40^th Conference of the Library and Research Services for Parliaments Section of IFLA: Call for Presentations

 

The IFLA Library and Research Services for Parliaments Section (PARL) invites proposals for presentations at its 40th Satellite Meeting to be held on 6-7 August 2026, in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The meeting will be hosted by the National Assembly Library of the Republic of Korea, with the participation of the IFLA Law Libraries Section.

For more information, visit the event page.

Submission Deadline (Extended for lightning talks): 25 May 2026

 

Topics of Interest

Conference theme

Truth, Trust and Transformation: Reshaping the Role of Parliamentary Libraries and Research Services

Conference focus

• Parliamentary libraries as memory institutions preserving the past to inform reform and continuity
• How authoritative institutions and providers of authoritative information adapt to new communication practices and uncertain information, and
• reliability, evidence-based practices, and democratic resilience.

 

Therefore, we invite proposals on the following topics (including, but not limited to):

• Authoritative information, trust, and innovation in parliamentary libraries and research services, and in law libraries
• Memory as an Engine for Reform: Skills, Change, and Value
• How to foster Change in Parliaments (Structures, Culture, Risk)
• Demonstrating and communicating Library Value
• Trusted Evidence, Misinformation, and Explainable Parliamentary / Law Research
• Verification and Source-triangulation Approaches
• Practical Responses to Misinformation in Parliamentary Environments
• Peer Exchange on Current Practices and Unmet Transformation Needs

 

Selection will prioritise highly engaging presentations with a knowledge sharing and practical experience focus, as well as encouraging innovative thinking in parliamentary libraries, research and information services, as well as in law libraries. Please note that the presentations should be delivered in-person.

 

Format

• Presentations: in-depth presentation on the topic, 15 minutes duration, average of 10-15 slides
• Lightning talks: highlights or short introduction on the topic, 5-6 minutes duration, average of 3-5 slides

 

Language of presentations/lightning talks

English

Language of slides

English

 

Proposal submission

Please submit your proposals in English through this Google form. Use only the Google form to submit your proposal, do not send proposals by email.

Do not hesitate to contact Martin Reid, IFLAPARL Secretary (iflaparlsecretary@gmail.com), and (cc) Iouliani (Lila) Theodosi, IFLAPARL Information Coordinator (infoiflaparl@gmail.com) with any questions you might have.

 

Submission checklist:

• Title & Format (Presentation/ Lightning talk)
• Topic (see above)
• Abstract (in English, no more than 300 words)
• Name(s) of presenter(s), and position or title
• Employer / Institution, and Country/Region
• Contact information of presenter(s), including e-mail address and telephone number
• Short biographical statement of presenter(s)

To be considered, proposals must include all information listed above.

 

Important dates

• 18 May 2026: Deadline to submit proposals
• 29 May 2026: Expected response by members of the IFLAPARL Standing Committee to submissions
• 24 July 2026: Deadline for selected presenters to submit final presentations’ slides, and fill in the Authors’ Permission Form (to be sent with the acceptance email)
• 30 September 2026: Deadline for presenters to submit final full paper presentations to be uploaded on the IFLA Repository along with the slides

 

Save the date for Library and Information Professionals Supporting Research Integrity in the Age of AI – IFLA Satellite Meeting in Seoul, South Korea, 7-8 August 2026

 

The IFLA Serials and Other Continuing Resources Section (SCORE) and the IFLA Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group (IA SIG), together with Yonsei University’s Research Institute for Academic Library Development (RIALD) as the hosting institution, cordially invite you to our satellite meeting, Library and Information Professionals Supporting Research Integrity in the Age of AI, to be held at Yonsei University in Seoul, in advance of the IFLA WLIC in Busan, South Korea.

 

Dates for your diary: Friday, 7 and Saturday, 8 August 2026.

Location: Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei Road, Seodaemun gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.

About the theme:

The satellite meeting, Library and Information Professionals Supporting Research Integrity in the Age of AI, follows on from the IFLA Statement on Libraries and Artificial Intelligence: https://repository.ifla.org/handle/20.500.14598/1646 and it is aligned with the WLIC 2026 theme “Libraries Powering Transformation” and the IFLA Strategy 2024–2029 vision, “Sustainable futures for all through knowledge and information.”
Research integrity is a fundamental pillar of scholarly communications. The satellite meeting seeks to define, discuss, and expand on the emerging roles that Library and information (LIS) professionals can play in promoting and supporting research integrity in the age of AI. Together we will explore what the emerging issues are, and how we can prepare ourselves to foster AI literacy, create and advocate for institutional policies on the responsible use of AI in academic and research institutions, train and support researchers on data quality assessment, and champion transparency in AI usage to ensure researchers maintain high ethical standards and public trust in the research process is not further eroded by the use of AI.

