88th IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Rotterdam, Netherlands

From August 21 to 25, 202, the 88th World Libraries and Information Congress of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA WLIC 87) has taken place in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Congress gathered more than 3,000 delegates representing the library and information industry of over 100 countries in the world. The Vietnamese delegation led by Mr. Nguyen Xuan Dung, Acting Director of the National Library of Viet Nam (NLV) has actively participated in the Congress.

With the theme "Let's work together, let’s library", over 230 official sessions with more than 500 presentations shared about libraries and global vision, libraries with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, advocacy for library activities, copyright, artificial intelligence and libraries, the ways to promote reading and bringing back patrons to the library, development of language and digital skills, open access to culture, digital knowledge, library marketing, library services for people with disabilities, library and information sciences education, etc. In addition to the sessions taking place at the Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Center, the Organizing Committee also live-streamed key sessions to promptly convey information to thousands of interested people globally.

On the sidelines of the Congress, 22 satellite meetings, dozens of open forums and hundreds of booths showcasing new library products, services and technology, 194 posters under the theme “Building a sustainable future through the SDGs” were successfully held, highlighted the role of library as the mirror, the heart, the catalyzer of social progress and sustainable future. Exciting propaganda activities taking place during the Congress’ time also attracted enthusiastic response and participation of the delegates such as the Gala night at Rotterdam Zoo, outdoor 5km Run/ Yoga/ Boot camp in every early mornings before the Conference at scenic spots in the city, especially the Librarian Flashmob at the Rotterdam Central Station with delegates reading aloud children’s books in their own language have attracted the interest, attention and created positive effects in the community in the city of Rotterdam.

Within the framework of the IFLA WLIC 2023, the Vietnamese delegation has actively and fully participated in such sessions and activities as:

- The opening ceremony with important speeches of Vice Mayor of Rotterdam, Mr. Alderman Said Kasmi, IFLA President Barbara Lison, State Secretary for Culture and Media, Ms. Gunay Uslu, Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Mr. Robbert Dijkgraaf, The Dutch National Committee, Mr. Theo Kemperman, IFLA General Secretary Sharon Memis and Her Royal Highness Princess Laurientien of the Netherlands. All speeches emphasized the role and position of libraries as the center of knowledge and community connection, where each individual can receive knowledge in a democratic and equal manner, be creative, and can promote imagination for personal development; a place that is always present in people's minds with a friendly, comfortable cultural space, a destination that makes each person feel excited about learning and eager to receive knowledge, feeling like they are part of a larger society, belong to the community, dialogue, and connect with the community. Each librarian and libraries need to have a close connection with each other, create positive energy, and work together to create overall strength to make the library industry become strong and better serve sustainable development.

- The Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL) with the participation of more than 100 delegates from 52 national libraries all over the world, listened to reports on the activities of the Association of Ibero-American States for the Development of National Libraries, the Conference of European National Libraries, the Conference of Directors of National Libraries Asia and Oceania and the African Library and Information Associations & Institutions National Library Section; followed keynote speeches on Artificial Intelligence - Opportunities, Challenges and Risks for knowledge agencies in general and national libraries in particular; roundtable discussion identifying issues and challenges of national libraries in the current context; approved the revised CDNL statutes, and discussed plans for the next Conference.

- Sessions with the IFLA President and IFLA President-elect with the subject "Stronger together!" discussed 3 main points: Libraries are not only a local infrastructure but also a global infrastructure in which people can learn from each other, freedom of access to information and freedom of expression, have a voice and become self-confident; If partner opts for working with a library, they opt for literacy, safe places to meet people and local involvement, and with the belief that if someone would want to change the world, go with a librarian; Cooperation with outsiders is important, libraries can and should look beyond its community and never stop learning from each other and the world outside the library, grasp opportunities.

- In conversation with IFLA Governing Board about IFLA’s programs and global library industry, professional activities and emerging issues, announcement of four IFLA Regional Office term 2024-2026 in Asia-Oceania, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa, in which the National Library Board of Singapore continues to be selected as Regional Office for Asia-Oceania.

- Sessions to share knowledge and experiences about copyright after the pandemic, digital knowledge and skills, artificial intelligence and emerging issues, library data in the world of machine learning, responses to environmental challenges to the sustainability of library services, bringing back patrons to the library through promoting community programs and in- person programming in a digital world, how can library documentary heritage collections promote inclusive, just and peaceful society, international standards in the digital information landscape, standards and toolkits guiding library professional activities, updated IFLA Trend Report, updated School Library Manifesto, Toolkit for effective library copyright advocacy...

Parallel to the conference activities, the Viet Nam’s delegation had several meetings with the NLV’s partner libraries and international organizations that have a cooperative relationship with the Library such as National Library of France, National Library of Korea, National Library of Singapore, National Library of Indonesia, National Diet Library, actively participated in library visit programs and activities that create a connection point for the librarian community during the congress; attended library equipment and product exhibitions to learn about new library development solutions.

At the Congress's closing session, many IFLA Honors and Awards were bestowed to individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the cause of global libraries. Among them, typical titles and honors include: IFLA Medal for distinguished service to IFLA and international librarianship, especially in the fields of championing innovative library buildings and design, mentoring authors, and enabling as editor diverse works for IFLA Publications; Certificate of Merit from IFLA for outstanding contributions to IFLA in developing networks to connect librarians, efforts to improve copyright legislation, consulting and training professionals and association in the Latin American region; in raising awareness and expanding the development of the international green library movement, sustainable development and library environment; The Systematic Public Library of the Year Awards was presented to Gabriel García Márquez Library in Barcelona, Spain - a library with an architectural and functional marvel, serving as a central community hub for 240,000 local residents, with distinct spaces that cater to different needs and activities towards a focus on learning and social connection; The Green Library Award went to Colombia's EPM Library for combining technological and educational aspects, reducing energy use through solar panels, establishing many reading community groups; The best poster award went to the poster titled "Let's open the door to the digital library" from the Netherlands... In the closing speech, IFLA President and Secretary General emphasized on transparency, the spirit of working together, hardworking and cohesion to ensure a strong, sustainable and forward-looking IFLA.

The 88th World Library and Information Congress (IFLA WLIC 2024) will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Dubai.

Some photos about the 88th IFLA Congress and activities of the Vietnamese delegation: