INTRODUCTION
All across the globe, libraries play a vital role in informing and educating citizens, developing society and acting to protect access to information in all its forms. Each year, the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) is held in a different region of the world and offers the opportunity for the press to learn how libraries and librarians support the basic human rights.
2023 marks the first time our congress has come to The Netherlands since 1998; it’s also our first hybrid congress. See our WLIC 2023 Factsheet for more details and join us to find out about the incredible work happening around the globe!
BACKGROUND
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession. IFLA is an independent, non- governmental, not-for-profit organisation with over 1600 members in over 140 countries.
To advance the interest of IFLA Members, we:
- further accessibility, protection, and preservation of documentary cultural heritage;
- support a library and information profession which anticipates, responds, and continuously innovates to address the needs of communities worldwide;
- drive high standards in library and information services and professional practices;
- encourage widespread understanding of the value and importance of quality library and information services in the public, private and voluntary sectors;
- promote libraries as vital institutions that enhance people’s lives and contributes to sustainable development through equitable access to information and knowledge;
- advocate for the best policies for libraries at all levels, through collaboration between headquarters, volunteers and members.
In our professional programmes we build the capacity of our members, and set the professional agenda through development of guidelines, standards, publications and events around the world. IFLA’s status as the global organisation for library and information services ensures that our voice is represented through formal relations with the United Nations and other organisations.
IFLA WLIC 2023 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Congress Theme: Let’s work together, let’s library: Building a sustainable future through the SDGs
The IFLA World Library and Information Congress is the international flagship professional and trade event for the library and information services sector. This year, IFLA WLIC will bring together thousands of participants from more than 120 countries. It sets the international agenda for the profession and offers opportunities for networking and professional development to all delegates.
IFLA WLIC is also an opportunity for the host country to showcase the status of libraries and information science in their country and region as well as to have their professionals experience international librarianship and international relations in a unique way.
The congress also offers an international trade exhibition with over 65 exhibitors and an exhibition space of approximately 834 m2.
The combined spending of all delegates provides a sizable impact on the local economy of the host city and can be estimated at more than 2 million Euros.
Between 21 and 25 August, more than 200 individual sessions covering the broad spectrum of Library and Information Science and its many related fields (copyright, access to information, safeguarding of cultural heritage, development, etc.) will be held in the Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre. A number of high-level officials will also be participating throughout the conference week; see the iPlanner for a full overview. 25 satellite meetings and offsite sessions will take place in various locations throughout The Netherlands and surrounding countries.
REGISTRATION/ACCESS
To register as a media representative, please contact the Congress Secretariat at wlic-registration@kit-group.org in order to receive a media registration form. There is no registration fee for accredited media representatives. However, to register as a media representative, you must submit a copy of your official press credentials.
MEDIA INQUIRES
See the iPlanner for full session details.
For all media inquiries, please contact: communications@ifla.org
PRESS ROOM
Port 5
Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre (RACC)
Ahoyweg 10
3084BA Rotterdam
The Netherlands