 

About the audience:

You may be a LIS professional working at an academic or research institution, a publisher or another related field involved in the scholarly communications lifecycle. We’d love you to join us and contribute to the satellite meeting if your role involves

• promoting and supporting research integrity in the age of AI – including promoting ethical use of AI among your researchers and/or students,
• providing education on AI tools and their use and limitations,
• developing and curating resources on AI ethics,
• collaborating with faculty to integrate responsible AI practices into research,
• educating library users on how to identify ethical and non-ethical research,
• educating other LIS professionals and students on any of the above

 

About the programme:

A satellite conference held over two days, including plenary presentations, panel discussions and a practical workshop to exchange ideas and best practices on how LIS professionals can support ethical use of AI technologies in research. It will be led by invited guests, both from the Asia Oceania region and internationally. It will also include a campus visit to Yonsei University and professional networking opportunities.

Day 1: Friday, 7 August 2026

10:00 – 15:30 Conference programme, including lunch.

15:30 – Campus tour and professional networking.

Day 2: Saturday, 8 August 2026

10:00 – 13:30 Conference programme continues. Conference closing, followed by lunch.

14:00 Optional tour to a Seoul landmark.

Language:
The language of the satellite meeting is English. AI supported translation and interpreting software across multiple languages, including Korean and English, will be made available by RIALD, the satellite host.

 

About the organising units:

The IFLA Serials & Other Continuing Resources Section (SCORE):

https://www.ifla.org/units/serials-and-continuing-resources/ serves as IFLA’s home for scholarly communication. SCORE focuses on all aspects of the creation, dissemination, and preservation of research through programming, committee work, special projects, and collaboration with other IFLA units

 

The IFLA Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group (IA SIG):

https://www.ifla.org/units/ai/ provides a focal point for developing ideas in line with the recommendations in the IFLA Statement on Libraries and AI. It also provides an international platform in IFLA to increase AI awareness, education, best practices, and literacy.

 

Yonsei University’s Research Institute for Academic Library Development (RIALD):

http://thelibrary.yonsei.ac.kr/ promotes initiatives such as AI-based data integration, intelligent information services, data-hub development, and policy research with support from the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea. The Institute is dedicated to strengthening the future competitiveness of academic libraries. Through collaboration with domestic and international institutions, it supports the transition of academic libraries into digitally oriented knowledge hubs and explores practical strategies to enhance service quality, research and learning support, and information accessibility through the effective use of technology and data.

 

About travel from Seoul to Busan:

Seoul to Busan KTX and SRT direct, high-speed services offer multiple train options. Trains depart from Seoul Station or Suseo Station, starting as early as 5am and arrive at Busan Station in less than 3 hours. Typical one-way fares range from ₩50,000–₩85,000 (around $38–$65 USD). Book tickets online to secure the best prices.

 

Contact:
If you have any questions, please contact Maria Cotera, IFLA SCORE: mariacotera10@gmail.com subject line: IFLA Satellite meeting, Seoul

Satellite Meeting Call for Articles: Epistemic Justice and the AI Frontier

 

Theme: Epistemic Justice and the AI Frontier: African Libraries Driving Ethical Transformation

Organised by: IFLA Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Division Committee (SSA RDC)

Location: Dongeui University / Central Library of Pusan, Busan, Korea

Date: 7 August 2026

 

Overview

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes the global information landscape, African libraries must move from passive technology reception to proactive ethical leadership. This satellite meeting serves as an incubator for new ideas to prevent digital colonisation, repurpose AI to protect indigenous knowledge and promote epistemic equality. We aim to explore how African libraries can drive ethical transformation in an increasingly AI-driven world.

 

Possible Subtopics include but are not limited to:

AI & Indigenous Knowledge: Using AI to augment, rather than marginalise, local African heritage.

Critical Data Pedagogies: Navigating deep fakes and the “Fuzzy Record Problem” in an African context.

