The IFLA Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning (CPDWL) Section, in partnership with the six esteemed IFLA Regional Division Committees:

is pleased to announce the call for submissions for its Open Session at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) 2025. The congress will take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 18-22 August 2025.

The session, themed Reimagine Continuing Professional Development for SustAInable Futures, will delve into the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing professional development in the library and information sector. It aims to explore how emerging technologies can drive sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in a rapidly evolving world.

As libraries embrace the challenges and opportunities brought by AI-driven tools, continuing professional development (CPD) is pivotal in equipping library professionals with the skills and knowledge to lead impactful change. This session aligns with the overarching WLIC 2025 theme, Uniting Knowledge – Building the Future, by addressing the convergence of AI, sustainability, and professional growth.

Topics of Interest

The CPDWL Section welcomes submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

  • Harnessing AI for Green Libraries: Optimizing library operations and reducing environmental footprints through AI-driven solutions.
  • AI-Powered Learning Ecosystems: Leveraging AI platforms for personalized and continuous professional development.
  • AI Ethics and Sustainable Knowledge Societies: Empowering librarians with ethical AI literacy and exploring the role of AI in sustainable development.
  • Bridging the Digital Divide: Expanding access to professional development opportunities in underserved regions with AI-based tools.
  • AI and the Future of Work in Libraries: Preparing library professionals for AI-enhanced workflows and fostering adaptability, creativity, and collaboration.
  • Reskilling for Resilience: Building resilience in library professionals to navigate AI-driven changes and transformations.
  • AI Innovations for Knowledge Equity: Promoting equitable access to information and advancing open access initiatives through AI tools.

This session invites innovative ideas, case studies, and strategies that demonstrate how AI can reshape professional development while fostering sustainable futures in the library and information sector.

To learn more about the call for papers or to submit a proposal, click here. Proposals are due by midnight on April 4, 2025.

Contributors will be notified of the status of their proposal by April 27, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact CPDWL Section Chair, Helen Chan, at [email protected].