Stay up to date with our latest developments, initiatives, and new resources!
IFLA, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, invites bids from IFLA Members to host the 19th IFLA Interlending and Document Supply (ILDS) Conference to be held in September or October 2026. This conference typically runs 2 to 4 days in length, attracts between 80 and 120 delegates, and operates with a budget of approximately EUR 40,000.
We are happy to share a new report from QualityMetrics which explores the experience of library associations with IFLA's Building Strong Library Associations, as well as setting out a taxonomy of their needs into the future. This work is supported by the Gates Foundation via SIGL.
The call for entries for the 2025 IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award is open. Libraries can submit innovative campaigns that showcase their services, following inspiration from past winners like Auckland Council Libraries and Chattanooga Public Library. These awards foster collaboration and celebrate successful outreach strategies. Submit your impactful campaigns to highlight the value of libraries and inspire change.
The Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities (LPD) Section is producing Guidelines for Inclusive Library Services for Persons with Print Disabilities. The Guidelines are designed to serve as a tool and a resource for libraries, librarians, and library staff, enabling them to begin to provide, continue to provide, or enhance existing accessible and inclusive library services for persons with print disabilities in their library communities.
An updated version of the Trend Report includes not just additional scenarios, but also a new chapter exploring the concept of futures thinking, and tools that libraries can use to make the most of this.
Each of our coordinators brings unique expertise and a deep understanding of their region’s digital library landscape. Their work will help shape a more comprehensive picture of how libraries are adapting to digital challenges and connectivity issues, ultimately informing strategies to better support library services worldwide.
The World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) is at the heart of IFLA. Everyone has an opinion about the Congress, and the WLIC Review Steering Committee would like to thank all those that contributed their ideas and feedback through the pulse surveys and other opportunities to provide input over the past year.
Qatar National Library, as the IFLA MENA Regional Office, invites you to this webinar as part of its "Librarians for Libraries" series, which aims to develop librarianship skills in the MENA region through virtual programs covering a variety of topics. The webinar is an introduction to the Resource Sharing Collaborative and Voluntary Document Delivery (RSCVD) initiative and the advantages of using the application in requesting and supplying articles as part of the resource-sharing service. RSCVD relies on volunteering libraries to refer, supply and manage requests from around the world.
The process for gathering candidates and nominations for IFLA's committees is in full swing. We recently held webinars to explain the process and recorded one to make available for anyone who missed the live events.
Welcome to our first newsletter of 2025! In January's issue, we go over our plans for the new year.
Just published in Open Access! Edited by Edmund Balnaves, Leda Bultrini, Andrew Cox & Raymond Uzwyshyn, "New Horizons in Artificial Intelligence in Libraries" (De Gruyter, 2025) presents a pioneering examination of how AI is revolutionizing library services and operations worldwide.
IFLA’s regional Divisions and Council work to ensure that the priorities of libraries and library and information workers worldwide are heard and acted on.
Developing guidelines for green libraries has been on the IFLA Environment, Sustainability and Libraries (ENSULIB) Section agenda since its foundation as a Special Interest Group in 2009. With the elevation of ENSULIB to IFLA section status in 2021, the project was identified as a priority. The publication, is the result of a collaborative effort among individuals from across the globe. Its development is led by ENSULIB Standing Committee members and supported by members of other IFLA Sections and Regional Divisions.
After the landmark Summit of the Future last year, 2025 is in some ways a case of 'back to normal'. But with the start of discussions on the post-2030 Agenda in sight, we need to seize opportnities to underline how central libraries, knowledge and culture are to successful sustainable development.
A new revision of Multicultural Communities: Guidelines for Library Services is underway. Published by the IFLA Library Services to Multicultural Populations (MCULTP) Section, this new initiative is crucial in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project focuses on promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equitable access to information, which align with key SDGs, especially in the areas of education, social equity, and cultural understanding.
There has been notable progress in the field of library services to persons with disabilities, particularly in the areas of assistive technology, electronic formats, and online communication tools, such as: the language related to the lives of persons with disabilities has evolved in this period. New and updated IFLA Guidelines for Making Libraries Accessible for People with Disabilities provide basic ideas and strategies on how to make libraries accessible.
Keen to get an update on what's going on at IFLA in 2025? A recording of our January Townhall meetings for members and volunteers is now avialable.