Information Literacy Section (ILS) & Environmental Sustainability and Libraries Section (ENSULIB)

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.