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

• 30 April 2026: Abstract Submission Deadline
• 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

IFLA WLIC 2026 delegates will discover that Busan offers far more than scenic landscapes and memorable cuisine.

The city also provides many ways to experience art, wellness, and everyday culture. Beyond the Congress sessions, visitors can explore creative spaces, discover Korean approaches to self-care, and enjoy local shopping districts.

Arts and cultural spaces

Busan’s cultural scene ranges from contemporary art museums to creative complexes shaped by the city’s industrial past.

The Busan Museum of Contemporary Art, located on Eulsukdo Island, presents exhibitions that explore the connections between nature, society, and contemporary art. Its exterior features a vertical garden designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc, creating a living façade that welcomes visitors before they enter the galleries.

Near BEXCO in Centum City, Museum 1 offers an immersive media art experience where large LED installations transform walls, ceilings, and floors into dynamic digital environments.

Another notable place is F1963, a former wire factory that has been transformed into a cultural complex featuring galleries, an art library, garden spaces, and cafés.

K-Beauty and wellness

Korean beauty and wellness practices have gained global recognition for their focus on long-term skincare and balanced self-care.

In Busan, visitors can explore skincare boutiques and clinics in areas such as Centum City and Seomyeon, where a wide variety of products and treatments are available.

For relaxation, Haeundae Hot Spring Street is known for its spas and jjimjilbangs (traditional Korean bathhouses) fed by natural hot springs, where visitors can enjoy thermal baths and heated rooms after a full day of Congress sessions.

Local shopping districts

Busan’s shopping districts range from large modern complexes to lively street markets.

Shinsegae Centum City, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest department store, brings together retail, dining, and leisure facilities within a single complex.

In Nampo-dong, Gwangbokro Culture and Fashion Street offers a different atmosphere, with boutiques, cafés, and street food lining one of Busan’s most pedestrian-friendly streets.

During IFLA WLIC 2026, these places offer a chance to experience Busan’s creative culture and everyday city life.

Theme: “Libraries and the transformation of the research landscape”

Introduction

The IFLA Artificial Intelligence SIG and Digital Humanities/Digital Scholarship SIG are seeking five lightning talk speakers for an open session to be held at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea, 10-13 August 2026.

 

Libraries and the transformation of the research landscape

There is gathering evidence that generative AI is shifting the information landscape of research, with significant implications for libraries.

As well as using LLMs like ChatGPT in their research, some scholars are turning to tools like SciSpace, Consensus and Research Rabbit. Publishers are updating their own sites with generative AI functionality but also tightening up rules about how AI is used and declared in publications. There are potential uses of generative AI throughout the research lifecycle, in ideation and grant capture, literature reviewing, data wrangling and analysis and dissemination. However, there are also on-going ethical concerns, and other barriers to adoption such as skills, cost and accuracy.

This session will be an opportunity to reflect on how libraries are transforming to support or respond to changes in researcher behaviour.

We are seeking five lightning talk speakers with substantive knowledge and experience of how libraries are responding to the transforming research landscape.

Suggested themes are

• AI and Scholarly Communication/Open Science
• AI-enabled Library Services (advisory, data, discovery)
• The evaluation of publisher/ others AI-based services
• AI Literacy and Capacity Building
• Ethics and integrity
• Librarian competencies needed

Important dates & deadlines:

• 04/05/2026: Deadline for submission of proposals/abstracts
• 18/05/2026: Notification to authors about the status of a submission
• 13/07/2026: Submission of the full text of the lightning talk
• 03/08/2026: Submission of accompanying PowerPoint slides for presentation 

Submission guidelines

Proposals should include:

• Title of proposed presentation
• Summary of planned content (maximum 300 words)
• Name of presenter plus position and/or title
• Employer / affiliated institution
• Contact information including email address, telephone number
• Short biographical statement of presenter

Send proposals via email to: Andrew Cox, a.m.cox@sheffield.ac.uk

Use subject line: WLIC Libraries and the transformation of the research landscape

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, accommodation, 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.

Theme: “Libraries Centering Collaboration: Increasing Impact During Ground‑shifting Change”

Introduction

The IFLA Academic and Research Libraries (ARL) Section Standing Committee along with Preservation and Conservation (PRESCONS) Section Standing Committee invites proposals for its signature Hot Topics Session at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2026, in Busan, South Korea, aligned with the conference theme “Libraries Powering Transformation.”

In a moment defined by rapid and profound change across higher education and global societies, academic and research libraries are increasingly turning to strategic collaboration and partnership to meet evolving needs.  The 2026 Hot Topics session will explore how libraries are leveraging collaborative approaches to expand impact, strengthen services, and drive transformational outcomes.

