Call for Papers: WLIC 2026 Joint Satellite Meeting at F1963 Art Library
Theme: “Art Libraries in the Digital Era: AI, Immersion, and Cultural Preservation”
The IFLA Art Libraries Section (ALS) and the Digital Humanities – Digital Scholarship Special Interest Group (DHDS) announce its call for proposals for presentations at its Satellite Meeting at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Busan, South Korea, August 7th, 2026.
Session focus
How art libraries leverage AI, immersive technologies, and digital strategies for visual documentation, creativity, collection access, and cultural heritage preservation. Aligned with WLIC 2026’s theme of transforming the information landscape, bringing together international perspectives on the transformation of art libraries in the digital age. The programme particularly welcomes contributions at the intersection of digital humanities, digital scholarship, and art library practices.
Possible sub-themes may include, but are not limited to:
- AI/VR applications in cataloguing, visual search, automated curation, Korean art digitization
- AI-assisted metadata and knowledge organization systems
- VR/AR immersive exhibitions and virtual collection access
- Digital scholarship methodologies in art libraries
- Digital preservation strategies for art/archival materials
- Ethical AI challenges (bias, digital equity) and solutions
- Collaborative standards for global digital art ecosystems
- Korean/Asian/regional perspectives especially welcome
Types of contributions
We invite submissions for the following sessions:
- Case Studies Panel (AI tools, Korean VR projects, global examples)
- Ethics & Standards Panel (IFLA/ICOM perspectives, ethical challenges)
- Lightning Talks (5-min format + Best Innovation Award)
Proposals must be in English and submitted in an electronic format via our webform and must include the following information:
- Title of proposed presentation
- Specify target session (Case Studies Panel / Ethics & Standards Panel / Lightning Talks)
- Abstract: Case Studies & Ethics Panels (max. 500 words); lightning talks (max. 250 words)
- Name(s) of presenters and positions and/or titles
- Contact information including email address
- Short biographical statement (max. 100 words)
- Agreement statement: “I understand if my presentation is accepted, I or at least one presenter will attend the WLIC Satellite Meeting in Busan, South Korea, and assume all financial responsibilities.”
Emailed proposals will NOT be accepted.
Important dates:
- 10 May 2026 (submitter’s local time): Proposal deadline
- 25 May 2026: Notification to All submissions will be acknowledged upon receipt and notification of the decision.
- 25 June 2026: Materials due (English slides for all formats). Panels may also submit short papers (any IFLA language, max 2000 words) for the IFLA Repository.
Please Note:
- At least one author must attend in person in All expenses (travel, accommodation) are presenters’ responsibility. Visa invitation letters available.
- Original submissions only – not presented/published
- Free event hosted by F1963 Art Library (lunch at attendees’ expense).
- Optional: Slides may be shared via IFLA Repository (with permission).
Questions should be submitted to: Art Libraries Section Standing Committee at ifla.artlib@gmail.com
Join us in shaping the future of art libraries in the digital era at Busan 2026!