The below article, from Ertuğrul Çimen, Chair of the IFLA Regional Council, reports on his participation in the 22nd Annual Conference of the Serbian Library Association.

I was honoured to be invited, as Chair of the IFLA Regional Council, to represent IFLA at the 22nd Annual Conference of the Serbian Library Association in Subotica. A key role of the Council is to find ways to ensure that librarians in every part of the world know about and can use the work of IFLA, benefitting from being part of a global library field.

The Serbian Library Association’s Conference brings together colleagues from across the country and wider region, offering a great way both of fulfilling this role, and of understanding better the priorities and needs of libraries there.

In the foreground a woman with blonde hair and a white shirt speaks into a microphone. Behind, two smiling people (a man with short dark hard and a blue shirt and a woman with short blonde hair, a light green jacket and a white top) sit on elaborate wooden chairs. The lower wall behind is of dark wood, and above is a blue painted wall with folk art patterns.
From left to right: Nikola Petaković, Mirjana Nešić, Jelena Glišović

Yet the Conference was far more than a professional gathering—it was a celebration of community, openness, and shared purpose. The program, enriched with presentations, workshops, and outdoor activities, offered a multidimensional experience that blended learning with genuine human connection.

My sincere thanks go to Jelena Glišović, President of the Serbian Library Association, for her kind invitation and for opening the conference with such warmth and clarity of vision. Her leadership was evident not only in the program’s structure but also in the atmosphere she helped cultivate—one of openness, curiosity, and shared purpose.

 Arrival in Serbia: A Warm Welcome

From the moment I landed in Belgrade, the hospitality of my Serbian colleagues set the tone for the entire visit. Mirjana Nešić welcomed me at the airport with a smile that immediately made me feel at home. Our two‑hour drive to Subotica turned into a delightful conversation about libraries, regional developments, and the evolving role of our profession. It was the perfect introduction to the spirit of collaboration that would define the days ahead.

Picture of three smiling people, waist-up, against a white background. On the left is a taller woman with medium-long blond hair, and a beige top. In the middle is a balding man with glasses, a light blue shirt and dark blue pullover. On the right is a woman with shorter blonde hair, glasses, and a red shirt with white patterns.
From left to right: Jelena Glišović, Ertuğrul Çimen, Mirjana Nešić
Keynotes and Inspiring Perspectives Shaping the Conference

In addition to the thought‑provoking, inclusive, and example‑rich presentations featured in the rich program, the following keynotes from different IFLA volunteers addressed the following themes:

Judit Gerenčer – Preparing Libraries for an AI‑Driven Future

Judit Gerenčer explored the competencies and educational transformations required for libraries to thrive in an AI‑driven world. Her keynote emphasized the importance of proactive adaptation and a renewed vision for professional development.

Collection of small photos of a conference
Collection of photos from the Serbian Library Association Conference

Ertuğrul Çimen – Libraries as Agents of Transformation in a Rapidly Changing World

In my own keynote, I discussed the transformative power of libraries within rapidly shifting global contexts. Drawing on IFLA’s 2024–2029 Strategy, I highlighted the role of libraries in sustainable development, the importance of regional collaboration, and the strength of professional associations in building resilient library ecosystems.

Juha Manninen – Libraries Building Communities of Critical Literacy and Active Citizenship

Juha Manninen concluded the keynote series with a compelling reflection on how libraries foster critical literacy and active citizenship. His examples illustrated why libraries remain essential pillars of democratic societies.

The Energy of Serbian Librarians

Throughout the conference, I was deeply impressed by the energy, openness, and collaborative spirit of Serbian librarians. Milica Matijević and many others embodied a refreshing enthusiasm, eager to exchange ideas, explore new approaches, and build bridges across borders. Their willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue enriched every session.

Photo of four smiling people against a white background. The man on the left is bald with glasses, a dark blue checked jacket and trousers and a light pink shirt. The next is a shorter woman with blonde hair and a dark suit and white top. The next is a taller women with short blond hair, a red shirt with white patterns and black trousers. The next is a balding man with glasses in a blue shirt, and dark blue pullover and jeans. The final is a woman with shoulder-length brown hair, a brown shirt, a pink scarf, and a black and white skirt.
From left to right: Juha Manninen, Olivera Nastić, Mirjana Nešić, Ertuğrul Çimen, Violeta Djordjevic
A Visionary Program

The conference program was a testament to thoughtful planning and a deep understanding of what makes professional gatherings meaningful. It included:

  • Presentations exploring emerging trends and practical innovations
  • Workshops encouraging hands‑on learning and peer exchange
  • Outdoor activities, including a cultural‑heritage orienteering adventure through Subotica

This blend created a dynamic, engaging, and enjoyable experience—one that balanced intellectual depth with community building.

Closing Thoughts

My observations in Subotica have once again highlighted the importance of international cooperation. It is not only about exchanging knowledge, but also about building relationships, understanding different perspectives, and strengthening our shared commitment to libraries as pillars of democratic, informed, and connected societies.