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EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES ISSUE |
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There is one thing that is undeniable at IFLA: The real superpower of our profession? It's people. And not just any people – our changemaking communities.
We see community everywhere: we join a book club, not only for the captivating stories but for the sense of belonging. We sing in a choir, not just for the harmonies, but because it feels good to create something together. We play sports, attend local meetups, join online forums, dance, knit, build, and volunteer – because being part of something bigger feels just right. It gives us meaning and drive.
IFLA's community—where more than 1000 expert volunteers from across the globe are pouring their passion, knowledge and bold ideas into the committees, projects and initiatives—helps to shape the library field today and into the future. But they're not just providing assistance: they are leading, creating, connecting and showing us what real impact looks like.
And that's just one half of the story. 💚 |
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It's been a busy month for IFLA, with a week of in-person meetings of our Governing Board, kindly hosted by the Ibero-American Institute in Berlin. In addition to valuable discussions, the Board was also able to engage directly with German members. You can read more about the week in the President's Message for April. We have also shared, through a joint statement, an update on our work with Stichting IFLA Global Foundation, which administers the grant provided by the Gates Foundation to support IFLA's work. As well as our time spent with German members in Berlin, IFLA's President Vicki McDonald joined President-elect Leslie Weir and others at the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the François Mitterrand site of the Bibliothèque nationale de France. IFLA also was happy to join colleagues at EBLIDA for their annual conference in Riga, with Board member Kirsten Boelt speaking alongside the EBLIDA President about the organisations' respective strategies. |
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Explore Astana's libraries through our Library Visits programme |
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Wrap up your WLIC 2025 experience with a closer look at Astana's library landscape!
On the last day of the Congress, Friday 22 August, you can participate in library visits, which can be made by walking or taking a bus trip within the city. Registration is required. |
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Call for WLIC 2025 Papers: Final deadlines approaching— Submit your proposals now! |
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If you're interested in sharing your work on a global stage, explore the Call for Papers topics and see what fits your expertise.
While some deadlines have passed, many are still open—so there's still time to submit your proposal! |
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| Early bird tickets are still available |
| Hurry! Save 20% on the price of your WLIC 2025 tickets as a member compared to standard IFLA members' registration and over 30% compared to onsite IFLA members' registration rates.
Not an IFLA member? Early Bird discounts extend to students, recent graduates, and non-salaried affiliates too!
Early bird offer ends on 15 May 2025, 24:00 CEST |
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The Draft Programme for IFLA WLIC 2025 is being finalised and will be available in early May. A jury is finalising decisions on submissions for the poster sessions; all applicants will be notified in the coming weeks.
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Metadata Standards Matter: Building a Sustainable Future for Information |
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The National Library of Greece hosted the symposium, "Metadata Standards Matter: Building a Sustainable Future for Information" and mid-year meetings of the Advisory Committee on Standards, the IFLA metadata sections, the Review Groups, and the Accessibility Metadata Network.
Read more about this gathering of metadata specialists from around the world who came together to discuss and share experiences, practices, problems and solutions related to metadata standards. |
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Empowering communities: The modern role of metropolitan public libraries |
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The Metropolitan Libraries Section of IFLA (MetLib) offers continuing education to help metropolitan libraries around the globe serve their communities. MetLib has annual conferences on various themes important in urban areas, such as sustainability, inclusivity, democracy, fostering resilience, and others featured in SDG Goals.
Read more about how globally metropolitan libraries are serving as a powerful and necessary resource in their communities. |
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Rural Artists' digital skills development in Makonde, Zimbabwe: Boosting the indigenous creative economy |
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Collaborative community initiatives can strengthen and foster sustainable development by boosting the creative economy to make inroads into digital spaces, turning the digital divide into a digital dividend.
Learn more about an innovative initiative gaining traction in Zimbabwe's Mashonaland West Province. |
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IFLA MLAS: Strengthening library associations to empower communities |
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The IFLA Management of Library Associations (MLAS) Section is closely aligned with the broader goal of empowering communities in terms of MLAS' core mission to strengthen libraries and their role within society. Read more about this active group and its activities. |
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The IFLA LGBTQ+ Users SIG and community impact |
| Libraries, as cornerstones of information and community, hold a vital role in fostering inclusivity.
The IFLA LGBTQ+ Users Special Interest Group (SIG) stands at the forefront of this mission, actively working to empower LGBTQ+ communities worldwide through the library and information science field. |
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| | The IFLA New Professionals Special Interest Group (NPSIG) empowers early-career librarians through learning, networking, and collaboration.
IFLACamp is a key initiative that connects new professionals globally to share experiences and explore trends in librarianship. This vibrant event fosters creativity, growth, and intercultural exchange within the library community. |
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Updated IFLA-UNESCO School Library Manifesto endorsed by the UNESCO Information for All Programme |
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An update to one of IFLA's key advocacy publications, the IFLA-UNESCO School Library Manifesto, has been unanimously endorsed by the Intergovernmental Council of the UNESCO Information for All Programme (IFAP) during their 13th Session on 24 April 2025.
