The IFLA Information Technology Section, together with the IFLA Asia–Oceania Regional Division and the University of Macau Library, is pleased to invite submissions for our 2026 symposium:

Beyond Boundaries: New Modes of Access and Accessibility through Emerging Technologies Symposium, at University of Macau Library on March 25th – 27th, 2026.

Coordinators: Edmund Balnaves (Chair, IFLA IT Section), Lilly Hoi Sze Ho (IFLA Asia-Oceania Regional Division), May Chang (IFLA IT Section Mentor), Billy Tak Hoi Leung (Assistant University Librarian, University of Macau Library), Priscilla Nga Ian Pun (Functional Head, University of Macau Library).

Theme:
This symposium will be hosted by University of Macau Library on 25th to 27th March 2026 and focuses on practical and collaborative approaches to improve access to library and archival collections. By integrating emerging technologies, institutions are creating new models for engagement, discovery, and learning. The symposium welcomes papers, workshops and presentations that showcase real-world projects, technical innovations, and cross-sector partnerships driving inclusive access across cultural and linguistic communities.

Libraries today face rapid technological change and rising expectations from diverse user communities. Immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital holography are redefining how users access and interact with collections and spaces, while artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming discovery, access, and service delivery. At the same time, multilingualism and cultural inclusivity are essential to ensure that these new technologies extend access rather than restrict it. These emerging technologies are also transforming modes of accessibility for libraries.

Hosted by the University of Macau Library, in collaboration with the IFLA Information Technology (IT) Section and the IFLA Asia-Oceania Regional Division Committee, this symposium aims to:

  • Showcase international best practices in applying immersive technologies
  • Explore innovative approaches to multilingual and inclusive access, to services, resources and space.
  • Examine the role of AI in access and accessibility for library services.
  • Encourage dialogue between technologists, librarians, academics, and policymakers in Asia-Oceania region and beyond.
  • Explore regional collaboration in this area and the work of the IFLA Asia-Oceania Regional Division.

We invite papers, presentations workshops, and demonstrations, organized around the following topics:

  1. Immersive Technologies  for Library Engagement: Immersive learning spaces, virtual exhibitions, and digital heritage preservation.
  2. Multilingualism and Inclusive Design: Leveraging machine translation, natural language processing, and cross-cultural user experience design.
  3. AI for Discovery and Access: Intelligent search, recommendation systems, and the ethical implications of AI in library services.
  4. Accessibility in the Era of Emerging Technologies: Ensuring equitable access for users with disabilities and underserved communities.
  5. Collaborative Futures: Regional and international partnerships for advancing library technology for accessibility across the Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM) and information management sectors.

Format and Structure: 

The symposium will comprise a half-day workshop and 2 days of presentations.

  • Day 1: Workshops followed by library tours
  • Day 2: Parallel sessions, workshops, and technology showcases hosted by participating institutions and vendors.
  • Day 3: Roundtable discussions, Asia-Oceania case studies, closing plenary, and conference resolutions.

The program will allow significant space for interactive formats, including demonstrations of immersive technologies applications, AI tools, and multilingual systems in real-world library contexts.

Submission Guidelines – Proposals should include the following:

  • Title of the paper, presentation or workshop
  • Abstract (300-350 words)
  • Author(s) and affiliation(s)
  • Contact information for the corresponding author(s)
  • Type of presentation (e.g., presentation, panel discussion, workshop)
  • Any special requirements for the presentation (e.g., audio-visual equipment, internet access).
  • It should be submitted in PDF format and should not be zipped.
  • Presentations will be in English, in person at the conference

Submit your papers to both:  Edmund Balnaves [email protected] and Lilly Hoi Sze Ho [email protected].

Important dates: 

December 15th 2025 – Deadline for submissions

(Update: January 5th 2026 – Extended deadline for submissions)

January 15th 2026 – Notification of authors and release of preliminary programme

March 1st 2026 – Deadline for submission of papers//presentations

March 25-27th 2026 – Symposium

We encourage you to share this invitation widely within your networks. We also look forward to receiving your proposals and hope to see many of you in Macau in March 2026.