General Information A-Z

Accessibility & Assistance

Delegates who require special assistance related to accessibility are welcome to contact K.I.T. Group at wlic-registration@kit-group.org to discuss the possibility.

Accommodation

IFLA has appointed K.I.T. Group GmbH as the official housing agency. If you have any questions or changes, please contact the hotel directly. If you do not have the contact details with you, we will be happy to help you at the registration counters or send an email to: wlic-registration@kit-group.org.

Congress Venue:

Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre, Ahoyweg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Ahoy Convention Centre is located close to Zuidplein Metro station. Zuidplein station is serviced by Metro lines D and E, which run very frequently.

Airport

Rotterdam The Hague Airport offers flights to around forty European destinations, with frequent flights to Barcelona, Rome, Berlin and London. There are also multiple daily flights to many destinations, making it possible to fly back and forth in one day.

The centre of Rotterdam is only a fifteen-minute drive away by taxi or (rental) car, or in twenty to twenty-five minutes by public transport (RandstadRail combined with bus line 33).

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has great transport links to all of the Netherlands. You can easily take the train, catch a bus or rent a car.

Schiphol Station is located directly below the airport. It only takes a few minutes to walk from Arrivals to Schiphol Plaza, where you can take the stairs, escalator or lift down to the platforms. A train ride to Rotterdam takes approximately 26 minutes.

Airport Transfers

Rotterdam The Hague Airport is easily accessible by public transport. From Rotterdam Centraal station and from Den Haag Centraal station, you can travel comfortably and quickly via Metro Line E to Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Travelling via Metro Line E and Bus 33, the bus will stop directly next to the departure hall, and you can arrive as early as 5:48 am. Via 9292, you can easily determine your route and journey time to Rotterdam The Hague Airport.

• From The Hague to Rotterdam

Travelling from Den Haag Centraal station via RandstadRail Metro Line E, you will reach metro station Meijersplein within 30 minutes. Here you change to Bus Line 33, which takes you directly to Rotterdam The Hague Airport.

Click here to see the timetable of RandstadRail metrolijn E and buslijn 33.

The airport is also directly accessible from Delft with Bus Line 37. Bus Line 37 runs directly from The Hague Leyenburg via Delft Central Station to the airport every 30 minutes. Bus 37 stops just like the other bus lines on the public transport square next to the terminal.

Click here for the timetable provided by Carrier EBS. You can read the full timetable in this PDF file.

• From Rotterdam to The Hague

Travelling from Rotterdam Centraal station via RandstadRail Metro Line E, you will easily and quickly reach metro station Meeijersplein. Here you change to RET Bus Line 33. From Rotterdam Centraal station, you will reach Rotterdam The Hague Airport within 30 minutes.

Click here to see the timetables of RandstadRail metrolijn E and buslijn 33.

• From Rotterdam to Schiphol

Travelling from Rotterdam Centraal station to Schiphol by train takes 30 minutes. The connection runs three times an hour during business hours, and the first train leaves at 6:51 in the morning.

• From Rotterdam to Schiphol

The first train to Rotterdam leaves at 4:03 am and takes around 1 hour. From 6:11, the quicker connections (30 min) run three times an hour.

Go here to plan your travel: https://9292.nl/en

ATM

If you have a foreign bank card with a Cirrus logo you can get money from an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). Some ABN AMRO bank ATMs also accept cards with the PLUS logo. Also check your card and the ATM for EDC, EC and Maestro logos. Of course, you can also use most credit cards to obtain money from an ATM. Even the smallest villages offer many ATMs, which usually operate 24 hours per day.

Banking Services

Most banks are open from Monday through Friday between 9:00 and 17:00. Only major banks are open on Saturdays. GWK Travelex is open every day of the week, usually located nearby train and bus stations.

Foreign currency may be exchanged for euros at banks, post offices and exchange offices. Bring your passport when exchanging money as you will need it for the transaction.

Many shops in the Netherlands do not accept Credit Cards or even do not accept payments in cash to fight against fraud. The most common way of payment is to pay with a Debit Card (with a PIN). It is important for delegates to plan before leaving home. Many foreign banks (particularly American banks) offer the option to use a Debit Card (with PIN) by request only. If your bank does not allow for credit card payment with a PIN, don’t forget to make other arrangements.

Please see these webpages for information:

https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/travel-netherlands/checklist-travellers-nl

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/information/practical/using-a-credit-card-in-holland.htm

Business Centre

Located within the Main Ground Floor Foyer with a small printer to make copies and a laptop.

