Theme: “Cybersecurity in libraries”
Introduction
The IFLA IT section is seeking proposals for presentations in an open session at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea, 10-13 August 2026.
Cybersecurity in Libraries: Powering Digital Transformation Through Trust and Resilience
As libraries lead the way in digital transformation, cybersecurity emerges as a cornerstone for building trust, ensuring access, and empowering communities. This open session will explore how libraries — public and academic — can harness robust cybersecurity practices to not only protect their digital assets and user data but also to drive innovation and foster inclusive, resilient information ecosystems.
The open session will associate keynote speeches and presentations with a specific focus / experience, reflecting the global conference theme, “Libraries Powering Transformation”.
Suggested topics
- Cybersecurity trainings for library patrons and / or library staff
- Cybersecurity best practices in library context
- Cybersecurity common and un-common threats in library context
- Emerging risks in Cyber security
- Lessons learnt from a cybersecurity incident
- Adapting systems to meet new threats (Single Sign-on, Multi-factor Authentication, password management, quantic computing …)
- AI impact on cybersecurity procedures and trends
Important dates & deadlines:
- 15/05/2026: Deadline for submission of proposals
- 22/05/2026: Notification to authors about the status of their submission
- 10/07/2026: Complete program and allocated timeslots announcement
- 24/07/2026: Submission of the slides of the 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: François-Xavier Boffy (francois-xavier.boffy@univ-lyon1.fr) and Edmund Balnaves (ebalnaves@prosentient.com.au)
Use subject line: Cybersecurity WLIC26
Please note:
- Presenters may also submit an associated paper, which if accepted may be published in the IFLA publication repository
- At least one of the presentation’s authors 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 presenter(s) of accepted submissions.
- WLIC template will be provided on demand when your submission is accepted
- The language of the session is expected to be English.
- All presentation at the WLIC 2026 will be available online under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
- 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 submission is accepted
- All expenses, including registration for the conference, travel, accommodations, etc., are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. IFLA does not provide any financial support.
Congress Participation Grants
A list of opportunities for support is available on the Grants and Awards page of the WLIC website.