Ethical AI Frameworks: Developing regional policies for culturally diverse and rights-based AI usage.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Practical strategies for AI integration in Sub-Saharan African libraries.

The Busan Declaration: Contributions toward a landmark document on AI and Epistemic Justice

 

Proposal Submission Requirements

We invite articles for the Business meeting Workshop. Submissions are welcome in any official IFLA language. All proposals must include:

1. Title of the presentation/session.
2. Preferred Format (Live in Busan or Virtual).
3. Presentation Abstract (approx. 300-500 words).
4. Presenter Information: Name(s), professional affiliation, country, email address and a brief biographical note (max 100 words).

 

Please click here to Submit:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQ5luuV-qHLt6vQqnp_WSgLrTg29i1y9D2QvAw67yHj2yPrQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Lillian Letshabo: lletshabo@buan.ac.bw

Richard Seglo: richardseglo1@gmail.com

CC: momensah@ug.edu.gh

 

Important Dates

• 15 May 2026: Abstract Submission Deadline (extended)
• 31 May 2026: Notification of Acceptance
• 1 July 2026: Final Paper Submission
• 7 August 2026: Satellite Event (Busan, Korea)

 

Selection Criteria

Articles will be reviewed by a panel of experts based on their relevance to the theme of Epistemic Justice, originality, clarity and potential impact. We aim to provide a diverse programme reflecting various African perspectives.

Please Note:

• Mandatory Templates: All submissions must use the 2026 WLIC Satellite Meeting Template.
• Accessibility: Papers must pass the MS Word Accessibility Checker (Sans Serif fonts, Alt Text for images).
• Expenses: All travel and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the presenters.
• Dissemination: Some selected papers will be published in the IFLA Repository under a CC BY 4.0 license.

 

Contact Information

Questions should be submitted to:

• Richard Seglo: richardseglo1@gmail.com
• Dr. Monica Mensah Danquah: momensah@ug.edu.gh
• Lillian Letshabo: lletshabo@buan.ac.bw

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:

• Extended: 1 June 2026 (submitter’s local time): Proposal deadline

• 10/06/2026: Notification to presenters regarding acceptance of demos

• 26/06/2026: Submission of demo technical requirements

• 10/07/2026: Submission of demo materials (slides/script/video, max. 5 min)

 

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!

Call for Papers: WLIC 2026 Joint Satellite Meeting at Pusan National University

  

Theme: “What is Library History? What is Information History? Bridges to the Future at a Time of Transformation”

 

The IFLA Library Theory and Research Section and the Library History Special Interest Group call for presentations for the Satellite Meeting hosted by the Pusan National University of the Republic of Korea in Busan, Korea, on 7th August (morning) 2026.

 

Satellite Theme

Libraries worldwide are navigating a profound transformation, driven by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, datafication, and the emergence of platform-based knowledge systems. In this rapidly shifting environment, historical inquiry, often viewed as retrospective, must be repositioned as a strategic and analytical tool for understanding present challenges and anticipating future developments.

This IFLA Satellite challenges traditional assumptions by framing library history (traditionally focused on institutions, professional practices, and public missions) and information history (which examines broader systems of knowledge production, circulation, and control) as essential lenses. Bringing these perspectives together illuminates how libraries function not merely as cultural institutions, but as critical infrastructural actors within evolving information ecosystems. 

Venue: Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea 

Date: Friday, 7th August 2026

Time: 9:00-13:00 Busan Time

 

Call for Presentations

We invite submissions that address the central challenges of future global transformation, with particular interest in comparative and international perspectives on these issues, embodying the theme of mutual learning and exchange. 

Topics for consideration include, but are not limited to, the following critical questions:

• How should we redefine library history in an age of algorithmic knowledge infrastructures, focusing on global and comparative contexts?
• What is the relationship between library history and the broader field of information history in a context of global, cross-cultural studies?
• Can historical analysis support strategic foresight and institutional decision-making across diverse library contexts globally?
• What lessons from past information revolutions can inform libraries’ responses to AI and automation, and how can these insights be shared across regions?
• How can libraries document and preserve their born-digital institutional memory, and what are the emerging international models for digital preservation?
• Use Cases in Library and Information History that highlight the adoption of new technologies, and methodological tools that utilize digital humanities and borrow technological tools such as GIS, machine learning, and AI.
• Historical Case studies from both library and information history that highlight and analyze institutional resilience and transformation in the face of technological and societal change in Korea and Asia

 

Proposal should be submitted in English and should include the following information:

• Title of the presentation
• Presentation abstract (300 words approx.)
• Presenters’ name(s), professional affiliation, country, email address, brief biographical note (100 words)

 

Timeline

• All proposals must be submitted by 29 May 2026.
• Proposals will be evaluated by the Satellite Program Committee group and successful applicants will be informed by 8 June 2026.