Cost: 50 cents

Sunday, 20 August                    07:30    18:00

Monday, 21 August                   08:00    18:00

Tuesday, 22 August                  07:30    18:00

Wednesday, 23 August              07:30    18:00

Thursday, 24 August                 07:30    18:00

Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance for all delegates will be sent by email after the Congress.

Climate

In Rotterdam, the hottest month of the year is July, with an average temperature of 18 °C, and the coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 4 °C. September is known to be the wettest month, with an average precipitation of 55.3 mm. On average, Rotterdam has 523.2 mm of precipitation per year

At Ahoy, you can store your valuables in a locker for €4,50 per locker per day. Bags larger than A4 or large items such as an umbrella or helmet do not fit in these lockers.

A manned cloakroom will be available for jackets or bigger items.  A fixed price of €2.50 per item will be charged for use of the cloakroom.

 

Opening Hours:

Sunday, 20 Aug                       07:30 – 21:00

Monday, 21 Aug                      08:00 – 19:00

Tuesday, 22 Aug                     07:30 – 18:30

Wednesday, 23 Aug                07:30 – 18:30

Thursday, 24 Aug                    07:30 – 18:30

Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre, Ahoyweg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Ahoy Convention Centre is located close to Zuidplein Metro station. Zuidplein station is serviced by Metro lines D and E, which run very frequently.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards are accepted widely, but not everywhere. If in doubt, ask in advance. Cash-on-card services are available from selected American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and VisaCard addresses. These cards are also accepted by all GWK currency exchange outlets and Change Express Offices.

Enjoy the Cultural Evening at the Diergaarde Blijdorp (the Zoo of Rotterdam)

Wander through different continents where you will see fascinating animals.

For example, discover the amazing and beautiful butterfly paradise of Amazonica, visit the renewed Great Barrier Reef in the fully covered Oceanium and be surrounded and amazed by sharks, fishes and turtles. Wander through Asia and meet elephants and rhinos in the tropical green of the (mostly covered) Taman Indah, see the giraffes on the African Savanna or visit the red panda.

For more information, go here.

Culture

There are more than 170 cultures that live together in Rotterdam, which form a vibrant melting pot. They give the city a unique, cosmopolitan vibe, where art and culture find fertile soil. Visit the museums in the Museum Park, check out the (international) programming of the stages and, above all, keep an eye on the festival agenda because Rotterdam is a festival city to note. Major events such as the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), ART Rotterdam week and the North Sea Jazz Festival contribute to keeping Rotterdam in the spotlight.

Visit https://en.rotterdam.info/art-culture/ for insider tips!

Currency

The Euro (€) is the official currency of the Netherlands. Because most places you visit will be able to take your credit or debit cards, you don’t need to take much cash. In fact, there is really no reason to get Euros before you leave.

Electricity

The standard voltage is 230V (50 Hz). Type F plug adapters are required for those travelling from countries that use different plugs.

Emergency Numbers

• Emergency, Police, Fire: 112 (free of charge)
• Hard of hearing text: 0800 8112 (free of charge)

The Netherland’s international calling code is +31.

Rotterdam area code: (0)10

Amsterdam area code: (0)20

The Hague area code: (0)70

Exhibition

IFLA will also hold a trade exhibition at The Ahoy in conjunction with the World Library and Information Congress. Attendees are invited to join the opening on 21 August from 16:00-18:00 and to visit the exhibition during the Congress dates from Tuesday, 22 August 2023, until Thursday, 24 August 2023.

Opening Hours:

Monday, 21 Aug

• Soft Opening                           14:00
• Exhibition Opening Party        16:00 – 18:00

Tuesday, 22 Aug                                 09:30 – 17:30

Wednesday, 23 Aug                            09:30 – 17:30

Thursday, 24 Aug                                09:30 – 14:30

First Aid

The First Aid Room in the Ahoy is located on the ground floor.

Please contact a staff member to assist you or inform them about any incident requiring First Aid.

Food & Drink

The multicultural aspect of Rotterdam is well reflected in its food culture. From Michelin star restaurants, to burger joints, markets, as well as many vegan and vegetarian options, visitors can take advantage of the diverse food scene in Rotterdam!

Visit here to begin your culinary experience.

Hashtag

Use the #WLIC2023 hashtag to let your friends and colleagues know you are participating in WLIC2023!

Health

The Dutch National Health Service does not cover visitors to the Netherlands, and emergency medical services are not free of charge. It is the responsibility of the delegate to obtain necessary insurance when travelling to the Netherlands.

