The IFLA Art Libraries Section and Bibliography Section invite proposals for presentations for their joint session at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan, 18-22 August 2025.

In the evolving landscape of Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM), digital technologies are redefining the relationship between art and its associated bibliographic information, opening new avenues for description, discovery and user engagement. This transformation is driven by bibliographic practices—including cataloguing, subject and genre descriptions, and linked data combined with cutting-edge technologies—which shape the description, access, and digital connection of art collections.

The session aims to explore the intersection of art and bibliography in the digital age, specifically within digital GLAM collections, with a focus on art libraries. Under this theme will be explored how new technologies (AI and Linked Data) are transforming practices to enhance description, access, presentation, connection, and discovery of art, from the cultural heritage collections to the modern and born-digital photography and documentary resources. Crucially, the session aims to highlight how art and bibliography digital dialogue is connecting users with the rich resources of art and its bibliography, ultimately reshaping the art experience.

We invite proposals that showcase practical projects, emerging technology use cases, or strategies shaping the future of cultural heritage, contemporary, or born-digital collections, with a focus on connecting users with art in new and meaningful ways.

In addition:

Proposals should reflect the conference theme, “Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future”

Suggested topics

Topics include but are not limited to:

  • Linked data and AI trends in art bibliographic description, access and discovery
  • Technology impact on digital collections in GLAM institutions
  • Art metadata and art-specific vocabularies for collections description
  • AI-driven metadata enrichment and generation for art
  • Digital preservation strategies for art bibliographic data and collections in the age of AI
  • Ethical and copyright implications of AI in art and cultural heritage
  • AI-powered art discovery and presentation
  • Innovative interfaces and virtual exhibitions for art collections
  • User experience and engagement in digital art platforms

 

Case studies are also welcome, particularly those focused on:

  • Interoperability and data sharing cross domains: case studies from art libraries, GLAM, and digital humanities
  • Collaboration and knowledge sharing among art librarians, bibliographers, cataloguers, art historians, and GLAM professionals, in cross cultural projects
  • Art librarians’ training and capacity building to work with metadata and new technologies to enhance art description, sharing and discovery

For submission details, please visit the official Call for Proposals page.