 

Selection Criteria

• Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of experts based on their relevance to the Satellite theme, originality, clarity, contribution to knowledge and potential impact.
• We aim to provide a diverse and international program that reflects the various perspectives and experiences.

Click here to submit a proposal

 

Please Note

• The meeting is an in-person event and all presentations will be made on site. 
• All expenses, such as travel and accommodation, are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. Letters of invitation can be issued to presenters upon request.
• Use of Artificial Intelligence: The use of artificial intelligence tools in the preparation of papers for submission must be declared in submissions.

 

Organization

This IFLA WLIC 2026 Satellite Meeting is organized by the Library Theory and Research Section and the Library History Special Interest Group of IFLA. The host is the Pusan National University.

Questions should be submitted to:

Yasuyo Inoue | yinoue@dokkyo.ac.jp, Chair, IFLA Library Theory Section

Anna Maria Tammaro | annamaria.tammaro@unipr.it, Convener, IFLA LIBHIST Special Interest Group

 

Important Dates

• 29 May 2026 – Deadline for proposals
• 8 June 2026 – Notification of acceptance
• 31 July 2026 – Presentation slides submitted
• 7 August 2026 – Satellite Event

Call for Papers: WLIC 2026 Joint Satellite Meeting at Yonsei University

  

Theme: “Transforming Heritage in the Age of AI: Libraries Bridging Traditional, Digital, and Community Memory “

 

The Local History and Genealogy Section, Library Services to Multicultural Populations Section, and Preservation and Conservation Section of IFLA is accepting submissions for the satellite meeting at Yonsei University’s Research Institute for Academic Library Development in Seoul, South Korea, on 7-8 August 2026.

“Transforming Heritage in the Age of AI: Libraries Bridging Traditional, Digital, and Community Memory” will explore best practices and how libraries can partner with local community groups to document and celebrate indigenous culture and advocate for the long-term availability to all documentary heritage collections, physical and digital.

The meeting will provide best practices for expanding collections to include underrepresented voices, creating inclusive programming, advocating the long-term availability to all documentary heritage collections and utilizing new technologies to assist patrons with family history research. Topics will include strategies for the long-term preservation methods of cultural documents, preserving multicultural histories, using digital tools for genealogical research, engaging communities in history projects, and addressing challenges in representing diverse genealogies. Ethical considerations in genealogical research and collaboration with local cultural groups will also be discussed.

 

Possible Topics:

• how libraries can partner and collaborate with local cultural groups
• how libraries can ensure the long-term and stable preservation of valuable cultural documents
• documenting culture and heritage
• documenting and reimagining cultural heritage through AI
• celebrating diverse culture and heritage
• AI-enabled partnerships for community heritage preservation
• best practices for expanding collections to include underrepresented voices
• creating inclusive programming
• utilizing new technologies to assist patrons with family history research
• AI-supported genealogical and family history research
• strategies for preserving multicultural histories
• using digital tools for genealogical research
• engaging communities in history projects
• challenges in representing diverse genealogies
• ethical considerations in genealogical research
• ethical and responsible AI in community memory projects
• celebrating multiculturalism through library-supported genealogical projects
• celebrating multiculturalism through digital and hybrid programming
• libraries as pillars of multicultural community building
• enhancing multicultural literacy
• transforming multicultural literacy in the AI era

 

Dates and location

7-8 August 2026, 6^th floor, Widang Hall, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei Road, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Korea Zip code: 03722

Website: http://thelibrary.yonsei.ac.kr/

 

Abstract submission

We are accepting presentation proposals as 15-minute talks and 8-minute lightning talks. All talks must be presented in English and include the following information:

• title of the presentation
• presentation abstract (300 words maximum)
• presenters’ name(s), professional affiliation, country, email address, and a brief biographical note

 

Submit your proposal

 

Timeline

All proposals must be submitted by 27 April 2026.  *(Early registration available until 14 May 2026 for WLIC 2026) Proposals will be evaluated by the satellite program committee group and successful applicants will be informed by 5 May 2026.

