Academic & Research Libraries Section Attendance Grants 2026

The IFLA Academic and Research Libraries Section (ARL), with generous sponsorship by SAGE, is offering THREE (3) Attendance Grants for the 2026 World Library and Information Congress in Busan, Republic of Korea. 

The program supports those new to the LIS field (less than 10 years of practice) in experiencing the World Library Information Congress. One awardee will be selected from each of these regions:

  • Africa (including MENA)
  • Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Asia-Oceania

What does the Attendance Grant cover?

Each grant covers the registration fee and will also provide support for travel and/or accommodation costs to attend the Congress up to Euro 850.

Applicants must be able to attend the Congress and will be responsible for all other costs associated with Congress attendance. Please see the Conference website for further details about the Congress.

What is expected from grant awardees?

Successful candidates will be required to be onsite at the Congress and participate actively for its duration, including attendance at ARL committee meetings, and the IFLA Awards session. They may also be asked to take part in publicity events during the conference.

Following the Congress, awardees will be required to write a brief article (approximately 500 words) about their Congress experience. The article is expected to be provided within 3 months of the end of the Congress and will be published on the ARL Section website.

Eligibility

Successful applicants must:

  • be willing to share their experience at the IFLA Congress with their peers and colleagues
  • be a resident of one of the three designated regions: Africa, Latin America, Asia Pacific
  • have less than 10 years’ experience working in the LIS field
  • be free to travel to Republic of Korea and eligible to obtain a visa for travel
  • be able to fund any costs involved in attending the Congress that exceed the amount of the grant
  • not be a previous recipient of the award

Application

Applications should be submitted using this online form:

Submit your application

On the form, applicants will be asked to provide:

  1. Confirmation of their eligibility
  2. Contact details
  3. A written statement of not more than 250 words describing how attending IFLA WLIC will benefit you in a personal and/or professional capacity
  4. A written statement of not more than 250 words describing how they intend to apply the learnings and benefits of IFLA WLIC to professional practice
  5. An indication of willingness to share your experience with peers and colleagues, as well as with our sponsor, SAGE

Your application must be received by 15 April 2026. 

Applicants will receive notification of award status no later than 15 May 2026.

Past award winners