Nearly 400 library leaders issue statement of solidarity with Ukrainian counterparts

Nearly 400 library leaders have issued a statement of solidarity with librarians, archivists and information professionals in Ukraine in response to the military action by Russia. 

The letter was written in response to an address by the Ukraine Library Association, which said the group was “at the forefront of the fight against fakes, misinformation and cyber threats”. 

The Ukraine Library Association stressed: “Libraries are educational spaces where everyone has the opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills. Librarians teach and help hundreds of thousands of people learn the skills to live in the digital world and have a safe cyberspace for themselves and their loved ones every day. Every day, librarians work so that people, communities and society can distinguish true information from lies and resist information and psychological manipulation.” 

Signatories include UK  library and information association CILIP’s chief executive Nick Poole, Libraries Connected chief executive Isobel Hunter, the Reading Agency’s c.e.o. Karen Napier and director for libraries at Arts Council England, Sue Williamson. They said they were “gravely concerned at the threat posed by this action to the safety of the Ukrainian people, their heritage and identity, as well as to the security of our professional colleagues”. 

The letter states: “Ukraine is a nation with a rich literary heritage and tradition. Its libraries and archives are home to great collections of works of literature, history and research, documenting the development of Ukrainian culture, identity and language. It is of vital importance to ensure that this body of knowledge, research and creativity is protected for future generations. 

“The integrity of the public record as well as the safety and intellectual freedom of the civilian population are pre-requisites of any nation state that aspires to legitimacy or credibility within the international community. 

“Librarians, archivists and information professionals play a vital role in promoting reading, literacy and access to information for the citizens and communities they serve. It is essential that they are permitted to continue this work in safety and free from coercion or threat. 

“We encourage political leaders in the UK government and international community to work together in order to restore peace and security for Ukraine as a member of the international community in good standing and subject to the international agreements and accords already set in place to guarantee this security, including compliance with the international obligations under the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property, and its protocols. 

“The library, archive and information professional community in the UK will work with our colleagues around the world to offer whatever support and solidarity we can to our professional colleagues in Ukraine.”