IFLA | WLIC 2026

A look back at WLIC 2026 and forward to IFLA100

Ilaria Molinari — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 08:31:48 +0000

It’s been little more than a week since the closing of the 90th World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea—and what a congress it was!

While the final, official numbers are still being gathered, we can already report some amazing statistics. IFLA WLIC 2026 welcomed 3,191 delegates, half of them first-time attendees, from 111 different countries and territories around the world, along with 305 speakers and 50 exhibitors. In just four days, there were 205 sessions and meetings, and our Korean hosts set the bar very high for future WLICs, by delivering an impeccably organised event, including a Cultural Evening which blew everyone away.

But there is something these numbers cannot fully express, something that cannot be easily quantified or even summarised in words. What makes WLIC special every year, is the atmosphere you can breathe and experience throughout the congress week, and for that we have to thank every single participant – our hosts, delegates, guest speakers, volunteers, members, and staff.

Nothing beats attending a WLIC in person, but you can see, or relive, some of the magic that a WLIC brings in the session recordings we’ve just made available on our YouTube channel.

There’s over 16 hours of material that shows the breadth of what an IFLA Congress can offer, from the professional to the celebratory—but also the fun!

While Sessions and carefully planned gatherings are the fundamental structure of WLIC, anyone who ever participated knows that a lot of important things happen on the sidelines spontaneously, in the little pauses and breaks throughout the days. It’s there that relationships among librarians are forged or rekindled, friendships that last decades and that foster international cooperation.

At a time when our sector is under considerable strain, it is more important than ever that we treasure these connections. We are stronger together, and as IFLA President Leslie Weir would say, it is easier to Be Bold together.

So, this is what we want to close WLIC 2026 with, the images of thousands of library professionals connecting, having fun together and creating lasting bonds, deepening their commitment to international librarianship, and as an inspiration to continue growing together and working together to make the voices of global libraries heard.

And now, onward to a milestone year!

As you know, WLIC 2027 will take place in London, and what better place than the country where IFLA’s journey started in 1927 to celebrate IFLA’s centenary? We have already launched our commemorative IFLA 100 logo and have had a sneak peek of what the UK National Committee is preparing, but we have many more ideas to share about how we can celebrate such an important milestone to the fullest with you all. Registration for IFLA WLIC 2027 is scheduled to begin in October.

While IFLA100 is undoubtably an unmissable opportunity to celebrate our impactful history, more importantly it’s a critical time to explore what kind of international federation the library field will need for IFLA’s second century. This is why we’ve built in futures literacy to our programming for the Centenary. You saw this as a thread already in Busan with our the futurist Sohail Inayatullah, our Emerging Leaders session, which saw the release of the the first quest in the Great IFLA100 Futures Challenge, and with David Lankes, who navigates the uncertainties around the AI-induced information shock.

Coming up in September, we have an IFLA Townhall Meeting (two dates: 8 September and 9 September) with IFLA President Leslie Weir and Secretary General Sharon Memis, the next IFLA Futures Club with Internet Archive’s founder, Brewster Kahle. Then in October, IFLA’s MetLib Conference 2026 “Planning for Futures: Be Bold”, takes place in Utrecht, Netherlands.

Keep an eye on IFLA’s website and social media, and stay tuned for more!

WLIC 2026: Day three highlights

Ilaria Molinari — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:18:25 +0000

And that’s a wrap for IFLA WLIC 2026! The final numbers are in: 3,191 delegates, of whom 50% first-timers, from 111 countries and territories came together for over 200 sessions packed in just three days. Over 1500 delegates were from our host country, South Korea. We also had 350 speakers, 200+ poster sessions, 50 exhibitors and more than 200 volunteers!

It is hard to express in words our gratitude for everyone who travelled, from near and far, and took the time to contribute to this incredible event. You make WLIC special, thank you.

Catch highlights of the conference on Instagram, head over to Flickr to access some incredible photos, go to IFLA’s YouTube channel for recordings of Auditorium sessions, and read on for some key moments from the third and last day!

Closing Ceremony

The closing session is a time to look back, deep reflect on the many sessions, and share in the achievements of the award winners announced out during the busy week.

While there is so much to celebrate, the end of an IFLA WLIC is always bittersweet. We are filled with fondness and pride for everyone’s achievements and for what we accomplished together, but impatient at the thought that next time we will all be in a room together will be in one year.

But, we have great things to look forward to! Next year will mark IFLA’s centenary, and we had already a glimpse at IFLA WLIC 2027 in a captivating video. IFLA was founded in the United Kingdom 100 years ago, a connection which will make the next congress very special.

