International Day of Universal Access to Information

Universal access to information is not only recognised as possessing great significance worldwide, but is also viewed as a fundamental right protected by many constitutions across the globe. Access to information encourages transparency, democracy and progression. It also allows the public to hold public authorities and constituencies to account as well as allowing for informed debates and negotiations to occur, thus being more productive in practice. In today’s digital era today, it empowers individuals and groups across the world and fosters innovative practices and actions. The promotion of inclusivity, social progression, and the encouragement of informed negotiations, cannot be understated.

Background…

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) officially proclaimed the 28th of September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). This was declared on the 17th of November 2015 in recognition of the importance of universal access to information and the right to seek, receive and transmit information. Four years later, the International Day for Universal Access to information was also proclaimed on the 28th of September on a UN level by the 74th UN General Assembly in October 2019. From 2016 onwards, the International Day for Universal Access promoted by UNESCO had already spanned across roughly 26 countries around the world.

The International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) primarily promotes a worldwide commitment to ensure that individuals and groups across the globe can feasibly access, search for and openly communicate information. The right to universal access to information greatly coincides with the right to freedom of the press. As the media relies on the feasibility of receiving and seeking out information to provide the public with crucial updates or information about issues of interest. Another relevant act is the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), enacted in over 70 countries across the globe and enshrined in constituencies in over 80 countries overall.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOI)…

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) allows for citizens to access information held by public authorities. It does this by enforcing that public authorities publish certain or significant information about their activities as well as allowing for members of the public to request information from public authorities as a given right. The Act itself covers all information recorded and held by public authorities and institutions throughout England, Northern Ireland and Wales, as well as UK-wide public authorities in Scotland. The key principles of the FOI act are as follows:

  • All individuals and groups have the right to access any information which is made official.
  • Applicants and requesters are not required to provide a reason behind their wish to access official information. Anyone can also make a freedom of information request without having to be a UK citizen or resident. Any refusal made toward a freedom of information request must be justified.
  • All freedom of information requests must be treated equally albeit situations involving vexatious requests or personal data. This also means that any information disclosed is information you would disclose to any other patron or group that asked for it.

    Digital Access and Poverty…

    Our digital era has made information more easily accessible than ever. And more so with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and e-governance which can be utilised to conquer the digital divide by providing tailored and accessible content. At the click of a button, individuals can find and gain access to information. Information regarding public authorities and government services. This is essential for maintaining a fair and equitable society. However, digital poverty remains a significant issue worldwide. In some areas and regions. According to the Digital Poverty Alliance website, 26% of young people do not have access to a laptop or relevant device. 53% of people also cannot afford an average monthly broadband bill. Digital exclusion and poverty, if unaddressed can have a detrimental effect on economic, financial circumstances of individuals and societies as well as exacerbating linguistic, racial and gender issues.

    How the library can help…

    Our libraries have a wide range of physical and digital resources and devices which can help you access all of the essential information you will require for your course and university career. As well as our physical resources and books, you can find many online versions and digitised copies of resources within our collection through LibrarySearch (exlibrisgroup.com). You can also find all of the information you may need when using our campus libraries through Library (napier.ac.uk).  In need of a laptop to access this information and our online resources? Our lapsafe laptops  can be loaned out to patrons for a maximum of 14 days before they have to be returned.  Our lapsafe lockers located in each campus library, the JKCC and Bainfield student accommodation. If you think you need a laptop for longer, we also have our Digital Access Scheme. Find out more about our laptop loans at Laptops to loan (napier.ac.uk).

     

    Further Reading…

    Freedom of information – Edinburgh Napier University (exlibrisgroup.com) – Available at Merchiston.

    An open Scotland: freedom of information: a consultation – Edinburgh Napier University (exlibrisgroup.com) – Available at Sighthill.

    Freedom of information manual – Edinburgh Napier University (exlibrisgroup.com) – Available at Craiglockhart Law Hub.

     

    More resources can be found in Craiglockhart Law Hub and through Librarysearch.

     

    By Rachel Downie

     

    Read about the library and information.