Global Library Leaders to Convene in Kazakh Capital for IFLA Congress
Astana Prepares for the First Ever IFLA World Library and Info Congress in Eastern Asia
Get ready, Astana! The City of the Future is set to make history as it becomes the host of the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) for the first time in Eastern Asia. This prestigious annual gathering brings together professionals worldwide to pool knowledge and share best practices in the ever-evolving library and information sector.
Anna Plassmann, project manager at K.I.T Group, shares the goals behind this exciting event. "Our aim is to spark cross-cultural collaboration and bridge the gaps between libraries, ministries, policymakers, and the community," Plassmann exclusively told The Astana Times.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) operates on a global scale, with various sections and subgroups scattered across continents. The IFLA WLIC isn't just for librarians; it's designed to connect policymakers, communities, and libraries, ensuring the support and recognition the latter desperately needs.
Kazakhstan won the bid to host the WLIC after a thorough application process. The successful application was orchestrated by a dedicated national committee that includes representatives from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Kazakh Tourism national company, and local library community heavyweights. The nation's modern congress center played a pivotal role in securing the event.
The five-day congress kicks off on Aug. 18 and wraps up on Aug. 22, with the final day dedicated to tours of libraries in Astana and possibly other cities. These visits will offer participants firsthand insights into regional library operations and cultural approaches.
Throughout the week, attendees will take part in numerous parallel sessions that cover a broad spectrum of topics, including specialized areas like children's libraries, legal archives, religious collections, and artificial intelligence integration in information management.
The congress will host an exhibition, granting librarians, students, and library staff a platform to present their projects and innovative ideas, fostering cross-cultural exchange and networking. Plassmann highlighted that this event would not only shine a light on the region's rich, diverse culture but also bolster the global library community through meaningful collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Speaking of recent innovations in the library sector, Plassmann pointed out autonomous libraries recently launched in Almaty. These self-service libraries help break down access barriers for those who might feel shy about visiting traditional libraries or interacting with staff. "Autonomous libraries are fantastic additions, as they give people another choice," Plassmann remarked. However, Plassmann stressed that these self-service libraries should complement rather than replace regular libraries, where people can seek guidance from librarians, request book recommendations, and enjoy a quiet space to read.
With the countdown to the WLIC well underway, get ready for a week filled with knowledge, collaboration, and cultural exchange! This event is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of libraries in the global digital age, right here in Astana.
Discussions and workshops during the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Astana will span various sectors, including fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, lifestyle, education-and-self-development, and learning. The congress aims to facilitate cross-cultural exchange and inspire innovation within these domains.
Participants in the IFLA World Library and Information Congress will have the opportunity to visit libraries in Astana and possibly other cities to learn about regional library operations and cultural approaches, extending their knowledge in education-and-self-development and lifestyle.