Thank you once again to the Korean National Committee for their hard work and for being such incredible hosts to our thousands of delegates.

Safe travels to everyone, we will see you all soon!

Each recipient of the Professional Council Awards has demonstrated what is possible when passion meets purpose.

It is a tremendous honour for the UK to host this gathering in IFLA's Centenary Year. IFLA was founded in the UK back in 1927. There is something truly special about bringing the global library and information community back to where that journey began, to reflect on a century of achievement and to look ahead to the next hundred years of our profession.

WLIC 2026 has been a remarkable gathering, filled with learning, inspiration and connection. Throughout the week, delegates have spoken enthusiastically about the programme, the insights shared by our speakers, and the warm hospitality of our hosts and the local library community.

Keynote by Mahaletchumy Arujanan (Libraries, Media and the New Science Commons: Connecting Research with Society) and Tommi Laitio (Navigating Coexistence)

Day three’s keynote session brought together two powerful perspectives on the role of libraries in an increasingly complex world.

Mahaletchumy Arujanan challenged libraries to become active partners in communicating science, helping communities navigate misinformation, emerging technologies and complex societal challenges. She highlighted the potential of libraries to make science more accessible through dialogue, creativity and community engagement.

Tommi Laitio then explored how libraries can help people “coexist across difference.” Drawing on examples from cities around the world, he argued that friction is not necessarily something to eliminate, but something libraries can help communities navigate. His concept of convivencia — finding the space between harmony and conflict — offered a compelling framework for libraries as places where people can encounter difference, build trust and share public space.

IFLA Green Library Award 2026

Presented by IFLA’s Environment, Sustainability and Libraries Section (ENSULIB), the IFLA Green Library Award is given out each year to libraries and projects that best communicate their commitment to environmental sustainability, a role which is becoming more and more important every year.

The prize is sponsored by Library Juice Academy and De Gruyter Brill Publishing, and strives to create awareness of libraries’ social responsibility and leadership in environmental education and to support the worldwide green library movement.

CEDREAK (Centre for Documentation and Resources for Environmental Education in Cantabria, Spain) won first place in the Best Green Library Project category, with “Small Library, Big Engine: CEDREAC’s Circle of Environment & Participation”. Runner ups were Yonghak Library (South Korea) with “The living library: A policy framework for urban ecosystem integration”, and Lien Ying Chow Library at NGEE ANN Polytechnic (Singapore) with “Library of Tomorrow – Blueprint to Sustainable Futures”.

In the category Best Green Libraries/Grand Scale Projects, the award went to Rami Library(Türkiye), with “Rami Library: Transforming a 19th Century Historic Barracks into a Climate-Resilient Urban Commons”. Jinjiang Library (China) got second place with “Greenwood Neighborhood Library”, while Munster Technological University (Ireland) ended third with “The ideal couple? Marrying Biophilia and Sustainability in MTU Libraries”.

Full details on the session are in ENSULIB’s news post.

More sessions from Day Three

Read on for a taste of various Day Three talks!

Collections Under Threat: Anticipating, Managing, and Preventing Threats to Library Collections

How can libraries protect their collections from physical, digital, and environmental threats? This session offered answers and to this end, presenters highlighted the importance of preservation, cybersecurity, reliable backups, metadata, and maintaining access to collections during disruptions.

Resilience requires shared responsibility and long-term planning. Libraries need to assess risks, prioritise valuable collections, protect digital information, and maintain trust through authenticity, privacy, transparency, and accountability.

Libraries Transforming Lives Through Lifelong Literacies

Libraries have a central role addressing the diverse, life-long literacy needs of their communities. From connecting literacy with fitness to developing research literacy in children, libraries are adopting unique and creative approaches to literacy engagement. The metric for life-long literacy is not whether patrons had their questions answered, but whether “they leave curious enough to keep going” (Shari Werb, USA, Library of Congress).

Rethinking Reference in the AI Era

While Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping reference services, it is not replacing the librarian. The presenters at this session discussed how library patrons are interacting with AI tools, how librarians can support AI literacy, and the role that librarians play in mediating access to and trust of AI tools and responses. This session highlighted the ways in which authority in the AI era has become negotiated, and the importance of training library staff to handle AI-related questions by developing their own AI literacy and providing a shared vocabulary for librarians to use in their work.

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

This session’s case studies ranged from an audio archive so small it didn’t meet the threshold for grant funding, to the 20th century audio-visual archive of the Catholic church in Italy, to the multi-modal collection of Disney animation studios. The audience learned about challenges in finding the equipment to “read” the material to capturing metadata, and identifying more than 300 voices of interviewees.

The discussion touched on issues associated with copyright, digitalisation, and replication of preservation of these types of archives.

Become an IFLA Member: benefit from our year-end membership offer by joining now!

Did you know that if you join NOW as an IFLA member or affiliate, you pay at the 2026 rate, and your fee will cover your membership for the rest of the year and all of 2027!

Read on to find out more about how to become an IFLA Member.

Honours and Awards at the IFLA WLIC 2026 Closing Session

Louis — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 02:19:37 +0000

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 90^th 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

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.

WLIC 2026: Day two highlights

Ilaria Molinari — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 03:56:06 +0000

In the thick of the Congress!

While day one was for getting acquainted with fellow librarians from around the world, enjoying the opening ceremony, and getting into the rhythm of the conference, day two saw delegates move with confidence and purpose, even readier to share their ideas and thoughts on the future of libraries.

Work-life balance remains important, though, and we were glad to see many participants unwound and socialise at the Cultural Evening.

Follow our coverage on Instagram to catch the highlights as they happen, head over to Flickr to access some incredible photos, and read on for some key moments from the second day!

Keynote by Sohail Inayatullah: From Keepers of the Collection, to Innovators in the Gardens, to Truth Tellers

In his keynote on futures thinking, Sohail Inayatullah asked the audience to challenge power and consider scenarios based on disruptions in our libraries.

It was a thought-provoking discussion, which dared library professionals to re-think about who they are, who they want to be, and what can libraries become in the future. That is a fundamental step to ensure the survival of libraries and librarians.

Change your story, change your future

Libraries are the custodians of past, present, and futures. And whether this future needs a library to be a 'digital town's square' or an all weather 'chinese rose', let's see how it goes, where it leads us.

IFLA President’s Session: A User’s Guide to Being Bold

IFLA President Leslie Weir led a discussion on change management and the challenges facing libraries in a rapidly changing world. She encouraged library professionals to work together and, most importantly, to have an active role in shaping the future. In short, Be Bold!

Other speakers touched on the importance of mindset change and preserving carefully the knowledge we need to carry with us forward.

Overall, the session was filled with practical tips on managing change, understanding priorities and building confidence, all while reinforcing a strong sense of community and collective responsibility for the future.

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IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award

Every year, IFLA and PressReader celebrate with a special award exceptional library marketing campaigns that showcase innovation, impact, and community engagement.

This year, we received more than 120 outstanding and diverse submissions from around the world! As Leslie Weir pointed out, it was incredibly difficult for the jury to choose the winners.

This year’s first prize was awarded to Hulunbuir Library (China), for their campaign “Reading Through Cold for Warmth”, a simple yet profoundly effective public welfare initiative, transforming climate into both stage and message.

Second place went to Shenzhen Library (China) for “Under Library”, while For My Stories (SeeArt Foundation) from South Korea ended up in third place with “The Third Time Project”.

More Day Two Sessions

Read on for a taste of various Day Two talks.

Powering Sustainable Change

“Digital transformation should not be viewed separately from environmental sustainability.” – Amahle Khumalo

Library and research infrastructure can be sustainable, and governing bodies need to lead the way in creating a greener future. Presenters examined open science and publishing initiatives that reduce manual load of research profiles, still examining hidden water use and acknowledging the energy use behind AI.

Meet Luka, the World’s Reading Robot for Children’s Libraries

The session introduced Luka, an Al-powered reading robot designed to make reading more engaging for young children.

Shaped like a small owl, it can memorize picture books in advance and read them aloud, helping children to engage with reading and to discover books.

Transforming the information landscape

Speakers from four different countries presented on how their libraries are preserving oral history, supporting communities, and becoming co-creators in local knowledge.

In Japan, Katsunuma Library is collecting and exhibiting local wine traditions and hosting events. In China, the Peking University Library is working with a film festival and young filmmakers to collect sensory details that are missing from traditional archives. In Pakistan, librarians are working to digitize local heritage while developing solutions to the digital divide. And in Singapore, the missing history of Singaporean Tamils has been collecting by volunteers in a digital encyclopedia and supported by the National Library.

Access Reclaimed: Defending Open Knowledge and Underrepresented Perspectives through Subject Cataloguing

Communities experiencing social discrimination need equitable access to information, as subject access, political pressure and changing language increasingly intersect. The session explored these challenges.

The presentations underscored libraries’ responsibility to make space for diverse experiences and histories. By rethinking systems of description and discovery, libraries can help ensure that people see themselves represented, find the knowledge they need, and preserve voices too often marginalised or overlooked.

Cultural Evening

What a night! Even with a day two packed with talks and activities, all delegates, staff and volunteers gathered at the Busan Cinema Center for an evening of culture, singing, dancing, and food.