 

Please note

All expenses, such as travel and accommodation, are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. Speakers are not paid for their participation in the satellite meeting. Letters of invitation can be issued to presenters upon request.

 

Organisers

This IFLA WLIC 2026 satellite meeting is organized by IFLA Local History and Genealogy Section, Library Services to Multicultural Populations Section, and Preservation and Conservation Section. The host is Yonsei University’s Research Institute for Academic Library Development.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Brannock.

 

The IFLA Information Literacy Section (ILS) announces its call for proposals for presentations at its Satellite Meeting at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Busan, South Korea, August 8th, 2026. 

Location: Busan Metropolitan Library

Theme: Information Literacy in a Disrupted Information Ecosystem: AI, Misinformation, and Trust

Session Focus:

Generative AI, algorithmic systems, and the spread of misinformation are reshaping how information is created, distributed, and trusted. These developments pose new challenges for evaluating credibility and understanding authority in today’s information ecosystem. This session explores how information literacy initiatives are adapting to these changes. We welcome contributions that examine how libraries respond to AI-generated content, algorithmic mediation, and the evolving nature of information trust, including approaches that help users better understand how AI systems shape the information they encounter.

 

Possible sub-themes may include, but are not limited to:

• Information literacy responses to generative AI and misinformation
• Teaching users to evaluate AI-generated or algorithmically mediated information
• Deepfakes, recommendation systems, and post-truth environments
• Algorithmic bias, transparency, and explainable AI
• Integrating AI literacy into information literacy programs
• Pedagogical approaches for teaching responsible and ethical use of AI tools
• The role of libraries in strengthening trust in digital information environments

 

Types of contributions:

We invite submissions in the form of research papers, case studies, best practices, and conceptual papers.

 

Proposals must be in English and submitted in an electronic format and must include the following information:

• Title of the proposed presentation
• Specify the sub-theme the abstract addresses
• Abstract of the proposed paper (no more than 500 words)
• Name(s) of presenters and positions and/or titles
• Employer or affiliated institution/association
• Contact information including email address
• Short biographical statement of no more than 100 words
• A statement of agreement (see below)

___I understand if my presentation is accepted I, myself, or at least one presenter from my group, if more than one author is included in the proposal, will be expected to make this presentation by attending the WLIC Satellite Meeting in Busan, South Korea and will assume all financial responsibilities to do so. 

 

Submit proposal abstracts (500 words or less) by April 24th, 2026 (submitter’s local time) to https://forms.gle/CHrMwuPJi3t5qqt26. 

Emailed proposals will NOT be accepted.

 

Important dates:

• April 24th, 2026 – Deadline for submissions of Proposal Abstracts
• May 15th, 2026 – Presenters will be notified. All submissions will be acknowledged upon receipt and notification of the decision.
• June 15th, 2026 – Deadline for submission of presentation slides (in English) and full papers (in any IFLA language)

 

Please note:

• At least one of the paper’s authors must be present to deliver a summary of the paper during the Satellite Meeting in Busan, South Korea. Abstracts should only be submitted with the understanding that the expenses of attending the conference will be the responsibility of the author(s)/presenter(s) of accepted papers.
• The paper must be an original submission NOT presented or published elsewhere.
• All papers that are presented at the WLIC 2026 will be made available online via the IFLA Repositoryunder the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
• Authors of accepted papers must complete the IFLA Authors’ Permission Form.
• All expenses for attending the IFLA conference, travel, accommodation, etc., are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. No financial support can be provided by IFLA, but a letter of invitation/visa requirementscan be issued to the author(s)/presenter(s) of accepted papers.
• A number of grants and awards are available every year for supporting delegates to attend the IFLA World Library and Information Congress. Visit the IFLA WLIC 2026 website for more information.

 

Questions should be submitted to:

Valérie Glass | valerie.glass@yahoo.fr

IFLA Information Literacy Section’s Chair | Chair of the ILS Satellite Meeting Team

Call for Presentations for IFLA WLIC 2026 satellite conference

Satellite Meeting: Practical Implementations of artificial intelligence in Public Libraries

Submission deadline: April 10^th 13.00 CET
Conference date: August 14^th 2026
Venue: Seoul City Hall with a reception at Seoul Metropolitan Library
Organisers: IFLA Public Libraries Section with IFLA IT section and IFLA AI SIG
Host: Seoul Metropolitan Library

In conjunction with the IFLA WLIC 2026 “Libraries Powering Transformation” held in Busan, Korea, from August 10-13, 2026, the IFLA Public Libraries section is pleased to announce a satellite conference focused on the practical implementations of artificial intelligence in public libraries in collaboration with the IFLA IT section and the IFLA AI Special Interest Group.

