The co-opting process serves to strengthen the ability of committees to carry out their missions by drawing on a diverse and deep set of expertise and and to ensure that the work of each committee can benefit from the experience and perspective of each region. This is done through the appointment of additional committee members after the official IFLA elections process has been completed.

The forms for expressions of interest for co-option are open now. Co-opting will be finalised by 1 December though there may be additional opportunities to be co-opted throughout the term:

We invite you to take this opportunity to join a vibrant and dynamic IFLA Professional Committee or Review Group and make a contribution toward building sustainable futures for all through knowledge and information. 

IFLA Volunteer responsibilities

As a member of an IFLA committee or Review Group, you are asked to:  

  • Virtually participate in the activities of the committee by serving on project working groups, or assisting with the running and maintenance of the committee  
  • Actively communicate the activities of your committee and of IFLA within your professional networks  
  • Attend online meetings to plan, discuss and continue committee work  
  • Contribute your expertise and experience in the thematic focus of the Professional Section or Special Interest Group Committee.  
  • Integrate diverse perspectives and to collaborate virtually and in person with a diverse range of colleagues.  
  • Develop ideas and design, organise and produce resources for use by the global library field. 

IFLA’s Professional Committees  – Sections and Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

At the heart of IFLA’s work are its diverse professional committees – a network of enthusiastic and engaged volunteer experts who bring their knowledge and energy to make IFLA a strong and vibrant organisation. Discover a committee in your area of interest and learn more about what they do!  

IFLA’s Review Groups 

IFLA Review Groups maintain, support and develop work on IFLA’s technical standards, bibliographic models, linked data and formats. Specific technical skills and experience are required to serve as an effective contributor to the ongoing standards revision processes of each Review Group. Discover the work of these metadata committees. 

The co-opting process

Co-opting benefits and limitations 

  • The co-opting process provides an avenue for IFLA Committee membership outside of the elections process for those individuals who may not have a direct connection to an eligible nominator, such as students, new professionals, or those residing or working in countries where there are no IFLA members. 
  • Co-opted members serve on Section or SIG Committees as full members for a term of up to four years.  If they wish to serve an additional term, they must participate in the IFLA nominations and elections process. 
  • Co-opting is only for new volunteers to a committee. A current volunteer may not leave a current committee position to take a position on another committee. Individuals who have resigned (via removal or of their own accord) from one committee may not be co-opted to another committee within the same term.

Expression of Interest 

To provide a formal expression of interest to be considered for co-option, please 1) Provide a statement of motivation of 100-200 words , 2) Indicate your communications preferences and accept the terms of the IFLA Volunteer Code of Conduct, 3) submit the form:

Selection and appointment

  • Co-opted members will be selected based on the needs of the particular committee. 
  • It is possible that the Unit for which you have expressed interest will not co-opt any members during the 2025-2027 term.  
  • Successful candidates will be notified of their appointment by 1 December
  • Unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted and will remain in the pool of available candidates 
  • Co-opting will be finalised by 1 December, though there may be additional opportunities throughout the term. 

IFLA Review Group member required skills and experience

Review Groups maintain, support and develop work on IFLA’s technical standards, bibliographic models, linked data and formats. Specific technical skills and experience are required to serve as an effective contributor to the ongoing standards revision processes of each Review Group.

Anyone with the specific technical skills and experience as identified below is eligible to put forth an expression of interest for Review Group membership. Candidates do not have to be an IFLA Member or Affiliate to serve on this committee.

**Click the [▶] to view the specific skills needed for each Review Group

IFLA BCM Review Group
Bibliographic Conceptual Models Review Group (BCM RG)

BCM Review Group members are responsible for revising the Library Reference Model (LRM) and the LRMoo (object-oriented) along with the PRESSoo. Skills and expertise needed for this role are:

Experience of working with bibliographic conceptual models, and/or their implementations

Understanding of entity-relationship modelling

IFLA ISBD Review Group
International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD)

The ISBD Review Group is responsible for maintaining the International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD) by providing a coordinating body that:

  • Promotes the use of ISBD, including:
    • translation of the ISBD into various languages,
    • implementation of the ISBD in library systems and services,
    • co-ordination of activities such as webinars, conference presentations,
    • co-ordination of activities regarding ISBD user communities’ requirements concerning development of the ISBD,
    • maintaining and providing the ISBD elements for publishing in the IFLA Namespace;
  • Manages and oversees the revision of the ISBD by:
    • monitoring developments in the publishing and other relevant communities,
    • maintaining and developing the alignment of ISBD data elements with the IFLA Library Reference Model (LRM),
    • ensuring the representation of the ISBD in the Semantic Web environment,
    • ensuring the interoperability of the ISBD with other content standards,
    • ensuring the interoperability of the ISBD with format standards, such as UNIMARC;
  • Ensures activities concerning the harmonisation of the ISBD, with ISSN, RDA and other national and international cataloguing rules;
  • Works with other IFLA review groups, sections, and other relevant bodies to ensure a better overall consistency and efficiency in the development and maintenance of IFLA metadata standards.

Skills and expertise needed:

Fluent in English (ISBD RG working language) and one or more other languages

Experience with cataloguing and description standards,

Experience with, or interest in, Entity-Relationship cataloguing,

Experience with, or interest in, Linked Data,

Ability to get organisational support to participate in online and in-person activities, such as meetings, conferences, and project work,

IFLA METATEC Review Group
Metadata Technical Standards (METATEC)

The METATEC Review Group is responsible for:

  • Managing the IFLA Namespaces working with the other review groups
  • Setting goals and directions for the Review Group
  • Thinking about user needs in relation to the standards and how IFLA makes these open access standards available to the world
  • Working on projects, like our pilot project with ISBD-M to make it available online

Skills and expertise needed:

Skills related to GitHub can be helpful

Experience with library cataloguing standards

Experience with or interest in linked data

IFLA UNIMARC
Universal MARC format (UNIMARC) 

UNIMARC is responsible for the following revisions:

  • UNIMARC Authorities Format Manual 
  • UNIMARC Bibliographic Format Manual
  • UNIMARC Authorities Namespaces
  • UNIMARC Bibliographic Namespaces

Skills and expertise needed:

Sufficient fluency in English (UNIMARC documentation is in English).

Experience working with UNIMARC or a UNIMARC-based scheme as a cataloguing or exchange format.

Ability to get organization support for working on UNIMARC formats proposals and for developing and promoting UNIMARC. 

For questions, please contact [email protected]