CHAMPIONING EQUALITY ISSUE |
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This month, as we reflect on the theme of championing equality, we are reminded of the fundamental role that libraries and information services play in creating fairer, more inclusive societies.
As the IFLA Strategy 2024–2029 reminds us, achieving sustainable futures for all through knowledge and information depends on our collective ability to remove barriers, challenge discrimination, and promote inclusion. Equality is central to each of our impact areas: connecting diverse professional communities, ensuring libraries are recognised as valued partners, and enabling meaningful change at all levels.
Happy reading! ⚖️ |
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It's been another busy month for participating in library and non-library events around the world! IFLA President Leslie Weir spoke at Open Book, the National Library Board of Singapore's Keynote Series, as part of the Board's 30th anniversary, as well as sharing greetings for the Korean Library Association conference. President-elect Te Paea Paringatai also gave a keynote at the Gyeonggi-do Library International Conference.
IFLA Secretary General Sharon Memis spoke at the UNESCO Mondiacult conference in Barcelona, talking both about the case for a dedicated culture goal in future development frameworks, and libraries' contribution to realising cultural rights. |
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IFLA selects London, United Kingdom to host the 2027 World Library and Information Congress |
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From Edinburgh 1927 to London 2027, a century in the making!
2027 marks IFLA's 100th anniversary, celebrating when 15 library associations united to spark a global movement for libraries, knowledge, and community. How fitting that IFLA WLIC 2027 comes full circle, returning to where it all began. |
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Out Now: October 2025 issue of IFLA Journal – Special Issue on Artificial Intelligence (AI): Transforming Global Librarianship |
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This special issue of IFLA Journal is dedicated to the theme "Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Global Librarianship". Bringing together 18 original contributions from around the world, the issue examines how AI is reshaping library services, information literacy, policy, and professional practice across diverse contexts. |
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See the Congress through our lens |
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With over 600 photos from WLIC 2025 shot by IFLA Staff and WLIC volunteers, there's plenty to explore!
Relive the sessions, discover favourite moments, and see if you can spot yourself in the crowd. 📷 |
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Catch the WLIC 2025 playlist: Key sessions and highlights in one place |
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Whether you joined us in Astana for IFLA WLIC 2025 in Astana or couldn't make it, now's your chance to experience (or relive) some key moments!
Catch up on four live-streamed sessions, plus additional recordings of key sessions and award highlights from this year's Congress. ▶️ |
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Dos miembros españolas de IFLA comparten su experiencia en el Congreso 2025 en Kazajistán, destacando los temas clave y el papel de las bibliotecas en la colaboración global.
Two IFLA members from Spain share their experience at the 2025 Congress in Kazakhstan, highlighting key discussions and the role of libraries in global collaboration. |
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Championing equality in action |
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Library Bridges: Building inclusive communities through libraries |
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| Building upon the IFLA EALS' Guidelines for Libraries Supporting Displaced Persons, the EBLIDA Library Bridges (LiBri) project is making steady progress in its mission to support the inclusion and integration of third-country nationals across Europe by harnessing the power of libraries and local partnerships. |
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| An interview exploring the IFLA Guidelines supporting displaced persons |
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IFLA LGBTQ+ Matters Section: Championing equality in libraries worldwide |
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After years of committed work and collaboration, the former IFLA LGBTQ Users Special Interest Group (SIG) has now officially become the IFLA LGBTQ+ Matters Section.
This marks an important step in IFLA's ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusion, equity, and diversity across the library field. Read more about what is ahead for the LGBTQ+ Matters Section. |
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Interested in contributing to Metadata Standards? Join one of IFLA's Review Groups as a Co-opted Member! |
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IFLA's Review Groups maintain, support and develop work on IFLA's metadata standards, bibliographic models, linked data and formats. Specific technical skills and experience are required to serve as an effective contributor to the ongoing standards revision processes of each Review Group. |
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IFLA at UNESCO MONDIACULT 2025: Highlights and ideas for action |
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IFLA attended the World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – MONDIACULT 2025 to bring the voice of libraries to the table.