IFLA Congress Communications

IFLA will communicate news items through several channels before and during the Congress, such as the IFLA Newsletter, News pieces on the Congress Website and social media. During the Congress, this website, Facebook and Twitter will be the main channels for Congress news.

IFLA Website

www.ifla.org

Internet access

There are numerous places where visitors can have internet access, including coffee shops, libraries, and almost all hotels. Travellers from the EU can use their own data plan without roaming fees.

The WiFi Network at the Venue during the Congress is called WLIC2023, and the password to access it will be WLIC2023.

Language

The official language in the Netherlands is Dutch and regional languages, and dialects are spoken in the provinces. English is also spoken by the Dutch.

Library Visits are on Friday, 25 August

More information on the offered tours and the booking procedure can be found here

Lost & Found

Please go to the Registration Counters located on Ground Floor-Main Entrance. We collect all found items here.

Mobile Phones

Local prepaid SIM cards are widely available in supermarkets, kiosks, phone shops, etc. and can be used in most unlocked smartphones.

As a courtesy to speakers and other attendees, we kindly request that all mobile phones are set on silent mode before entering Congress sessions.

Name Badges

The name badge must always be worn during the Congress. Access to the Congress facilities will not be granted without a proper name badge. If an attendee loses, misplaces or forgets the name badge, a handling fee of 50 EUR will be charged for a new name badge. The lost badge will become invalid upon handing out a new name badge. Please note that accompanying persons do not have access to sessions apart from the Opening and Closing Sessions.

Opening Hours

Registration

Sunday, 20 Aug                       07:30 – 18:00

Monday, 21 Aug                      08:00 – 18:00

Tuesday, 22 Aug                     07:30 – 18:00

Wednesday, 23 Aug                07:30 – 18:00

Thursday, 24 Aug                    07:30 – 18:00

 

Speaker Preview

Sunday, 20 Aug                       14:00 – 18:00

Monday, 21 Aug                      09:00 – 18:00

Tuesday, 22 Aug                     07:30 – 18:00

Wednesday, 23 Aug                07:30 – 18:00

Thursday, 24 Aug                    07:30 – 16:00

 

Exhibition & Poster Area:

Monday, 21 Aug

• Soft Opening                           14:00
• Exhibition Opening Party        16:00 – 18:00

Tuesday, 22 Aug                                 09:30 – 17:30

Wednesday, 23 Aug                            09:30 – 17:30

Thursday, 24 Aug                                09:30 – 14:30

 

Cloakroom

Sunday, 20 Aug                       07:30 – 21:00

Monday, 21 Aug                      08:00 – 19:00

Tuesday, 22 Aug                     07:30 – 18:30

Wednesday, 23 Aug                07:30 – 18:30

Thursday, 24 Aug                    07:30 – 18:30

Poster Sessions

Poster Sessions will take place in the Poster Area on Tuesday 22 August and Wednesday 23 August.

Registration

Registration is now open!

Please find more information here 

 

Onsite Registration opening hours:

Sunday, 20 Aug                       07:30 – 18:00

Monday, 21 Aug                      08:00 – 18:00

Tuesday, 22 Aug                     07:30 – 18:00

Wednesday, 23 Aug                07:30 – 18:00

Thursday, 24 Aug                    07:30 – 18:00

Shopping & Opening Hours

Similar to Rotterdam’s diverse food scene, the city also offers a shopping experience suited for every fashion taste.

For inspiration on where to shop in Rotterdam, visit here.

Most of the shops in the city centre open from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm Monday till Saturday, on Sunday they close around 6 pm.

Grocery shopping is possible in most shops from 7 am till 10 pm, Monday till Friday and from 8 am till 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Simultaneous Interpretation (SI)

AI interpretation services will be available in six languages (French, German, Russian, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin) and Arabic) for parts of the onsite program.

To follow the interpretation, you will find QR Codes for each Session room in the Pocket Programme (provided onsite) or in front of the Session Rooms on the signage.

For virtual attendees, the link is included in the Virtual Platform underneath each live streamed Session.

Sponsorship

IFLA offers a range of commercial sponsorship opportunities for IFLA WLIC 2023. These can be booked online via the Exhibition and Sponsorship Ordering System (ESOS®). For further information regarding sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, please contact the Congress Secretariat: wlic2023-sponsorship@kit-group.org.

