"We are very happy to publish the second edition of The World through Picture Books, enriched with sixteen new annotated lists. This new edition proves even more the very enthusiastic, skilled participation of librarians and the great success of this international programme. The programme deals with ... something we children’s librarians must never lose sight of, even if we are so busy with new technologies, budget restrictions, everyday work…: read children’s books and choose the best ones for our readers. And what does “best” mean? One thing it surely means is very good books from the readers’ own country and from as many other countries as possible… This is why, inspired by Kazuko Yoda’s request to our Committee for advice on the” top ten” picture books in Committee members’ countries, we launched “The World through Picture Books” programme in 2011. Librarians from fifty-two countries (or parts of countries) have made their choices which we publish here, with book presentations in the thirty-seven languages of publication, together with the English translation. Papers on picture books in several countries were presented at IFLA conferences in Helsinki, Singapore and Lyon and are on-line. Thanks to publishers’ generosity, two sets of touring book exhibitions were made, that have been shown in Finland, Japan, Korea, Italy, France, Reunion Island and Serbia. These collections are based in the National Libraries of France and Japan and are available to be booked by any country wishing to exhibit them." (Foreword) more

"These guidelines have three main purposes: 1) to describe the nature of and the need for easy-to-read publications; 2) to identify the main target groups for these publications; and 3) to offer suggestions to publishers of easy-to-read materials and those organizations and agencies that serve perso ... ns with reading disabilities. Easy-to-read publications are needed by people with various levels of reading disabilities. To a great extent, the needs of these groups are similar, and it is possible for several countries to cooperate in producing easy-to-read materials." (Introduction, page 2) more

"Developing an efficient library service for print-disabled people is extremely important, because there are significantly fewer books available commercially in accessible formats compared to what is published in print for the general public. The need to build collections in alternative formats and ... make them available for readers who are unable to browse shelves makes it necessary to develop special services. These guidelines were developed with input from many people from all over the world, including those who use libraries for the blind, work in them, or have a professional interest in the success of these libraries. The Standing Committee of the IFLA Libraries for the Blind Section wishes to acknowledge and thank all those who contributed." (Preface) more