www.cilip.org.uk


NEWS


IFLA’s World Library and Information Congress is coming home


CILIP announced that the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) will take place in London in 2027 after leading a successful bid to host the 100th anniversary event. WLIC is


the oldest and most prestigious professional


and trade event for the sector and IFLA, the International Federation of Library Association, which oversees the event said: “No other conference offers the same feast of librarian­ ship and opportunities for delegates to network, discuss and learn from each other on such an international scale.”


Coming home Hosting the event provides a rare opportunity for UK pro­ fessionals who don’t have the time or resources to travel internationally. But the 2027 event is of particular significance because it marks the 100th anniversary of IFLA and the Congress, the first of which was held in Edinburgh. It is also the 150th anni­ versary of the founding of the Library Association (which later went on to become CILIP). IFLA said: “How fitting that WLIC 2027 brings us back to


the country where it all began! It also marks the first time in exactly 25 years that we last held a Congress in the United Kingdom, when we celebrated IFLA’s 75th anniversary in Glasgow in 2002.” Leslie Weir (IFLA President) and Sharon Memis (IFLA Sec­ retary General) said: “London is the perfect stage for the global library community to come together to celebrate #IFLA100. As a vibrant international hub of innovation, culture, and learn­ ing, London offers an inspiring setting to celebrate our history and look forward to the future of the library and information field. We can’t wait to welcome the world to London!”


Work to do WLIC attracts thousands of librarians from across the world. Over four thousand delegates are expected in 2027. While much of the multi­day Congress will take place at the Excel


Centre in East London, there will be events held across the capital and all four UK Nations. Louis Coiffait­Gunn (CILIP CEO) and Kate Robinson (CILIP


Chair) revealed preparations for 2027 are already under­ way: “We can’t wait to put together the National Committee focused on a welcoming event showcasing the very best of what we have to offer, from our profession as well as wider UK culture in all its rich diversity. We’ve always been proud of our IFLA membership number #001 and what better way to celebrate than a big joint birthday party.” There will be opportunities for connections and proposals between CILIP SIGs and their IFLA counterparts as prepara­ tions progress. But at this early stage the processes involved in satellite activities and locations are still being explored, and groups should wait for more announcements on how they can get involved. A significant element of WLIC is the trade event. IFLA said it provides “exceptional opportunities for both commercial and non­commercial organisations to showcase their prod­ ucts, services, and innovations to an influential and diverse audience”. CILIP will be exploring the opportunities this presents with suppliers and the sector’s buyers in the next issue of Buyers’ Guide.


Members Louis and Kate said: “On behalf of all CILIP members and the whole UK sector we are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the global library and information profession to London and across the UK in 2027. What an opportunity to learn from colleagues around the world and to showcase our own good practice.” Not only will UK delegates save on travel but CILIP/IFLA members get a significant discount, which can be combined with early bird discounts.


And in the run up to 2027 a key message from CILIP to mem­ bers is to keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved as CILIP’s planning moves forward. If you have questions about the event email wlic2027@cilip.org.uk.


© visitlondon.com/Antoine Buche


Winter 2025


INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 5


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68