Theme: “Transforming Global Health Knowledge Systems: Realising Universal Access to Healthcare Information as a Human Right“
Introduction
The IFLA Health and Biosciences Libraries Section, in collaboration with the Evidence for Global and Disaster Health Special Interest Group, the Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression, and the Open Science and Scholarship Advisory Committee, is seeking proposals for panelists to present at a session to be held at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea, 10–13 August 2026.
This session will explore how libraries are transforming the global information landscape to advance equitable access to trustworthy health information as a fundamental human right. In an era shaped by rapid technological change, persistent information disorder, and widening global health inequities, libraries are uniquely positioned to serve as trusted intermediaries, educators, and advocates within complex information ecosystems.
The session aims to highlight innovative strategies, partnerships, and models that demonstrate how libraries are actively reshaping systems of knowledge production, access, and use. Particular attention will be given to efforts that strengthen information integrity, support open and equitable knowledge infrastructures, and respond to the challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and unequal access to health information across diverse global contexts.
Panelists are invited to share work that reflects one or more of the following areas:
- Advancing universal access to health information as a human right
- Combating health misinformation and strengthening information resilience
- Building inclusive and equitable knowledge systems through open science and open access
- Supporting evidence synthesis and knowledge translation in global and disaster health contexts
- Developing cross-sector partnerships that enhance access, trust, and impact
- Innovating in library services, pedagogy, or policy to meet emerging global health information needs
In addition, proposals should reflect the conference theme, “Libraries Powering Transformation,” by demonstrating how libraries are not only adapting to change but actively driving transformation in the information landscape at local, regional, and global levels.
Important dates & deadlines:
- 01/05/2026 (May 1, 2026): Deadline for submission of proposals/abstracts
- 08/05/2026 (May 8, 2026): Notification to authors about the status of a submission
- 20/07/2026 (July 20, 2026): Submission of accompanying PowerPoint slides for presentation
Submission guidelines
Proposals should include:
- Title of proposed presentation
- Abstract of talk proposal (no more than 300 words)
- Name of presenter plus position and/or title
- Employer / affiliated institution
- Contact information including email address, telephone number
- Short biographical statement of presenter
Send proposals via email to: iflahbs2027wlic@gmail.com
Use subject line: [LastName]_IFLA WLIC Open Session Proposal
Please note:
- A panelist must be present to deliver the talk during the program in Busan. Abstracts are to be submitted only with the understanding that the expenses of attending the conference will be the responsibility of the author(s)/presenter(s) of accepted proposals.
- All proposals must use the WLIC Proposal template, which will be provided when your proposal is accepted
- All proposals presented at the WLIC 2025 will be available online under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
- All proposals must be unpublished and not previously presented.
- Authors must disclose whether they submit this proposal to another WLIC 2026 session.
- Authors of accepted proposals must complete the IFLA Authors’ Permission Form.
- Authors and presenters must adhere to the Presenter guidelines, provided when your proposals is accepted
- All expenses, including registration for the conference, travel, accommodation, etc., are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. IFLA does not provide any financial support.
Congress Participation Grants
A list of opportunities for support is available on the Grants and Awards page of the WLIC website.