IFLA Audiovisual and Multimedia Section

Theme: “Accessible Audiovisual Libraries: Standards, Workflows, and Inclusive Discovery in the age of Streaming and AI“

 

Introduction

The IFLA Audiovisual and Multimedia Section (AVMS) is seeking proposals for papers to be presented at a session to be held at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea, 10-13 August 2026.

In 2026, the Audiovisual and Multimedia Section will publish the newly revised Guidelines for Audiovisual Resources in Libraries and Other Institutions. This edition reflects profound changes in the global audiovisual landscape, including the growing ubiquity of audiovisual resources and their increasing importance in how people communicate, learn, and access information in their daily lives. To address these transformations, the Guidelines include new sections, notably on Literacy and Audiovisual Resources and AI Perspectives, as well as expanded principles on equitable participation for all users within the Access section, where the role of audiovisual resources in supporting accessibility is further developed.

For the open session, AVMS proposes a three-part program. In the first part, a member of AVMS will introduce the new Guidelines to participants. This will be followed by three presentations (selected through an open call) on accessibility and audiovisual resources. Finally, the panelists and moderators will open the discussion to the audience to engage more broadly with the theme.

AVMS welcomes papers exploring topics such as inclusive workflows for creating and delivering accessible content (including captions, transcripts, audio description, multilingual access, and sustainable staffing models); inclusive metadata, discovery systems, and user interfaces that support equitable access; accessibility in streaming and born-digital environments; responsible uses of AI in accessibility services; and approaches to evaluating impact through user feedback and continuous improvement. These themes are indicative rather than exhaustive, and proposals may address additional perspectives on equitable and inclusive audiovisual access.
In addition:
Papers should reflect the conference theme, “Libraries Powering Transformation”

 

Suggested topics

  • Accessible audiovisual content workflows in libraries
  • Accessibility standards and compliance for AV services
  • Inclusive metadata for Audiovisual Resources
  • Accessibility for born-digital and streaming collections
  • Accessible discovery and user interfaces for AV collections
  • AI-assisted accessibility services

 

Important dates & deadlines:

May 7, 2026: Deadline for submission of proposals/abstracts

May 15, 2026: Notification to authors about the status of a submission

July 1, 2026: Submission of the full text of the paper

July 15, 2026: Submission of accompanying PowerPoint slides for presentation

 

Submission guidelines

Proposals should include:

  • Title of proposed presentation
  • Abstract of proposed paper (no more than 300 words)
  • Name of presenter plus position and/or title
  • Employer / affiliated institution
  • Contact information: email address
  • Short biographical statement of presenter (100-150 words)

 

Send proposals via email to: Hélène Brousseau at helene.brousseau@concordia.ca

 

Use subject line: IFLA AVMS 2026 Open Call Papers

 

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 the IFLA 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.