Theme: “Powering Sustainable Change: Rethinking Digital Research Infrastructure for Environmental Responsibility, Equity, and Innovation“
Call for Presentations
We are seeking proposals for presentations at a session to be held at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea, 10-13 August 2026. Should the author also wish to submit an accompanying paper, the proposal may include both a presentation and paper.
We characterize the session as ‘Ignite +’ as the presentations will be slightly longer than a standard Ignite talk. We anticipate 5-6 speakers, each making a short presentation, followed by a Q&A with the speakers.
Session Introduction:
This session will focus on the sustainability of open research infrastructure and the transformation of knowledge systems through integrated environmental, human, and technological dimensions.
As libraries navigate rapid technological transformation and escalating environmental responsibility, this session addresses how open research infrastructure can be reimagined for sustainability across multiple interconnected dimensions. Drawing from IFLA Trend Report 2024 and IFLA Strategy 2024-2029, the session examines five critical dimensions: financial viability through innovative funding models; human capital development in specialized librarian roles addressing emerging skill complexity; technological governance and AI integration as both opportunity and disruptor; environmental stewardship and resource efficiency in digital systems; and equitable, trust-based collaboration across sectors.
This international open session aims to bring together evidence-based perspectives from library leaders, researchers, technology specialists, and policymakers on achieving comprehensive sustainability in digital research infrastructure. Rather than addressing sustainability as isolated dimensions, the session positions it as an integrative framework spanning financial viability, workforce development, technological governance, environmental stewardship, and equitable collaboration.
In addition:
Presentations should reflect the conference theme, “Libraries Powering Transformation” by demonstrating how libraries and research data infrastructure can lead systemic change across environmental, social, economic, and technological dimensions. By positioning libraries as architects of sustainable knowledge systems that integrate technological governance, environmental responsibility, equitable access, and collaborative innovation, the session supports IFLA Strategy 2024-2029’s vision while demonstrating libraries’ transformative power in building inclusive, resilient, and environmentally conscious research ecosystems globally.
Format and Suggested topics
We anticipate 5-6 speakers, each making a short presentation, followed by a Q&A. Presentation durations will depend on the number of presenters, but will be in the region of 5-8 minutes (TBC).
We invite contributions that explore topics focusing on how open research infrastructure can be reimagined for sustainability, including but not limited to:
- financial viability through innovative funding models;
- human capital development in specialized librarian roles addressing emerging skill complexity;
- technological governance and AI integration as both opportunity and disruptor;
- environmental stewardship and resource efficiency in digital systems; and
- equitable, trust-based collaboration across sectors
Important dates & deadlines:
- 15/05/2026: Deadline for submission of proposals/abstracts
- 29/05/2026: Notification to authors about the status of a submission
- 01/07/2026: Submission of the full text of the paper
- 17/07/2026: Submission of accompanying PowerPoint slides for presentation
Submission guidelines
Proposals should include:
- Title of proposed presentation
- Abstract for presentation (no more than 300 words)
- Indication of whether an accompanying paper will be provided
- Name of presenter plus position and/or title
- Employer / affiliated institution
- Contact information including email address, telephone number
- Short biographical statement of presenter
- Please disclose whether this submission is also being proposed for another open session at the 2026 WLIC.
Send proposals via email to: Antonia Mocatta – email: antonia.mocatta@sydney.edu.au
Use subject line: Proposal for Open Session Powering Sustainable Change
Please note:
- At least one of the paper’s authors must be present to summarize the paper 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 papers.
- All papers must use the WLIC Paper template, which will be provided when your paper is accepted
- The language of the session is expected to be English.
- All papers presented at the WLIC 2026 will be available online under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
- All papers must be unpublished and not previously presented.
- Authors must disclose whether they submit this proposal to another WLIC 2026 session.
- Authors of accepted papers must complete theIFLA Authors’ Permission Form.
- Authors and presenters must adhere to the Presenter guidelines, provided when your paper is accepted
- All expenses, including registration for the conference, travel, accommodations, 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.