Teaching international librarianship – A look at current practice
24 November 2025
A key focus of IFLA100 will be reflection on the past, present and future of international librarianship. To inform and inspire this work, we looked at how international librarianship is already understood within library and information science education.
With IFLA’s centenary set to provide an opportunity to reflect on the past, present and future of international librarianship, this report looks to support preparations by exploring how international librarianship is being taught today.
While it cannot claim to be fully authoritative or representative, it offers valuable insights and ideas, both for further study and for IFLA itself.
A key highlight is that there are differing approaches, with some institutions not teaching international librarianship directly, but rather looking to integrate it into other learning.
At the same time, others do make it a distinct subject area and dedicate entire modules or courses of study to it, recognising how it can be an opportunity to promote the habit of critical reflection and develop soft skills, alongside building up practical knowledge, for example around how to work with international standards.
Other points to note are that IFLA materials are being used in education (both as an object of study and as key tools), and that there is the scope to do more to adapt them for this – both for students and those in continuing education. Similarly, there may also be scope to offer clearer routes into IFLA engagement for those most interested.
Finally, there is scope to explore this area in more depth, both in terms of more advanced methodologies, and through bringing together those who are teaching about IFLA and international librarianship. This could help both those looking to do more around teaching, and build a stronger flow of people into IFLA in the long-term.
Teaching International Librarianship
With IFLA’s centenary set to provide an opportunity to reflect on the past, present and future of international librarianship, this report looks to support preparations by exploring how international librarianship is being taught today. While it cannot claim to be fully authoritative or fully repr...