Huge thanks to our partners at UNESCO IFAP for the support and to the School Library Section for their hard work. |
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Culture, climate, and technology in the G20: IFLA helps inform the agenda of the Culture Working Group |
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IFLA was thrilled to be invited by UNESCO and the G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) to help inform this year's G20 cultural agenda. Among the South African Presidency's priority areas for culture are its intersection with climate change and the role of digital technologies in protecting and promoting culture. IFLA facilitated part of the discussion on climate change with G20 member states, guest states, and fellow international organisations. We also shared input from the library field on key priority areas, ensuring library perspectives are considered. |
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More process than progress at SCCR46, but momentum grows for change |
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A week of engagement at the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) saw valuable engagement with delegates, but a gear shift in work on limitations and exceptions will need to wait for the next meeting. |
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IFLA-UPU partnership announced |
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In 2025 the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) have agreed to enter into a partnership for the digital benefit of libraries, post offices and the communities they serve.
We are keen to hear about your experience of working with post offices or your interest in cooperation. Read more in our article! |
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FAIFE Mid-term Meeting and open seminar: Information Integrity in a Platform Society – Forging a Common Agenda |
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This seminar aims to foster a dynamic and inclusive dialogue, exploring the multifaceted challenges to information integrity and collaboratively forging a common agenda for libraries and information organisations that will support building a more trustworthy and healthy information ecosystem. Click on the link below to access the event page with more information and a registration link. |
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Copyright campaigners: New IFLA statement and survey on key principles for and action around copyright |
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A new statement from IFLA offers a set of core principles for copyright reform to guide and inspire reflection among libraries around the world.
Additionally, a survey calls for inputs on how libraries are approaching copyright advocacy at the national level in order to inspire a new resource to help share good practice and build capacity. |
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A constant priority, but changing responsibilities: Results of the survey on IFLA's Code of Ethics |
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Libraries' ethical principles are arguably one of the things that make us unique in the information environment.
The results of our survey into IFLA's own Code of Ethics underline continued commitment to the themes but also an awareness of evolving responsibilities. |
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Regional Division of Latin America and the Caribbean (IFLA LAC) Celebrates Mid-Term Meeting and Regional Seminar in BrasÃlia |
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On 2-3 April 2025, IFLA's Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Division (IFLA LAC) held its Mid-Term Meeting in BrasÃlia, with invaluable support from the Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology (IBICT), a beacon of Latin American librarianship, represented by Ricardo Crisafulli RodrÃguez and its director, Tiago Braga. |
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Mapping Library Impact: Highlights from the SDG Storytelling Workshop at Canada's OLA Super Conference |
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The recent "Put Your Library on the Map" workshop at the OLA Super Conference provided attendees with valuable insights and practical tools to showcase their libraries' contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This pre-conference event, sponsored by IFLA North American Regional Division, CFLA-FCAB, and the Toronto Public Library, brought together library professionals from diverse settings to explore evidence-based storytelling approaches. |
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Reacting to the Warsaw Declaration on EU research |
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Knowledge Rights 21, a programme administered by IFLA in partnership with LIBER and SPARC Europe, has shared its response to a declaration of European research ministers.
This welcomes their commitment to distinct funding for research, but calls for a stronger effort to align wider legislation—including copyright—around research policy goals. |
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Call for IFLA/Baker & Taylor Public Library of the Year Award 2025 |
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The "Public Library of the Year" award is presented by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), with the aim of honouring new public libraries. Baker & Taylor is the proud main sponsor of the award.
Applications accepted until 28 May 2025. |
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Worldwide Review of the IFLA Professional Statement on Universal Bibliographic Control (UBC) – 2025 |
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The UBC Working Group is pleased to announce that the revised draft of the IFLA Professional Statement on Universal Bibliographic Control (UBC) is nearly complete.
This important document is developed under the sponsorship of the IFLA Bibliography, Cataloguing, and Subject Analysis and Access Sections and the IFLA Committee on Standards. A worldwide review will be launched on Friday, 2 May 2025, inviting feedback from all interested communities and individuals. |
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IFLA Guidelines for Audiovisual Resources in Libraries and Other Institutions – Worldwide Review |
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The IFLA Audiovisual and Multimedia Section (AVMS) guidelines working group is proud to present the draft revised version of the IFLA Guidelines for Audiovisual Resources in Libraries and Other Institutions.
A worldwide review is now launched to collect feedback from all concerned communities and individuals. Provide your input today! |
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Share Your Innovations in Bibliographic Work and Practices: Call for Submissions |
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The IFLA Bibliography Section invites you to contribute to its 2025 webinar series, "Driving Change and Innovation in Bibliographic Agencies and Practices".
Share your innovative work in bibliographic services, metadata, national bibliographic agencies and related areas.
You can submit your proposals until 14 May 2025. |
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📬 IFLA Members – Have you seen it yet? |
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Our Annual Member Survey is in your inbox!
This is your chance to share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback – we read every response and use them to shape better services, benefits, and support for you. ✨
📧 Check your inbox
☕ Grab a cup of coffee and take a little time 🌱 Help us grow together!
Please respond to the survey by Friday, 9 May. Not seeing the email? Reach out to us via membership@ifla.org for assistance! |
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New to IFLA? Join now and unlock your potential! |
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Becoming an IFLA member opens doors to a world of possibilities: Fuel your career: Gain valuable insights and unlock exclusive professional development opportunities. Expand your network: Build meaningful relationships with peers across the globe and foster collaboration within our vibrant community. Experience exclusive benefits: Enjoy discounted event tickets, free access to IFLA Journal, discounts on IFLA Publications, participate in decision-making, and much more.
We're here to help! Contact us at membership@ifla.org if you have any questions about membership. |
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New members, welcome! 🌟 |
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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHTWant to get featured here? 👇 Don't forget to @IFLA and use the #IFLA hashtag! |
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