.
5. The dbv thanks all libraries that provide clarification and education, make serious information resources accessible, and offer help and services to refugees from Ukraine quickly and unbureaucratically. All libraries are asked to continue to support those people at best. In this regard, action should also be oriented to the activities and possible aid measures of the respective governing bodies.
The head office of the dbv would like to be informed about initiatives and ideas for further support for the people and libraries in Ukraine. A selection of these notes and hints will be made available to all libraries on the dbv website.
Contact
Barbara Schleihagen
Executive Director
German Library Association
Phone: +49 (0)30 644 98 99-10
E-Mail: dbv@bibliotheksverband.de
www.bibliotheksverband.de
www.bibliotheksportal.de