SLA Condemns Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Decries ‘shameless and brutal assault’ on innocent people

McLean, Virginia, U.S.A., 9 March 2022—The Special Libraries Association’s global community of information professionals decries Russia’s military assault on Ukraine and urges the government in Moscow to withdraw its troops and cease its unprovoked attack, which is now entering its third week.

“Like you, I have watched the Russian invasion of Ukraine with profound shock and dismay,” wrote SLA President Catherine Lavallée-Welch in a message to SLA members. “It is horrifying to witness the shameless and brutal assault on democracy and the killing of innocent people.

“The attack on Ukraine is repugnant on many levels, including its repercussions for those who work with information. Access to information is a core tenet of a free society, and we condemn all attempts—especially those involving military force—to limit that access and instead spread misinformation to sow fear, mistrust, and confusion. The invasion of Ukraine is an assault on all that SLA’s global community holds dear, and we stand behind the people of Ukraine in resisting attempts to overthrow their government and society.

“I wish to express specifically our solidarity with, and support of, the information professionals in Ukraine. I’m sure that many Russian members of our profession are equally distraught at the Kremlin’s actions. I also wish to express our solidarity with, and support of, our members and partners of Ukrainian origins.

“It is vitally important that we stand united in condemning and confronting Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression. It is essential that information professionals around the world continue to provide access to truthful, vetted, valid information and continue to teach valuable information literacy skills to counteract attempts at misinformation and disinformation.

“We all hope that peace and respect for the democracy and territorial integrity of Ukraine can be restored urgently. We hope that Ukraine’s rich heritage, traditions, culture and society remain vibrant, safe and protected.”

About SLA
The Special Libraries Association (SLA) is a nonprofit international organization for innovative information professionals and their strategic partners. SLA serves information professionals in more than 60 countries and in a range of working environments, including business, academia and government agencies. SLA promotes and strengthens its members through learning, advocacy and networking initiatives. For more information, visit www.sla.org.

Contact
Monica Evans-Lombe
+1.703.647.4900
mevans-lombe@sla.org