Interbiblio - The umbrella organization of the intercultural libraries in Switzerland

Interbiblio was founded as the Association for Books Without Borders Switzerland (Verein Bücher ohne Grenzen Schweiz - VBOGS) in 1993 and is the umbrella organization of the intercultural libraries in Switzerland. Interbiblio nourishes and promotes the exchange of information and experiences amongst its members and further interested persons or institutions and represents the intercultural libraries and their interests in politics and society. To do this, a regular newsletter shares news of the activities of the organization, member libraries’ events, as well as future plans and any other important news.

Interbiblio organizes and conducts joint projects, an annual training conference for its members, regular meetings for delegates from the member libraries, reading-promotion projects, collective book acquisitions, reading tours by authors, touring exhibitions, and much more.

Interbiblio advises interested parties, groups, institutions and community libraries that would like to establish an intercultural library or department. Interbiblio established the institution Mondomedia in collaboration with Bibliomedia. Mondomedia provides courses for libraries wanting to expand their collections by including media in foreign languages. Members of the intercultural libraries participate in leading the courses and thereby share their know-how.

Special emphasis is given by Interbiblio to the promotion of the first language and it lobbies institutions and organizations that work in the early learning field and as well as in politics. The importance and encouragement of the first language is well known in research, but still not supported, or adequately supported, in many early-earning projects. Thus, it deserves special attention.

Interbiblio represents its members at the national authorities and at international events (e.g. book fairs, congresses) and sees itself as a centre of expertise in the area of intercultural library work in Switzerland.

The governing bodies of Interbiblio are the General Assembly, the Executive Board, the Delegates Assembly and the Auditors.

The Delegates Assembly is the link between the active members and Interbiblio and meets twice a year. It ensures the exchange of information, supports the Executive Board in its annual programme and decides how to implement the larger projects.