Time Zone Information

Rotterdam is in the Central European Time Zone and is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +1). Additionally, daylight saving time is from March to October and is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2).

We kindly invite you to use the TimeZone Converter if you have any doubts about the schedule.

Tipping

Value Added Tax (VAT) and service charges are included in your check-in hotels, restaurants, shops and taxis. Tips for extra service are always appreciated but not required. It is customary to give taxi drivers and waiters a tip of about 10%. Many public bathrooms have an attendant who is usually tipped EUR 0,50.

Tourist Information

At Rotterdam Tourist Information, you will find all the information you need to plan your visit to Rotterdam, including brochures about Rotterdam, the Rotterdam Tourist Information app and practical information. You can also contact the Rotterdam Tourist Office for questions. Rotterdam is easily accessible by train, bus, boat and plane. Transport in the city is also well organized with an extensive network of buses, trams and subways.

1. Coolsingel 114, 3012 AG Rotterdam, Niederlande
2. Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam, Niederlande

Transport

RET N.V. is the public transport company of the Rotterdam city region which offers buses, trams, metros and Fast Ferry services to more than 600,000 commuters daily.

Those who wish to travel within the city must obtain a valid public transport card.

Please visit the RET website here for more information on card options and fares.

Metro

Five metro lines (A-E) allow you to travel easily within the city.

Travel times: Mon-Sat 05:30-0:15 / Sun 07:30-0:15 (times may vary per route).

Tram

Tram lines 2, 4, 7, 8, 20, 21, 23, 24 and 25 all travel through the centre and conveniently pass through the Central Station.

Bus

The bus is a great way to travel to/from the centre to city districts, neighbourhoods and the greater metropolitan area.

More information on all means of public transportation can be found on RET’s website.

Ferry

Ferry access from Maassluis and Rozenburg leaves every 20 minutes. Please see the schedule here.

Taxis

Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale (RTC): +31 10 – 462 60 60

Rotterdam Airport Taxi: +31 10 – 262 04 06

Taxi St-Job: +31 10 – 425 70 00

Stadstaxi Rotterdam: +31 10 – 818 28 23

Fietstaxi (a kind of covered bike rickshaw): +31 10 – 411 02 22 of +31 6-152 95 901

Travel Insurance

When booking travel insurance, please ensure that the insurance includes protection from COVID-related risks, such as having to change/cancel travel plans or additional medical bills for treatment while in a foreign country.

Attendees are advised to arrange adequate travel and medical insurance against medical treatment, accidents, cancellation of bookings, etc. No responsibility will be accepted by the Congress Organisers.

Useful Websites

IFLA WLIC 2023 Website: 2023.ifla.org/

The Ahoy Rotterdam: www.ahoy.nl/en

If there is any additional information you require before your arrival in Rotterdam, please do not hesitate to contact the IFLA WLIC 2023 Congress Secretariat: wlic@kit-group.org.

Rotterdam Info – The Official Site; all you need to know but were afraid to ask about places to go and things to do: en.rotterdam.info/

Restaurants 

Visa Information

It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to take care of his/her visa requirements. Attendees requiring entry visas must allow sufficient time for the application procedure. Attendees should contact the nearest embassy or consulate to determine the appropriate timing of their visa applications. It is recommended to apply for a visa at least 3 months before Congress.

An application for a Schengen visa or an airport transit visa for the Netherlands is usually processed within 15 days. In some cases, however, it could take up to 45 days. 

Please see more information here.

If your visa is not granted in time for you to attend the Congress and you have paid the registration fee in full, the registration fee minus a handling fee of EUR 50.00 will be refunded not later than 14 days after the Congress. You will receive this refund if the visa was applied for in time, and proof of this, together with an official notice from the embassy confirming that a visa could not be granted, is forwarded to K.I.T. Group (Conference Organiser).

You can find more information on Visa requirements here.

Volunteers

On behalf of the Rotterdam National Committee of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) 2023, we kindly invite you to become a Volunteer during the Congress that will be held from 21 – 25 August 2023 at Rotterdam Ahoy, the Netherlands.

Volunteers play an integral role in supporting WLIC 2023, and we look forward to welcoming you as part of our Volunteers in WLIC 2023. Volunteers are key in creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere for delegates while assisting the hosts in delivering a professionally run Congress.

A series of upskilling programs and training sessions will be offered to Volunteers, and an information kit will be provided regarding specific duties and benefits.

WiFi Information

The WiFi Network at the Venue during the Congress is called WLIC2023, and the password to access it will be WLIC2023.