The original article published in Japanese ( https://current.ndl.go.jp/e2736 )
Current Awareness-E No.488
October 3, 2024
“The World Through Picture Books”: Introducing the IFLA Exhibition Set
In March 2024, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Libraries for Children & Young Adults (C&YA) Section (see E2664 and others) announced the launch of the 3rd edition of the catalogue for “The World Through Picture Books” programme. This article first reviews the activities of IFLA and the exhibition set created as part of them. This is followed by an introduction of related projects at the International Library of Children’s Literature of the National Diet Library (NDL).
● Activities of IFLA
“The World Through Picture Books” programme was launched in 2011 to promote international understanding through picture books. It is an effort to create a catalogue of picture books from around the world with librarians from different countries recommending ten picture books from their country. The number of countries participating in the programme has increased with each edition, from the 1st edition in 2012 to the 2nd edition in 2015. The 3rd edition includes 530 picture books in 37 languages from 57 countries and regions around the world. These 57 countries and regions span Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Oceania, making it a global initiative. In compiling the 3rd edition, selection criteria were revised, including an expansion of suitable age range. Countries that had participated through the 2nd edition also reselected picture books. The selection criteria are as follows:
- Are suitable for ages 0-18.
- Include books that have stood the test of time and are, or may become a ‘classic,’ representing excellence in publishing by the country submitting them.
- Have been published in the country of representation.
- Are in the original language of publication.
- Are of good quality, a high standard of publishing and are excellent for reading aloud to and with children.
- Have text and illustrations that complement each other, although wordless books are not excluded.
- Reflect a positive message.
- Are still in print and able to be purchased.
Selected picture books are very diverse, including story books, picture books with no text, as well as pop-up books. Differences by countries and regions are also observed in binding, styles of illustration, and depicted themes, enabling readers to experience distinctive cultures. At the same time, some themes are common around the world, revealing universal values. One can discover many things through this catalogue.
Selection of picture books from Japan was led by the Standing Committee member from Japan in the IFLA Libraries for Children and Young Adults Section and the Library Services for Children and Young Adults Committee of the Japan Library Association. Heated discussions took place over around 270 books recommended by 62 individuals and organizations via Google Forms. Ten books that exemplify diversity of picture books in Japan were selected based on the IFLA criteria as well as Japan’s original criteria of including baby picture books, science picture books, picture books with photographs, picture books without text, and picture books that refer to peace and the SDGs.
Furthermore, two exhibition sets for loans were created with donation from publishers. The set enables exhibitions of picture books listed in the catalogue to take place around the world. They are to be lent to libraries and other organizations that wish to hold exhibitions. One set is lent from the International Library of Children’s Literature in Japan while another from Bibliothèque Nationale de France.
●Exhibition at the International Library of Children’s Literature
The International Library of Children’s Literature held an exhibition called “The World Through Picture Books – Librarians’ favourite books from their country” from July 9 to August 25 in 2024. The venue exhibited 360 picture books from 42 countries and regions that had been donated to date. Picture books were displayed so that visitors can pick up and read them directly, with translated captions introducing each book in Japanese language.
10,406 people visited during the exhibition. The exhibition was well received as seen in comments in the questionnaires: “I am grateful for this rare opportunity to see picture books from around the world all at once.” “It was a great learning experience to be able to know different values around the world.”
●Lending the Exhibition Sets
Since 2013, the International Library of Children’s Literature has been lending exhibition sets based on the 1st and 2nd editions of the catalogue to libraries and other institutions in Asia and Oceania including Japan. Other than the cost for returning the set, lending is free of charge. To date, a total of 47 institutions have lent the sets, including 42 domestic and 5 overseas institutions. Loans were made not only to public libraries, but also to school libraries, university libraries, and reading-related organizations.
Responses in questionnaires completed by past borrowers show that both children and adults, as well as people from Japan and overseas, greatly enjoyed the picture books in the exhibition set. There were comments hoping to borrow again as well as comments such as “Even if I couldn’t understand the language, I enjoyed the picture books by imagining the content from pictures and synopsis.” “I could feel the cultural differences between countries and regions as well as the vastness of the world.”
Following the completion of the 3rd edition of the catalogue, a new exhibition set will be available for loan from fall 2024. While applications for the 2024 loan period is now closed, applications for the 2025 loan period for domestic institutions will be announced in fall 2024 on the website of the International Library of Children’s Literature and other media.
As stated in the foreword of the catalogue, reading diverse literature promotes international understanding and encourages an open-mindedness that embraces multiple perspectives and viewpoints. We hope that the exhibition set will be utilized by many more people as an opportunity to encounter picture books from around the world and reconsider international society, and to contribute to realizing a society with respect for diversity.
Written by
Information Services Section,
Resources and Information Division,
International Library of Children’s Literature
Translated by Okada Aya
*References are not translated and remain in Japanese language.
Ref:
“The World Through Picture Books (3rd edition) is launched and ready-to-use!”. IFLA. 2024-03-20.
https://www.ifla.org/news/the-world-through-picture-books-is-launched-and-ready-to-use/
“The World Through Picture Books”. IFLA.
https://www.ifla.org/g/libraries-for-children-and-ya/the-world-through-picture-books/
The World Through Picture Books. 3rd ed., IFLA, 2024, 289p.
https://repository.ifla.org/items/7432fab6-da33-4055-a5c0-39a48c3b1a25
The World Through Picture Books. Expanded 2nd ed., IFLA, 2015, 218p. (IFLA Professional Reports, 136).
https://www.ifla.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/assets/hq/publications/professional-report/136.pdf
“絵本で知る世界の国々―IFLAからのおくりもの”. 国際子ども図書館.
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飛田由美. 「絵本で知る世界の国々―IFLAからのおくりもの」展. 国際子ども図書館の窓. 2014, (14), p. 40-42.
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