The committee is looking for case studies, initiatives, and models of collaboration that demonstrate how libraries are responding to transformative pressures—such as generative AI, open science mandates, cultural preservation needs, and rising demands for information and digital literacies—by working with partners across and beyond their institutions.  Topics of interest include:

• Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)
• Sustainable and Accessible Open Science
• Cultural Heritage and Diversity
• Information and Digital Literacies

Program Format

The Hot Topics Session is a two-part program.  The first part will be 3-4 lightning talks of 6-8 minutes each.  Part two will be a group discussion, in which presenters join in to facilitate the conversation.  Presenters should be prepared not just to present but to discuss their topic. 

Selection Guidelines

We seek presentations that reflect both the Hot Topic theme of centering collaboration and the conference theme of “Libraries Powering Transformation.”  We especially encourage proposals that demonstrate impact, whether through:

• Measurable outcomes
• Narrative evidence of change
• Transformation in institutional practices
• Enhanced user capabilities
• Community engagement
• Systemic or structural change

Presentations should be in English. 

Presenters must be present in Busan for the presentation.  Expenses of attendance will be the responsibility of the presenter.  A list of opportunities for support is available on the Grants and Awards page of the WLIC website. 

Submission Guidelines

Please submit a proposal of approximately 200-250 words that includes:

• Title of the presentation
• Description of the collaborative initiative or project
• Outcomes, impact, or lessons learned
• Presenter name, affiliation, and contact information

Proposals should be submitted by Friday, 1 May 2026 to Kerstin Schoof (kerstin.schoof@ae.mpg.de) with subject heading: 2026 Hot Topics Abstract.

Notification of acceptance will be no later than Monday, 1 June 2026.

Theme: “Cultural Memory in Motion: Capturing and Documenting Film, Music, and Emerging Media”

Introduction

The IFLA Bibliography Section (BIB), the Advisory Committee on Cultural Heritage (CCH) and the National Libraries Section (NATLIB) are 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.

Libraries are increasingly working with archives and other memory institutions to capture, document, and connect the diversity of national documentary heritage. This shared responsibility extends beyond traditional records to include films, music, sound recordings, digital content and other emerging media. These cross-institutional efforts are guided by policy frameworks and shaped by legislation and mandates that define collection strategies and clarify institutional responsibilities. This cross-collaboration also shapes how documentation tools and solutions, including metadata standards, controlled vocabularies, linked data, AI technologies, and shared or distributed systems, support interoperability across institutions, enabling discoverability, long-term preservation, and the seamless integration of cultural information.

The session aims to provide a forum to examine overlapping and distinct strategies among libraries, archives, audiovisual institutes, and other memory institutions, exploring how they document and share the full spectrum of national cultural output.

In addition: Papers should reflect the conference theme, “Libraries Powering Transformation”

Format and suggested topics:

Within the theme of “Collecting and documenting cultural non-textual resources as a shared responsibility across libraries, archives, and audiovisual institutes”, we seek proposals for Ignite Talk presentations (7 minutes each).

Contributions should be grounded in real-world experiences and concrete, living examples, covering any combination of the following aspects:

• Collecting:
  • How libraries, archives, and audiovisual institutes divide or share responsibility for capturing the full spectrum of cultural heritage
  • Strategies for cross-institutional collaboration in collecting films, music, sound recordings, born-digital content, and emerging media
• Documenting:
  • Metadata creation and management for films, music, sound recordings, digital, and emerging media
  • Subject standards, controlled vocabularies, and ontologies supporting description of audiovisual cultural resources
  • Systems, tools, and workflows enabling cross-institutional access, discovery, and integration
• Policy:
  • Institutional mandates and responsibilities in documenting national cultural heritage (who is collecting what)
  • Legal deposit modernization and frameworks supporting the collection of audiovisual resources, digital, and emerging media
• Technology:
  • Use of AI in metadata creation for audiovisual and digital collections
  • Linked data and semantic technologies to connect and integrate cultural resources and collections
  • Digital infrastructures and platforms supporting sharing, integration, and preservation of audiovisual and digital collections

• Creative Sharing:
  • Innovative ways to showcase digital and audiovisual collections online, moving beyond static catalogues toward immersive digital exhibitions and interactive storytelling

Important dates & deadlines:

• 11/05/2026: Deadline for submission of proposals/abstracts
• 20/05/2026: Notification to authors about the status of a submission
• 20/07/2026: 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 including email address, telephone number
• Short biographical statement of presenter

Send proposals via email to: Rehab Ouf rehab.ouf@gmail.com and Maud Henry Maud.Henry@kbr.be

Use subject line: Call for proposals: Cultural Memory in Motion – WLIC 2026

Please note:

• At least one of the authors/presenters must be present 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.
• Authors must disclose whether they submit this proposal to another WLIC 2026 session.
• Authors and presenters must adhere to the Presenter guidelines, provided when your proposal is accepted.
• All presentations must be unpublished and not previously presented.
• The language of the session is expected to be English.
• All presentations and papers presented at the WLIC 2025 will be available online under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
• 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.

