The IFLA Information Literacy Section (ILS) announces its call for proposals for presentations at their Open Session at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Astana, Kazakhstan, 18-22 August 2025. 

Theme: Future-Ready Libraries: Integrating AI in Information Literacy

Historically, libraries have delivered meaningful change at all levels. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, preparing librarians for digital transformation and equipping our communities with the skills to engage critically with these emerging technologies are essential in building future-ready knowledge economies.

The ILS invites proposals exploring how libraries can incorporate AI into their information literacy programs, paying special attention to  the ethical considerations and potential benefits from a global perspective.

Possible sub-themes may include, but are not limited to:

  • policies, best practices, and issues with integrating AI information literacy instructionand/or programs in all types of libraries
  • strategies to use AI to develop critical thinking and digital literacy skills
  • the ethical implications of using AI
  • AI literacy and its relationship with information literacy
  • AI transforming how communities learn information literacy
  • Skills and pedagogical approaches needed to incorporate AI into information literacy programs

Each presentation will be 10 minutes. There will be a 10-minute Q&A to conclude the one-hour session.

Proposals must be in English and submitted in an electronic format and must include the following information:

  • Title of the proposed presentation
  • Specify the sub-theme the abstract addresses
  • Abstract of the proposed paper (no more than 500 words)
  • Name(s) of presenters and positions and or titles
  • Employer or affiliated institution
  • Contact information including email address
  • Short biographical statement of no more than 100 words
  • A statement of below agreement

___I understand if my presentation is accepted I, myself, or at least one presenter from my group, if more than one author is included in the proposal, will be expected to make this presentation by attending the WLIC in Astana and will assume all financial responsibilities to do so. 

Submit proposal abstracts (500 words or less) by March 31st, 2025 (submitter’s local time) to https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bwmSZYkqgxvcfbw. Emailed proposals will not be accepted.

Important dates:

  • March 31st, 2025– Deadline for submissions of Proposal Abstracts
  • May 1, 2025– Presenters will be notified – all submissions will be confirmed at time of receipt & about the decision.
  • July 15, 2025– Presentation slides in English due preferably with paper (in any of the IFLA languages) to be published in IFLA Repository

Please note:

  • At least one of the paper’s authors must be present to summarize the paper during the program in Astana. Abstracts are to be submitted only with the understanding that the expenses of attending the conference will be the responsibility of the author(s)/presenter(s) of accepted papers. 
  • The language of the session is expected to be English. 
  • he paper must be an original submission not presented or published elsewhere.
  • Authors must disclose whether they submit this proposal to another WLIC 2025 session. 
  • All expenses for attending the IFLA conference, travel, accommodation, etc., are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. No financial support can be provided by IFLA, but a letter of invitation/visa requirements can be issued to the author(s)/presenter(s) of accepted papers.

Single-day registrations are possible. More information is available on the WLIC 2025 website.

Congress Participation Grants

A list of opportunities for support is available on the Grants & Awards webpage.