Conference Theme: The satellite conference will explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public libraries, including both generative AI and non-generative AI applications. We invite presentations that showcase actual implementations of AI in public libraries or propose innovative ideas that could be implemented in the future.

Keynote: Overdrive CEO, Steve Potash, will deliver a keynote on AI implementation in the readers advisory capacity within the Libby Library application

Topics of Interest: We welcome submissions on a wide range of topics related to AI in public libraries, including – but not limited to – examples listed below. See also italicized note under submission guidelines.

• AI tools used in physical libraries for information dissemination
• Creating exhibitions and designing spaces with AI
• Reading guides and literature promotion using AI
• Virtual librarians or chatbots in digital libraries
• AI applications for library management and patron services
• Innovative AI solutions for enhancing library services
• AI literacy programs

 

Submission Guidelines: Interested participants are invited to submit an abstract of their presentation. The abstract should be no more than 300 words and should clearly outline the topic, the AI technology involved, and the practical implications for public libraries.

Email to: ifla2026@db.dk before April 10^th 13.00 CET

NB: Priority will be given to submissions describing actual implementations.

Important Dates:

• Abstract submission deadline: April 10^th00 CET
• Notification of acceptance: May 1^st00 CET

 

Organizers: This conference is organized by the IFLA Public Libraries Section in collaboration with the IFLA IT section and the IFLA AI Special Interest Group.

Host: Seoul Metropolitan Library is graciously hosting the satellite conference.

Target Audience: This conference is designed for library professionals, researchers, technologists, and anyone interested in the intersection of AI and public libraries.

Benefits of attending:

• Learn about the latest AI technologies and their applications in public libraries
• Network with professionals and experts in the field
• Share your experiences and insights with a global audience

 

Contact Information: For inquiries and abstract submissions, please contact:

Mikkel Christoffersen, deputy director of the Danish Library Association at mc@db.dk

We look forward to your contributions and to exploring the exciting possibilities of AI in public libraries together!

 

Save the Date – Satellite Conference: Friday 14^th August, 2026, Seoul, South Korea

Practical Implementations of Artificial Intelligence in Public Libraries

The IFLA Public Libraries Section, together with the IFLA Information Technology and IFLA Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group, invites you to save the date for a satellite conference dedicated to the practical implementations of artificial intelligence in public libraries.

Held in conjunction with IFLA World Library Information Congress 2026 – “Libraries Powering Transformation’ in Busan, Korea (10-13 August 2026), this event will bring together library staff, technologists, and innovators to share real-world experiences and future-focused ideas on AI in public library contexts.

EVENT DETAILS

• Practical Implementations of Artificial Intelligence in Public Libraries
• DATE: Friday, 14 August 2026
• VENUE: Seoul City Hall
• HOSTED by: Seoul Metropolitan Libraries
• ORGANISERS:
  • IFLA Public Library Section
  • IFLA Information Technology Section
  • IFLA Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group

Please mark this date in your calendar when planning to attend the IFLA WLIC 2026 in Busan, or if you are interested in AI and its impact on public library practice in the region.

SATELLITE FOCUS

This satellite will explore how artificial intelligence- including both generative AI and non-generative AI – is being used in public libraries today and how it could shape our services tomorrow. The program will highlight case studies, tools, policies, and evaluation approaches that help library staff understand what AI can do in practice – beyond the hype.

CALL FOR PAPERS TO FOLLOW

A formal call for papers and presentations will follow and we encourage all librarians to start thinking about proposals in the following areas (and beyond)

• AI tolls used in physical library spaces for information dissemination and wayfinding
• Using AI to create exhibitions, design spaces, and support participatory design
• Reading guides, recommendations, and literature promotion supported by AI
• Virtual librarians or chatbots in digital library environments
• AI applications for library management, workflows, and patron services
• Innovative AI solutions for enhancing access, inclusion or user experience
• AI literacy programs for communities, including ethical and critical perspectives

 

WHO SHOULD “SAVE THE DATE”?

