Call for bids to host the 19th IFLA Interlending and Document Supply Conference (ILDS) 2026

By Tuba Akbaytürk
Chair, IFLA DDRS SC

IFLA, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, invites bids from IFLA Members to host the 19th IFLA Interlending and Document Supply (ILDS) Conference to be held in September or October 2026. This conference typically runs 2 to 4 days in length, attracts between 80 and 120 delegates, and operates with a budget of approximately EUR 40,000.

Deadline: 31 March 2025

Introduction

IFLA, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, invites bids from IFLA Members to host the 19th IFLA Interlending and Document Supply (ILDS) Conference to be held in September or October 2026. This conference typically runs 2 to 4 days in length, attracts between 80 and 120 delegates, and operates with a budget of approximately EUR 40,000.

Interlending and document supply is one of the cornerstones of any library’s operations. The continuing development of technology and the increasing use of electronic resources make this conference an exciting opportunity for the international community to come together to discuss the delivery of quality services to users.

Recent conferences have been hosted in:

• 2024 – Baku, Azerbaijan
• 2022 – Doha, Qatar
• 2019 – Prague, Czech Republic
• 2017 – Paris, France
• 2015 – Istanbul, Turkey
• 2013 – Beijing, China
• 2011 – Chicago, USA
• Complete list of ILDS Conferences

The IFLA Document Delivery and Resource Sharing (DDRS) Standing Committee assumes all responsibility for soliciting and selecting papers to be delivered at the conference.

In collaboration with the DDRS Committee, the ILDS Local Organizing Committee is responsible for all local arrangements, including venue selection, catering, web site development, promotion and marketing, social events, setting the conference budget, registration, fundraising and corporate sponsorship, soliciting and selecting exhibitors, and assisting speakers and delegates with visa or travel questions. The host will provide lunch, coffee breaks, and one gala dinner for conference attendees.

The organization of the conference is carried out completely by the host organization, which must be willing to commit the amount of time and level of staff required to plan an event of this magnitude. Applicants may use a Destination Management Company if they desire to assist with conference logistics.

Submission Criteria

Criteria against which submissions will be considered include the following.
Candidates are advised to provide information on all the criteria. Submissions should be made in electronic form (see below).

1. The host

a. IFLA member responsible for the bid and, if successful, is legally and financially able to be contracted by IFLA to host the conference and form the ILDS Local Organizing Committee.  The host organization is responsible for securing all conference funding; IFLA does not provide financial assistance. Please also include names and contact details of the persons responsible for the bid.

b. The host will provide opportunities for local and regional professionals to participate in this internationally focused conference to further cultural exchange and professional information sharing.

2. Local and regional professional activity

a. Professional activity and innovative ideas that would be of interest to delegates.

b. Proposed dates – The conference is ideally held in October. Please advise if there are any local or national events that might conflict with, or enhance, the conference. If there may be a conflict or a more beneficial date, please propose alternative dates for the conference. Please also be cognizant of holidays when proposing dates.

c. Other conferences scheduled in your region for 2026 that may also attract ILDS conference delegates or detract from ILDS conference attendance. If you are proposing that the conference could be held jointly with, or adjacent to, a national or regional conference, please give details including the advantages and disadvantages for IFLA.

3. Levels of wider support

a. Capacity of the ILDS Local Organizing Committee to secure financial support and sponsorship; estimate expected level of financial and other support for the conference.

b. Visa policy and process, and restrictions on any countries for the issuing of visas.

c. Ability to provide assistance with visa questions.

4. The venue

a. The venue must be accessible to people with disabilities.
b. Space

1. • Main conference hall (+/- 150 seats) with appropriate audio-visual equipment (i.e., computer with internet connection, projector, sound system)
   • Registration area
   • Exhibition area with space for +/- 10 tables
   • Lounge area for coffee breaks and lunch

c. Technology

1. • Appropriate audio-visual equipment (i.e., computer with internet connection, projector, sound system) in main conference hall
   • Free wireless internet for delegates
   • Ability to live-stream and record presentations (desirable)

5. The Location

1. • Accessibility via air and/or rail travel routes.
   • Local sites of interest for pre- or post-conference tourism.

Please submit any further supporting documents, such as official letters to provide evidence of any promised support.

Deadline

Submissions should be sent to [email protected]

By 31 March 2025

Selection Process

The Official Announcement will be made via IFLA.org, the IFLA-L mailing list, and DOCDEL-L mailing list.

Contacts

For more information on the professional programme, please contact:
Tuba Akbaytürk
Chair of the Document Delivery and Resource Sharing Section
[email protected]

For more general information , please contact:
Alain Zayan
IFLA Manager, Conference Manager
[email protected]