As January 2026 draws to a close, the Bibliography Section warmly wishes you a happy and successful new year! We are delighted to share the highlights of another productive year—2025.

Modernizing and Growing the National Bibliographic Register (NBR)

A significant milestone was achieved in 2025 through the modernization and growth of the National Bibliographic Register (NBR), focusing on streamlining how global bibliographic data is collected and shared. The new registration template previously developed by the NBR Working Group to facilitate more effective data collection and comparison was successfully implemented.

The success of this updated framework was evidenced by 11 new and updated registrations submitted throughout the year. An outreach program is being launched to promote the new registration form and ensure the Register remains a dynamic, comprehensive resource for the global library community.

The 2025 IFLA Professional Statement on Universal Bibliographic Control (UBC)

2025 saw the release of the IFLA Professional Statement on Universal Bibliographic Control (UBC) — a renewed, strategic vision for reliable metadata in today’s complex information landscape. Endorsed by the IFLA Governing Board in July 2025, this updated statement replaces the 2012 version and reasserts UBC as the structural backbone of the global bibliographic ecosystem.

Developed through a collaborative process led by the Bibliography Section alongside the Cataloguing, Subject Analysis and Access Sections, and the Advisory Committee on Standards, it moves beyond technical specifications to offer an enduring vision that empowers national bibliographic agencies and all UBC stakeholders to coordinate their efforts, ensuring trustworthy access to knowledge for everyone, everywhere.

Surveying Accessibility Practices in National Bibliographies and Catalogues

The Bibliography Section launched a survey in 2025 to map how national libraries and bibliographic services navigate the challenges of accessibility. This initiative focuses on the practicalities of accessibility metadata, the availability of accessible formats, and the accessibility of national catalogues.

Following a successful data collection phase and extensive analysis by the AMAF Working Group, the Section plans to publish the final report in the first quarter of 2026. This marks the first phase of a progressive output aimed at providing vital guidance to advance equitable discovery for all users.

Navigating New Horizons in AI, Bibliographic Work and Legal Matters

Recognizing the growing impact of AI on libraries and bibliographic practices, the Bibliography Section, together with the Information Technology Section and the IFLA Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group, hosted the satellite meeting “Artificial Intelligence, Bibliographic Control and Legal Matters: Navigating New Horizons” at WLIC 2025 in Astana.

This 1.5-day event examined how AI and generative AI are reshaping bibliographic description, metadata creation, and library collections, while addressing legal and policy considerations such as copyright, legal deposit, and data governance. Along with practical case studies and innovative approaches to ensure bibliographic practices remain accurate, interoperable, and responsive to evolving technologies, the meeting fostered discussion on ethical implications and strategic planning, equipping participants with insights to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI in libraries and national bibliographic agencies.

This event is part of a broader Section focus on AI and national bibliographies, which includes a forthcoming Whitepaper currently being developed by the National Bibliographies and New Technologies Working Group to further inform and support the strategic role of national bibliographic agencies.

High-Impact Sessions at WLIC 2025 (Astana)

At WLIC 2025 in Astana, the Bibliography Section demonstrated its collaborative strength through two major open sessions:

  • “Reliable Data, Stronger Libraries: Universal Bibliographic Control for the Future”, co-organized with the Cataloguing and Subject Analysis & Access Sections, presented the 2025 UBC Statement. The session highlighted the Statement’s relevance in a data-driven era while exploring historical perspectives, practical implementations, and regional case studies.
  • “Art and Bibliography in Digital Dialogue”, co-organized with the Art Libraries Section, examined the intersection of bibliographic practices and digital art. By showcasing innovative approaches to metadata and resource discovery, this session fostered a critical dialogue on the evolving role of bibliographic control across the broader GLAM sector.
Innovation & Dialogue Through the “Topics in National Bibliographies” Webinar Series

In 2025, the Bibliography Section continued its virtual webinar series “Topics in National Bibliographies”, providing a dynamic platform for international knowledge exchange and professional dialogue. The year was marked by two landmark sessions:

We warmly thank our Standing Committee members and Working Groups for their expertise, dedication, and shared commitment to advancing bibliographic work worldwide.

We also extend our gratitude to all collaborators for their contributions and look forward to a productive 2026 with both individual and joint projects.

Best wishes for a wonderful start to the year!

To stay updated about the Bibliography Section work and activities, subscribe to our mailing list, join our LinkedIn group, and explore past webinar recordings on our YouTube channel.