Throughout the evening, we watched a traditional performance with live percussions by the Busan National Gugak Center, we sang along to pop classics, we were amazed by K-dance crew Just Jerk, and we danced to Korean and international music.

These moments are what make WLIC so special and where the tightest connections are created. We know that twenty years on, friendships formed last night will still be going strong.

Many thanks to the National Committee for organising a truly unforgettable night!

Become an IFLA Member: benefit from our year-end membership offer by joining now!

Did you know that if you join NOW as an IFLA member or affiliate, you pay at the 2026 rate, and your fee will cover your membership for the rest of the year and all of 2027!

Read on to find out more about how to become an IFLA Member.

WLIC 2026: Day one highlights

Ilaria Molinari — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 03:34:34 +0000

Welcome to WLIC 2026!

The 90th edition of IFLA’s World Library and Information Congress has officially begun!

On our first day, we welcomed over 3000 delegates from more than 100 countries to Busan. And among the attendees are more than 1000 Korean librarians!

The energy in the air was absolutely buzzing, whether you were at the opening ceremony, one of the many sessions throughout the day, the exhibition zone or just strolling around corridors.

There was a strong press presence, with several local journalists interviewing IFLA and local officials.

Follow our coverage on Instagram to catch the highlights as they happen, head over to Flickr to access professional photos, and read on for some key moments from the first day!

Opening Ceremony

The IFLA WLIC 2026 Busan opening ceremony was an exciting and colourful start to the congress. It has been exactly 20 years since WLIC was last hosted in South Korea, and our hosts made sure delegates will be talking about this congress for another 20 years!

The Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, Chun Jae-soo ( 전재수) , along with other local high-level government and library officials offered a warm welcome to the delegates, each one highlighting the vital role libraries have to fulfill in upholding democracy, protecting access to information, advancing digital inclusion, and supporting climate resilience.

The audience was dazzled by performances by traditional Korean style singer Ha Yoon-joo and futuristic dance crew Saengdonggam, which celebrated different aspects of Korean culture.

Finally, in his keynote speech, member of the National Assembly Cha Ji-ho touched on a very timely discussion over AI and libraries, proposing its role as a public utility led not by private companies but by public institutions like libraries.

Facing change requires boldness. We need knowledge and skills, but we also need to change our attitudes. And there are few better ways to change out-of-date attitudes than gatherings like WLIC. During this Congress, we re-charge, re-energise, become inspired, and come away with new courage.

Libraries are on the front line to help communities make their world a better place

Amid the flow of information, the role of libraries is safeguarding trustworthy knowledge.

As generative AI summarises knowledge and delivers answers in seconds, some now question whether the libraries are still necessary. But beyond storing information, their mission now extends to verifying knowledge, upholding ethics, and serving as a forum for democratic dialogue. That's why libraries matter more than ever in the age of AI.

Libraries must remain places where no one is left behind.

IFLA/James Bennett Public Library of the Year Award 2026

Mesa Gateway Library (USA) was awarded the IFLA/James Bennett Public Library of the Year 2026. 🎉

The award is presented to a library in any country worldwide which has excelled at combining open and functional architecture with creative IT solutions while at the same time involving digital technologies and local culture. Mesa Gateway Library, built in the Arizona desert and inspired by market halls from around the world, manages to combine sustainability, identity and technology.

We extend our congratulations to all libraries shortlisted for the award who’ve stood out as an inspiring example of how to completely transform an existing library building with a strong community-centred approach, as well as a wide range of sustainable features.

More Day One Sessions

Wherever your interests lie, there was something for everyone at the first day of WLIC 2026.

Accessible Audiovisual Libraries

Libraries should be able to serve any members of their communities, including those with visual or hearing impairments. The session presented a new set of guidelines for audiovisual materials in libraries, the inclusion of accessibility features in metadata, virtual library tours, and using technology to kick-start captions and transcripts for videos.

Global Connections Between Young Library Users through Webtoons, Manga, and More

Manga, webtoons, and graphic novels have a role to play in strengthening connections between young library users and more experienced librarians.

The session presented different tools and approaches to help librarians better understand young people’s interests, including resources developed with organisations such as the Nordic Manga Association.

These media formats can make libraries more attractive to younger audiences while still engaging long-time users, fostering intergenerational dialogue and collaboration in adapting library services to evolving reading cultures.

Connecting Initiatives on AI

AI seems to be everywhere, and libraries are no exception. It is important that information professionals, students, and general public are trained efficiently to deal with AI, especially keeping a focus on ethics: “AI doesn’t just happen to the library field; we have the knowledge, we have a saying, we should have a place at the table”.

