Newsroom

Working regionally for a stronger global field: meet IFLA's regional units

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.

IFLA ARL Section Attendance Grants 2025: applications now open!

Coming soon: IFLA Guidelines for Green and Sustainable Libraries

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.

IFLAs Acquisition and Collection Development (ACD) Section is looking for eight new members!

Sustainable Development and Libraries in 2025

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.

MCULTP Section: Spotlight on Library SDG Initiatives

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.

Just published: IFLA Guidelines for Making Libraries Accessible for People with Disabilities

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.

Recording of IFLA January Townhall now available

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.

IFLA Standards Newsletter, volume 2, issue 2 (December 2024) is published

Just published: New version of UNIMARC/B and UNIMARC/A manuals

The updated e-manuals of UNIMARC/B and UNIMARC/A have been published, both version 1.1.0.

So you want to organise a library leadership programme...

A new guide from IFLA, building on a research project run by the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, shares practical steps for setting up a library leadership programme. It is intended as a gateway, helping potential programme organisers identify peers with relevant experience.

Revised WIPO guide to collective management available

Following input from IFLA and other organisations, the World Intellectual Property Organisation has published a new edition of its good practice toolkit for collective management organisations. While including some positives, there are also areas where further improvements are needed.

Bringing Library Voices to UNESCO Regional Consultations on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development

Learning to lead: New report explores library leadership programming

What do programmes aimed at supporting leadership in the library field have in common, and where do they differ? A new report commissioned by IFLA from the Arab Federation of Library Associations funds finds out what we can learn, and helps inform future programme development.

CPDWL Webinar: Libraries for a Greener Future: Innovative Responses to Climate Change

Towards a healthy information environment: IFLA session at Wiki+Libraries Conference

IFLA was happy to join the second Wiki+Libraries conference, held in Mexico City. With the overall theme being the impacts of disinformation, IFLA’s session explored the ingredients of a healthy information environment.

Is your country maximising access? Marrakesh Monitoring Report 2025

The latest Marrakesh Monitoring Report sets out how far countries are using the opportunity provided by the Marrakesh Treaty to remove unnecessary copyright barriers to access to information for people with print disabilities.

Debbie Schachter appointed as IFLA Publications Series Editor

IFLA and De Gruyter are pleased to announce the appointment of Debbie Schachter as Editor of the IFLA Publication Series. Debbie takes on the position from Janine Schmidt who has stepped down after eight years of shepherding numerous titles through to a successful publication outcome and from Joseph Hafner who has been part of the editorial team.

Structured to succeed? New report on what lets library fields deliver at scale

A new report from David Baker Consulting, commissioned by IFLA with the financial support of Stichting IFLA Global Libraries, explores what links those library fields which have been able to enter into partnerships to deliver on policy goals at scale.

Systems and sustainability: new and upcoming IFLA research publications and resources

In line with the goal of the Legacy Grant provided by the Gates Foundation – to leave the library field strong – we are happy to be sharing, over the course of January, a set of resources aimed to move us closer to this objective. The Gates grant is overseen by Stichting IFLA Global Libraries.