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!

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

  

Theme: “What is Library History? What is Information History?”

 

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

Theme: “Climate Literacy for Sustainable Futures: Libraries Empowering Communities to Act”

How libraries of all kinds can play a role in tackling mis/disinformation about climate change and support their communities to live more sustainably.

Introduction

The IFLA Information Literacy Section (ILS), in collaboration with the Environment, Sustainability and Libraries Section (EnSuLib), invites proposals for papers for the open session “Climate Literacy for Sustainable Futures: Libraries Empowering Communities to Act” at WLIC 2026 in Busan, South Korea, 10-13 August 2026.

In an era of accelerating climate change, rising mis and disinformation, and declining trust in institutions, libraries of all types have a critical role to play as trusted, community-based champions of accurate, evidence-informed climate information. This session will explore how libraries can strengthen climate literacy, counter climate mis/disinformation, and support communities in making more sustainable choices in their daily lives.

We welcome contributions that share original research, case studies, or practical initiatives from any library setting or region. Proposals might address strategies for tackling climate mis/disinformation, partnerships that advance climate literacy, innovative programs that empower users to live more sustainably, or professional development approaches that build the skills and confidence of library workers in this area. Submissions from diverse geographic and community contexts are strongly encouraged.

In addition: Papers should reflect the WLIC’s theme, “Libraries Powering Transformation”

Suggested topics

• Libraries as brave spaces for dialogue on controversial climate issues and policy debates.
• Integrating sustainability and climate literacy into existing library services (reference, collections, programming).
• Case studies from public, academic, school, or special libraries leading climate-focused initiatives.
• Library-led programs that build climate literacy in local communities (e.g., workshops, reading groups, exhibitions).
• Designing information literacy instruction to help users evaluate climate science, data, and news.
• Strategies for identifying and countering climate mis- and disinformation (including on social media).
• Collaborations between libraries and environmental organizations, schools, or community groups to promote sustainable living.
• Training and professional development for library workers on climate literacy and climate communication.
• Using open access and open science resources to support transparent, trustworthy climate information.
• Developing collections and discovery tools that highlight trustworthy climate and environmental resources.
• Addressing equity, justice, and inclusion in climate literacy work (e.g., impacts on marginalized communities).
• Evaluating the impact of library-based climate literacy or sustainability

Important dates & deadlines

• 27/04/2026: Deadline for submission of proposals/abstracts
• 18/05/2026: Notification to authors about the status of a submission
• 22/06/2026: Submission of full text paper
• 13/07/2026: 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 including email address, telephone number
• Short biographical statement of presenter

 

Submit your proposal to: https://forms.gle/nYeGtxoCf1u8Pcks8

Questions? Please contact: 

Ning Zou
IFLA Information Literacy Section’s Secretary
Chair of the ILS Open Session Planning Team
ning_zou@gse.harvard.edu

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, accommodation, 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.

Theme: “Transforming Global Health Knowledge Systems: Realising Universal Access to Healthcare Information as a Human Right“

Introduction

The IFLA Health and Biosciences Libraries Section, in collaboration with the Evidence for Global and Disaster Health Special Interest Group, the Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression, and the Open Science and Scholarship Advisory Committee, is seeking proposals for panelists to present at a session to be held at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea, 10–13 August 2026.

This session will explore how libraries are transforming the global information landscape to advance equitable access to trustworthy health information as a fundamental human right. In an era shaped by rapid technological change, persistent information disorder, and widening global health inequities, libraries are uniquely positioned to serve as trusted intermediaries, educators, and advocates within complex information ecosystems.

The session aims to highlight innovative strategies, partnerships, and models that demonstrate how libraries are actively reshaping systems of knowledge production, access, and use. Particular attention will be given to efforts that strengthen information integrity, support open and equitable knowledge infrastructures, and respond to the challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and unequal access to health information across diverse global contexts.

Panelists are invited to share work that reflects one or more of the following areas:

• Advancing universal access to health information as a human right
• Combating health misinformation and strengthening information resilience
• Building inclusive and equitable knowledge systems through open science and open access
• Supporting evidence synthesis and knowledge translation in global and disaster health contexts
• Developing cross-sector partnerships that enhance access, trust, and impact
• Innovating in library services, pedagogy, or policy to meet emerging global health information needs

In addition, proposals should reflect the conference theme, “Libraries Powering Transformation,” by demonstrating how libraries are not only adapting to change but actively driving transformation in the information landscape at local, regional, and global levels.

