What can we learn from previous efforts to strengthen library associations, and how can we think through what makes an association strong? 

IFLA’s Building Strong Library Associations (BSLA) Programme ran from 2008 to 2018, providing focused training and support for library associations to develop their sustainability and impact.

Years on from this, IFLA was happy to commission an evaluation report from QualityMetrics, funded by the Gates Foundation via Stichting IFLA Global Libraries.

This allowed both to draw lessons about the relevance of the focus areas and methodology of the original programme, but also to reflect on a typology of capacities that library associations might need today to be effective and sustainable.

In particular, these look at what is necessary to be an impactful partner, and so attract support for association work.

Join us for this webinar both to hear a summary of the report, and then to hear from associations which have significantly upgraded their own capacities talk about the lessons they have learned.

The webinar takes place at 14:00 UTC on 12 June 2025 (see what time this is for you)