Honours and Awards at the IFLA WLIC 2026 Closing Session

During the Closing Session on 12 August, IFLA President Leslie Weir and Chair of the IFLA Professional Council, Athena Salaba, conferred the following honours and awards:

IFLA Scroll of Appreciation

National Committee of the IFLA World Library and Information Congress 90th IFLA General Conference

Lee Jin-woo, ​Executive Chair of the National Committee and Park Hyun-woo​, Director of the National Committee​ received the award.

Margaret Allen

For her extensive achievements, expertise, leadership and service to IFLA. Her distinguished contributions to IFLA’s governance, and especially to advocacy for copyright reform and public libraries have enhanced IFLA’s impact regionally and globally.​

Lindi Nhlapo​

For her extensive achievements, dedication and distinguished service to IFLA and information professionals on the African continent. Her outreach and connections have built bridges between national associations and the global federation, ensuring that African voices and perspectives are enabled and represented regionally and worldwide.​

Michael Dowling

For his distinguished service and dedication to IFLA and to the development and strengthening of library associations and international librarianship. His passionate engagement with librarians through mentoring and encouragement has influenced individuals personally and professionally, leaving a lasting impact.​

IFLA Medal

Erik Boekesteijn​

For his distinguished contribution to IFLA, and to advancing public libraries, connecting people and inspiring creativity and innovation in libraries and in professional practice across an inclusive, global library field.​

IFLA Dynamic Unit and Impact Awards

An IFLA dynamic Professional Unit has the greatest impact on IFLA’s global work – engaging members, developing strong leadership and identity, delivering high-quality services with measurable impact, and communicating activities within IFLA and beyond. The IFLA Professional Council launched the Dynamic Unit and Impact Awards to recognise those Professional Units that have excelled in putting Dynamic Unit goals into practice.

Four IFLA Professional Units were awarded this year:

  • The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Membership Engagement & Leadership Development
  • The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Quality & Impact of Work
  • The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Effective Communication
  • The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Overall Achievement – excellence in all categories

Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Overall Achievement

Health & Biosciences Libraries Section (HBS)

The Health and Biosciences Libraries Section (HBS) demonstrated strong leadership during 2025–2026 by advancing global collaboration and access to health information and engagement across the global library and health sectors. Guided by the IFLA Strategy, HBS strengthened partnerships within and beyond IFLA, including collaborations with the Evidence for Global and Disaster Health (E4GDH) SIG, the Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE), and the Open Science and Scholarship Advisory Committee (OSS), to address issues related to healthcare information.

Key achievements included the development of major cross-unit initiatives that resulted in an approved IFLA Journal special issue and a collaborative open session for WLIC 2026. HBS also continued its leadership role in the 14th International Congress on Medical Librarianship (ICML 2026), in partnership with the CILIP Health Libraries Group (HLG), reinforcing global cooperation and knowledge exchange within health sciences librarianship.

Through their inclusive leadership approach, HBS has expanded opportunities for professional growth, mentorship and committee participation while enhancing the visibility and impact of health sciences librarianship worldwide.

Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Member Engagement & Leadership Development

Document Delivery & Resource Sharing (DDRS) Section

The Document Delivery and Resource Sharing Section (DDRS) increased member engagement and leadership development, empowering members to take active roles in advancing the Section’s strategic priorities. Through well-attended Standing Committee meetings, dedicated working groups, and project-based leadership opportunities, DDRS led a culture of shared responsibility, collaboration, and meaningful contribution across its international membership.

Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Quality & Impact of Work

Libraries Serving Multicultural Populations (MCULTP) Section

The Library Services to Multicultural Populations (MCULTP) Section made a global impact by advancing inclusive library services, strengthening international collaboration, and promoting culturally responsive practices across the profession. A key achievement is their work focused on a revision of the Multicultural Communities: Guidelines for Library Services, a foundational resource for the field. This review is informed by extensive consultation with library professionals and associations, along with other stakeholders worldwide, to ensure broad relevance and applicability across diverse cultural and geographic contexts.

Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Effective Communication

Library and Research Services for Parliaments (IFLA PARL) Section

The Library and Research Services for Parliaments Section (IFLAPARL) enhanced the visibility, connectivity, and collective expertise of the global parliamentary library community through a coordinated and strategic communications program. By implementing a comprehensive Communications Plan and expanding its use of digital platforms, professional networks, and targeted outreach, the Section strengthened engagement with members, stakeholders, and the wider parliamentary information community.

For full details on the DUIAs, please see our separate news post.

IFLA WLIC Poster Awards

Best IFLA Poster 2026

Roots, Rhythms, and Resilience: Caribbean Libraries as Catalysts for Mental Health​

Daisy St Rose & Mya Symister​
Saint Lucia

IFLA Poster 2026 – WLIC Viewers’ Choice

How a School Library Powers Educational Transformation: From Eco-Reading to AI Humanities​

Jang Hyogyeong & ​Joo Kyoung​
Republic of Korea

IFLA Poster 2026 – Visual Impact

Bridging Gaps Through Storytelling: Advancing Literacy Equity Among Indigenous Children in Bawong, Perak​

​Suraya Binti Haji Ariffin & Nadiatun Syafiqah Binti Badarudin​
Malaysia

Other awards

Additional awards were conferred during the week:

IFLA 100 logo

IFLA 100

In addition, the winner of the IFLA 100 logo competition was revealed: 

Stellenbosch University Library Team, represented by:

    • Ellen R. Tise, Chief Director: Library & Information Services
    • Theresa Schoeman, Head: Marketing and Communication
    • Gabriela Brandão, Scholarly Communication Officer

More information

Photos of award winners are available on our Flickr and a recording of the Closing Session, which featured the awards, is available on our YouTube channel. 

Full details on IFLA’s Honours and Awards and IFLA Professional Awards are available on the IFLA website.