Future Congresses

Expressions of Interest from potential host countries for the IFLA World Library and Information Congress

The IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) takes place during August each year in a city selected through a competitive process. The congress normally attracts between 3000 - 4000 attendees from over 100 countries [for example, 2011 San Juan 116; 2010 Gothenburg 121; 2009 Milan 118; 2008 Quebec 118; 2007 Durban 118]

A National Committee of the local library and information services sector is the host organisation working with IFLA to hold the Congress. The Congress and host city is promoted internationally and online, significantly raising awareness around the world of the local profession, city and region.

The Congress is organised over a three year period. An extensive selection process is undertaken throughout the first year. During the second year preparation commences and intensifies in the year preceding the Congress.

If you are in need of clarification regarding the EOI process, please contact our Conference Officer, Josche Ouwerkerk.

Future IFLA Congresses

2014 - Europe (selection in progress)
2015 - Africa
2016 - North America
2017 - Europe
2018 - Latin America and Caribbean
2019 - Europe

IFLA Congress regions overview

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Host selection process

• Stage 1 - each May IFLA issues a call for expressions of interest from member national associations, or similar representative association member, for the Congress to be held three years ahead. Submissions are due by mid July and must respond to the required criteria. The IFLA Congress Advisory Committee then makes a recommendation to the August Governing Board meeting on the selected shortlist of host candidates. IFLA will not accept submissions from non-member organizations;
• Stage 2 - discussions are held with shortlisted host candidates between September and November. The Congress Advisory Committee will make its recommendation of two or three final candidates to the December Governing Board meeting;
• Stage 3 - in January, IFLA will confirm further details for the Congress and in February undertake site visits. A final recommendation is made to the April Governing Board meeting. The successful and unsuccessful candidates are advised. Business arrangements and planning for the WLIC commence. At the WLIC [in August] that year the host and site for the WLIC in two years time is announced.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

IFLA is committed to the continuous improvement of its Congress, the implementation of innovative ways to improve the Congress experience for all stakeholders, and where necessary takes action to manage extraordinary events that may impact on the Congress. To assist it in this the IFLA Governing Board benefits from information and advice provided through an annual survey of participants, progress reports on each Congress, the final report and recommendations by the host National Committee, and the work of its Professional and Congress Advisory Committees.

An extensive review of the Congress structures and operations is scheduled for 2015/2016 after the expressions of interest to host the 2018 Congress (LAC) have been received and considered, and at which time all regions would have had the opportunity to participate in the current model. Any changes resulting from the review would be implemented in a timely way to avoid disruption to the congress planning. This review will include but not be limited to: the 7 year WLIC cycle; host selection process; governance; financial management; and the roles of IFLA, the host national committee and PCO; and would include wide consultation, with IFLA members and professional units, and representatives from each participant stakeholder group such as national committees, delegates, sponsors, exhibitors, corporate partners.