IFLA is currently carrying out a review of our World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) model, with a view to establishing recommendations by the end of the year about how we should go forwards with our flagship event. Key decisions will need to be made about the organisation and format of Congresses, as well as their frequency, based on the information that will have been received from our surveys and consultation sessions. 

What is already certain is that we will need to identify hosts for the Congress in future years. We also know from experience that Congresses are optimally planned over a number of years, and so it is important to start as early as possible.

In light of this, we are keen already to establish a list of countries and cities which might potentially (there is no obligation to commit) be interested in hosting a World Library and Information Congress at some point in the years 2026-2029. As already underlined, it is not certain that there will be a Congress every year, but note that 2027 is IFLA’s centenary year and we will certainly wish to mark that year appropriately.

To this end, we would welcome preliminary expressions of interest from those potentially interested in taking on the exciting opportunity of hosting a World Library and Information Congress, bringing together 3000-4000 colleagues from around the world and showcasing the libraries in your country.

Submitting an expression of interest does not represent a commitment from either side to organise a Congress.

Given that the review is still ongoing and the congress model has yet to be determined, do not feel restrained by the previous logistical and financial demands although clearly, there needs to be a certain level of confidence that financial support can be secured. It is hoped that a longer lead-in time will facilitate securing funds. In particular, we would welcome an indication of:

  • The library team that would be available to work with IFLA Headquarters and a professional conference organiser. Would the national association, national library (as relevant) and other major actors be involved?
  • Potential sources of additional support for a Congress, including information about any potential in-kind contributions (such as free use of a conference centre), sponsorship from private partners or foundations, or support from government.
  • Indications of successful similar international events within the city/country – are there similar examples?
  • The level of engagement we can expect from the host country and region.
  • An indication that there would be no interference with the Congress Programme.
  • Modern venues (meeting accessibility standards) that might be available for a Congress of around 3000-4000 participants, as well as any relevant information about available hotels and international transport connections.
  • In which years might you be interested in hosting (acknowledging that we may not hold a Congress each year).

If you are potentially interested, please complete the form below by 31 October 2024. We will then hold a webinar in November 2024 to seek views that will feed into the review as well as answer questions.

Complete the form

Your responses will help put together a list of interested hosts. In the event that we hold a Congress in 2026 and/or 2027, and you have expressed an interest in that year, we will contact you as soon as the Congress review process is completed in order to start the formal application process.

We will also be including all associations in an open call for those years. We will hold a further webinar early in 2025 to help all those interested understand the bidding process fully. Formal calls for applications for 2028 and 2029 (if Congresses are held those years) will be issued subsequently.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].