Newsroom

A New Paradigm for Librarianship: A Review of Library Associations’ Work and AI from 2019 Until the Present

This article reviews how library associations worldwide have shaped the profession’s engagement with Artificial Intelligence (AI) from 2019 to the present. During this period, AI has driven a paradigm shift in librarianship, influencing professional practice, education, policy, and global advocacy. Through competency frameworks, ethical guidelines, international collaborations, and alignment with United Nations initiatives, associations such as ALA, IFLA, ARL, CENL, and ACRL have played a central role in guiding responsible and inclusive AI adoption. Key milestones between 2019 and 2025 illustrate the institutionalization of AI readiness across the field. The article concludes by identifying three strategic priorities—AI literacy, global collaboration, and agile governance—that will enable library associations to continue leading the profession through ongoing technological transformation.-- Reflections by Loida Garcia-Febo, MLAS Chair, on how library associations have been navigating, interpreting, and leading within the global conversation on AI since 2019.

IFLA President's Message: November 2025

The below message has been shared with IFLA Members and volunteers directly in all seven of IFLA's official languages.    

Libraries Preserving Access in Times of Crises: Recording Now Available from the IFLA MLAS, FAIFE, and LTR Joint Webinar

Recording available now-- To mark Banned Books Week 2025, the IFLA Management of Library Associations Section (MLAS) collaborated with the Library Theory and Research Section (LTR) and the IFLA Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Advisory Committee (FAIFE) to present the global webinar “Libraries Preserving Access in Times of Crises.”

Breaking Barriers: Rethinking the Path to Librarianship

Every Library a Climate Information Integrity Champion: Take the first step now!

IFLA is announcing an initiative to help libraries everywhere become climate information integrity champions. As a part of our work with the COP30 Action Agenda, we are excited to share a self-assessment quiz and resources to help you determine your current engagement, and to take your work to the next level.

Take the survey: what do the Trends mean for IFLA?

Which of the Trends identified in IFLA's 2024 Trend Report will most affect IFLA's own work, from dynamic communities to effective advocacy, from capacity-building to long-term sustainability? Share your ideas in our survey.

Celebrating Successes and Looking to the Future in Uzbekistan: IFLA at the UNESCO General Conference

IFLA attended the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, were we launched a key new publication and highlighted ways libraries can contribute to UNESCO's 2026-2027 programme. We also visited the National Library of Uzbekistan and engaged with librarians from across the country by contributing to INFOLIB Week 2025.

How to get Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Wrong

When the Marrakesh Treaty was agreed over 12 years ago, IFLA celebrated alongside the World Blind Union and partners. The Treaty promised to offer a way to remove unnecessary copyright barriers to the making and sharing of books in accessible formats, and so to help end the book famine for persons with print disabilities. 

View Online: Sustaining a Seed Library

Webinar Registration Open: WWI People's War: the Relevance of Europeana 1914-1918 Digital Archives in Our Times

Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Division CALL FOR STORIES: CELEBRATION OF OPEN ACCESS WEEK 2025.

Now Available: IFLA C&YA Section Newsletter featuring Generative Libraries

Summer 2025 newsletter for C&YA featuring presentations from Istanbul on generative AI in libraries.

Library 5.0 and Regional Leadership: IFLA Perspectives at ANKOSLink 2025,

The ANKOSLink 2025 Conference, held from 4 to 6 November 2025 at the Nation’s Library in Ankara (Türkiye), brought together over 600 participants—including library professionals, academic leaders, researchers, and technology experts— from 30 countries to explore the future of knowledge access in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

COP30 Begins: Culture, Adaptation, and Information Integrity are Key Themes for the Library Field

With COP30 starting, IFLA is sharing an overview of ways we are engaging in the Action Agenda, as well as ways the global library field can take part.

New connections: Libraries at the World Summit on Social Development

When it comes to advancing inclusion and labour market integration, and combatting poverty, few other institutions have the reach and flexibility of libraries. The IFLA team at the World Summit on Social Development helped open delegates’ eyes to this potential.

Call for candidates: Join the IFLA Bibliography Section!

Are you interested in joining the Bibliography Section and becoming part of its standing committee? The IFLA Bibliography Section is inviting applications to join its Standing Committee for the 2025–2029 term through the IFLA co-option process.

The Shrinking Vendor Landscape: A Wake-Up Call for Libraries

IFLA ILS & SLS Global MIL Week Webinar 2025: A Meaningful Conversation on AI Literacy

SSA RDC Activity Highlights (August–November 2025)

IFLA Advisory Committees: announcing new chairs and members

We're happy to announce the names of the Chair and Members of our new Advisory Committee on Ethics, as well as the Chair of our Advisory Committee on Standards for 2025-2027.