Hosted by the Government of Spain in Barcelona from 29 September – 1 October 2025, this event has set the global agenda for culture in the years ahead. |
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Unrealised potential: new report highlights scope for stronger focus on knowledge in the SDGs |
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Following a first part released on the International Day for the Universal Access to Information, IFLA has now released the full version of its report into how governments are working with information as they work to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This underlines the potential value of a stronger and more coordinated approach to knowledge collection, management, sharing and use at the global level. |
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Are you addressing mis/disinformation and the SDGs? Share your actions with the UN |
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Are you working on topics advancing the role of information in achieving the SDGs? Are you working on helping library professionals and users counter mis- and disinformation related to climate, peace and justice, health, or any of the other topics covered by the goals?
You are invited to share information about your initiative with the UN Department of Global Communications. |
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Advocacy and Collaboration in a Time of Global Upheaval – IFLA Regional Council session at WLIC25 |
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At the 2025 IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Astana, library leaders from across the globe gathered to address a pressing question: How can libraries defend democratic values and intellectual freedom during an era of political polarization, censorship threats, and digital transformation? |
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IFLA LAC participa en el 37º Consejo Ministerial Iberoamericano del Libro y la Lectura del CERLALC, fortaleciendo el rol de las bibliotecas en la región |
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En un gesto que subraya el creciente reconocimiento de las bibliotecas como pilares para el desarrollo cultural y social, la Federación Internacional de Asociaciones de Bibliotecarios y Bibliotecas de América Latina y el Caribe (IFLA LAC) fue invitada a participar como institución observadora en la 37ª reunión del Consejo Ministerial Iberoamericano del Libro y la Lectura.
In a gesture highlighting the growing recognition of libraries as pillars of cultural and social development, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions of Latin America and the Caribbean (IFLA LAC) was invited to participate as an observer institution in the 37th meeting of the Ibero-American Ministerial Council on Books and Reading. (English translation available) |
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Strengthening regional collaboration through the Science Book Forum: QNL and IFLA MENA Regional Office partnership with regional libraries |
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En un gesto que subraya el creciente reconocimiento de las bibliotecas como pilares para el desarrollo cultural y social, la Federación Internacional de Asociaciones de Bibliotecarios y Bibliotecas de América Latina y el Caribe (IFLA LAC) fue invitada a participar como institución observadora en la 37ª reunión del Consejo Ministerial Iberoamericano del Libro y la Lectura.
In a gesture highlighting the growing recognition of libraries as pillars of cultural and social development, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions of Latin America and the Caribbean (IFLA LAC) was invited to participate as an observer institution in the 37th meeting of the Ibero-American Ministerial Council on Books and Reading. (English translation available) |
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Call for Applications to the IFLA Journal Editorial Committee, 2026-2029 |
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The Professional Council is calling for four members at large to join the IFLA Journal Editorial Committee for a term of four years (renewable once) from 2026-2029. |
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Become a co-opted IFLA Professional Section Member |
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The co-opting process serves to strengthen the ability of committees to carry out their missions by drawing on a diverse and deep set of expertise and to ensure that the work of each committee can benefit from the experience and perspective of each region. This is done through the appointment of additional committee members after the official IFLA elections process has been completed.
Express your interest today by completing the form available below! |
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30 October - 13 November In-person event
Samarkand, Uzbekistan |
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5-6 November
Hybrid event
The Hague, The Netherlands |
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5-6 November
In-person event
Doha, Qatar |
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Want to become an IFLA member? Perfect timing! ⏰ |
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Join between now and December and enjoy some fantastic benefits: FREE membership for the rest of this year + all of next year at the current rate, 25% discount for the 2026 IFLA Congress in Busan, South Korea, participation in the IFLA elections, and the chance to connect with a global community that shares your passion for libraries. Don't miss this limited-time offer: Join today and keep making a difference! |
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IFLA Members, did you know? |
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Did you know your IFLA membership includes a number of free Section registrations?
If you haven't signed up for any Sections or would like to change your Section registration, this is your reminder to join a global Community of Practice tailored to your professional interests!
Here are 5 Sections that would love to welcome new members like you: IFLA Audiovisual and Multimedia Section 🎬 IFLA Serials and Other Continuing Resources Section 📚 IFLA Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Section ♿ IFLA Local History and Genealogy Section 🏛️ IFLA News Media Section 🗞️
Interested in joining or have questions? It's easy! Simply email membership@ifla.org to let us know which Section you'd like to join (or to ask any questions), and we'll take care of the rest. |
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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHTWant to get featured here? 👇 Don't forget to @IFLA and use the #IFLA hashtag! |
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