Important dates & deadlines:

• 01/05/2026 (May 1, 2026): Deadline for submission of proposals/abstracts
• 08/05/2026 (May 8, 2026): Notification to authors about the status of a submission
• 20/07/2026 (July 20, 2026): Submission of accompanying PowerPoint slides for presentation 

Submission guidelines

Proposals should include:

• Title of proposed presentation
• Abstract of talk proposal (no more than 300 words)
• Name of presenter plus position and/or title
• Employer / affiliated institution
• Contact information including email address, telephone number
• Short biographical statement of presenter

Send proposals via email to: iflahbs2027wlic@gmail.com

Use subject line: [LastName]_IFLA WLIC Open Session Proposal

Please note:

• A panelist must be present to deliver the talk 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 proposals.
• All proposals must use the WLIC Proposal template, which will be provided when your proposal is accepted
• All proposals presented at the WLIC 2025 will be available online under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
• All proposals must be unpublished and not previously presented.
• Authors must disclose whether they submit this proposal to another WLIC 2026 session.
• Authors of accepted proposals must complete the IFLA Authors’ Permission Form.
• Authors and presenters must adhere to the Presenter guidelines, provided when your proposals is accepted
• All expenses, including registration for the conference, travel, accommodation, 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.

Theme: “Visualizing art: multimedia transformations in libraries“

Introduction

The IFLA Art Libraries Section (ALS), in collaboration with the Audiovisual and Multimedia Section (AVMS), invites proposals for five live demos (4–5 minutes each) to be presented at an open session during the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea, 10–13 August 2026.

The session opens with a keynote presentation by Professor Jaemin Ko (Korea) on multimedia integration in art library architecture, followed by five innovative tool/workflow demos, live audience voting for “Most Innovative Demo,” and Q&A.

This joint session illustrates how art libraries and multimedia specialists drive transformation through digital curation and creative technologies. It highlights emerging research perspectives and curatorial practices that reimagine GLAM services, advance digital preservation of cultural heritage, and foster global cross-sector collaboration.

Key topics include immersive multimedia experiences (AR/VR/XR), inclusive design, AI-powered workflows for art curation (indexing, captioning, pattern recognition), robust metadata for hybrid/time-based works, sustainable exhibition models, ethical considerations in synthetic media, and collaborative streaming/preservation strategies within the GLAM ecosystem.

By positioning art libraries as leaders in user engagement and technological evolution alongside AVMS expertise, this open session embodies IFLA’s strategic vision for libraries driving change at Busan 2026.

Suggested topics

Proposals may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• Immersive multimedia experiences (AR/VR/XR, UX, inclusive design).
• AI-powered art curation (indexing, captioning, pattern recognition).
• Time-based media workflows (video, sound art, performance archives).
• Metadata for hybrid artworks (discovery, interoperability, stewardship).
• Streaming and access platforms (ethical delivery, research access).
• Digital preservation strategies (legacy formats, migration workflows).
• GLAM sector collaboration (infrastructure, cross-departmental capacity).
• Ethical digital curation (AI risks, provenance, authenticity).

Important dates & deadlines:

• 10/05/2026: Deadline for submission of demo
• 22/05/2026: Notification to presenters regarding
• 20/06/2026: Submission of demo technical
• 10/07/2026: Submission of demo materials (slides/script/video, max 5 min).

Submission guidelines

Proposals should include:

• Title of proposed demo
• Description of demo (no more than 150 words)
• Format (live demo OR pre-recorded video)
• Technical requirements (software/hardware/internet)
• Name of presenter plus position and/or title
• Employer / affiliated institution
• Contact information including email address, telephone number
• Short biographical statement of presenter (100-150 words)

 

Send proposals via email to: ifla.artlib@gmail.com

Use subject line: IFLA ALS-AVMS 2026 Live Demo Call

Please note:

• At least one of the demo’s authors must be present to summarize the demo 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 demos.
• All demos must use the WLIC Paper template, which will be provided when your demo is accepted
• The language of the session is expected to be
• All demos presented at the WLIC 2026 will be available online under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
• All demos must be unpublished and not previously
• Authors must disclose whether they submit this proposal to another WLIC 2026
• Authors of accepted demos must complete the IFLA Authors’ Permission
• Authors and presenters must adhere to the Presenter guidelines, provided when your demo is accepted
• All expenses, including registration for the conference, travel, accommodation, , 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.