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A World of Flavours: Librarian Flash Mob in Busan!

Organised by the IFLA New Professionals Special Interest Group (NPSIG), this WLIC flash mob was all about food!

Librarians gathered to read their favourite recipes aloud at beautiful Haeundae Beach, and reflected over the universal, unifying power of good food.

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Meet our IFLA WLIC 2026 Emerging Leaders

Once again, IFLA is happy to be able to offer support for a range of emerging leaders to participate in our World Library and Information Congress. These individuals not only have the chance to engage and share their perspectives at the world’s most international library event, but will also bring home insights and lessons to their own work. Their participation is made possible through the generosity of the Gates Foundation, via Stichting IFLA Global Libraries.

Become an IFLA Member: benefit from our year-end membership offer by joining now!

Did you know that if you join NOW as an IFLA member or affiliate, you pay at the 2026 rate, and your fee will cover your membership for the rest of the year and all of 2027!

Read on to find out more about how to become an IFLA Member.

Don’t Miss Out: Live Stream of the Opening Ceremony

Ilaria Molinari — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 05:40:19 +0000

Can’t make it to Busan for WLIC 2026? We’ve got you covered!

The Opening Ceremony will be streamed live for free on our YouTube channel:

Opening Ceremony, 10 August 2026, 10:30 – 11:45 (UTC +9)

If you can’t join us in person or live, you can still catch several sessions, as recordings will be available after the Congress.

Korean Libraries on the Library Map of the World

Ilaria Molinari — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:48:00 +0000

Did you know IFLA hosts an open-access platform which provides global library data, insights into the library field, and inspiring stories?

Before the Congress starts next week, take a deep dive into IFLA’s Library Map of the World, and learn more about how Korean libraries operate and the legislation underpinning their work.

To further immerse yourself into Korean library culture ahead of WLIC 2026, you can also read about how one library in Seoul is encouraging people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.

Download the IFLA WLIC 2026 App

Ilaria Molinari — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:38:40 +0000

The WLIC 2026 app is now available to download on your smart device! Prepare yourself for the 2026 World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Busan, South Korea, by exploring the app’s features today.

Download the WLIC 2026 app and get the full conference programme, create your own agenda, access the venue map at your fingertips and more in one simple click.

Available for a free download through the Google Play Store for Android devices or the App Store for iOS devices.

In case you prefer a browser version, don’t forget – you can always access the programme via the webpage too.

We look forward to seeing you in Busan soon!

Cultural Evening: Don’t miss your chance to experience the culture and flavours of Korea!

Ilaria Molinari — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:55:16 +0000

Join fellow WLIC delegates from more than 100 countries for a fascinating evening of K-culture, performances and local food!

📅Tuesday, August 11, 2026

⌚18:10–22:00 (doors open at 18:00)

📍 Outdoor Theater, Busan Cinema Center

The Cultural Evening celebrates the diverse traditions, tastes, and talents of our host country.

Throughout the evening, we will watch a traditional performance with live percussions by the Busan National Gugak Center, we will sing along to pop classics, we will cheer on world-renowned K-dance crew Just Jerk, and we will close the night dancing to a special set by DJ Pandol.

Don’t miss getting a taste of the local delicacies that will be served, and especially look for Busan specialties such as Milmyeon, Busan eomuk, and Kimchijeon!

The venue: the Busan Cinema Center and its Library

We are very excited to welcome all of you to such special venue as the Busan Cinema Center and its Library.

Since the opening of the Cinematheque Busan in 1999, the Library of Busan Cinema Center has steadily built its film collection, now holding approximately 48,300 items. Far from being only a repository, this library is an experiential, vibrant, multi-purpose cultural space where visitors can engage with film through all five senses.

The Busan Cinema Center and its Library will be exclusively open for WLIC participants to explore its unique collections and services from 19:00 to 21:00.

A World of Flavour: WLIC 2026 flash mob announced

Ilaria Molinari — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 06:35:24 +0000

Organised by the IFLA New Professionals Special Interest Group (NPSIG), this year’s WLIC flash mob is all about food!

Food has the power to tell stories, preserve traditions, and bring communities together. Join us for a unique cultural celebration where participants will read aloud recipes from different countries and cultures, highlighting the rich diversity of our global library community.

Location: Haeundae Event Plaza, Haeundae Beach
Date: Monday, 10 August
Time: 6:00 PM

What to bring

Your favorite recipe or cookbook and share the stories, traditions, and flavors that make your culture unique.

What to expect

Take a glimpse below into one of the previous WLIC flash mob from 2023!