This satellite conference will be of particular interest to:

• Public Library Managers and front-line staff
• Library technologists and systems librarians
• Library Policy makers and strategic planners
• Vendors, developers, and partners working with AI in libraries
• Researchers and educators in LIS and related fields

If you are exploring AI in your library – or planning to – this event is designed for you.

Registration information and a program outline will be shared shortly.

For now please:

• Save the date: Friday 14^th August 2026
• Plan your travel: Combine your trip to IFLA WLIC 2026 in Busan with this satellite conference in Seoul

We look forward to welcoming you to Seoul for a day of inspiration, practical insights, and fruitful discussions on the future of AI in public libraries.

 

Call for Proposals

Satellite Meeting: Transforming Social Connections through Libraries

Friday, 7 August 2026

 

Hosted by: Seoul Metropolitan Library, 110, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea, in partnership with the following IFLA Sections:

• Statistics and Evaluation
• Metropolitan Libraries
• Library Design

 

Ahead of IFLA’s World Library & Information Congress (WLIC) 2026 in Busan, Republic of Korea, a one-day satellite is planned in Seoul.

The Satellite will offer a stimulating program and creative format, including keynotes, panels, ignite talks and learning circles. Our host will deliver a policy case presentation on the Seoul Outdoor Library. They will also organize a social event: Reading Party with Bookbogo (a group reading session with light refreshments). 

Potential delegates are invited to submit a proposal for a 5-minute Ignite Talk or 4-minute Learning Circle Talk.

Some suggested topics to get you started:

• How do libraries foster and transform social connections through programming, space, and services?
• Designing library spaces, services and/or programmes
• Assessing library spaces, services, and programmes
• Communicating the impact and value of libraries
• Meeting today’s needs and preparing for the technological future
• Challenges and opportunities in transforming social connections
• Future-proofing our workforce – what will be the “right” workforce for the future, and what types of leaders are required?

 

Ignite Talks

There are several formats for these Ignite Talks sessions; you can think of them as TED Talks or Pecha Kucha sessions. We don’t want to limit the speakers at our meeting to any of these formats, although you are welcome to use them; the only restriction is the time limit, after which you hand over the microphone!

Based on the submissions, we will select and schedule sessions comprising 3-4 presentations. Once all the presentations are complete, the moderator will lead a 15-minute Question-and-Answer session. We hope to host two rounds of Ignite Talks.

Learning Circle

The goal of the learning circle is to provide participants with an opportunity to learn quickly from multiple libraries and facilitate peer learning and support among the participants. The speakers have an opportunity to draw on the group’s collective wisdom to advance their key projects. All six speakers have four minutes. As a speaker, you prepare a presentation with up to 5 slides, including your title slide. The presentations follow a fixed format: where are you from, what are you working on and why, what have you learned, and where do you need help. All participants receive a worksheet with the speakers’ names and projects, followed by three dots: “I am working on something similar,” “I want to learn more,” and “I have ideas to share.” The presentations are held one after another with a minute in between for participants to take notes. After the presentations, speakers are assigned to tables where participants can learn more about their work and share ideas on how to move their project forward.

Given the location, we are eager to receive proposals from speakers who can showcase innovation in the Asian region.  We also seek to profile presentations that demonstrate IFLA’s rich regional diversity.

 

So, come along and share your news, ideas and learning. The more variety, the more interesting it becomes!

 

How to prepare for a SHORT AND SHARP presentation:

https://speakingaboutpresenting.com/presentation-skills/pecha-kucha-presentation/

http://purplepresentations.com/2013/03/how-to-prepare-an-ignite-presentation/

Also, check out these pages to be inspired:

Rob Biesenbach –How to deliver a successful Ignite talk in 10 steps

Scott Berkun – How to Give a Great Ignite Talk

Caroline Forsey – How to create an engaging 5-minute presentation

Jason Grigsby – How to Give a Successful Ignite Presentation

We plan to provide simultaneous interpretation via an app.  Participants will need to provide their own device to obtain translation.

A small fee of approximately 20 Euros will be charged at the time of registration. That will cover the costs of lunch that will be provided to the participants during the meeting.

 

We look forward to receiving your proposal.

 

How to submit a proposal?

Use this online proposal form. 

Deadline for submission is midnight April 24^th

We will respond to all submissions by the end of the day on April 30^th.

Questions: Contact Christine.Brown@ualberta.ca