Here’s a detailed article based on the information provided, explaining the upcoming IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Busan, South Korea, in an easy-to-understand manner.
Get Ready for a Global Library Celebration: IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) Coming to Busan, South Korea in 2026!
Mark your calendars and prepare for an exciting international gathering! The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has announced that its prestigious World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) for 2026 will be held in Busan, South Korea. This announcement, made on July 23, 2025, by the Current Awareness Portal (カレントアウェアネス・ポータル), signals a major event for library and information professionals worldwide.
What is the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC)?
Think of WLIC as the Olympics of the library world. It’s the premier annual event organized by IFLA, bringing together thousands of library professionals, information specialists, researchers, and policymakers from across the globe. For a full week, attendees immerse themselves in a rich program of:
- Conferences and Seminars: Experts share their latest research, innovations, and best practices in various library and information science fields.
- Workshops and Training: Practical sessions offer opportunities to develop new skills and learn about emerging technologies.
- Networking Opportunities: A vital aspect of WLIC is the chance to connect with colleagues from different countries, fostering collaboration and sharing of ideas.
- Exhibitions: Leading vendors and organizations showcase the latest products, services, and resources for libraries.
- Cultural Exchange: Attendees experience the host country’s unique library landscape, culture, and hospitality.
The theme and specific focus of each WLIC vary, but the overarching goal remains the same: to advance the library and information profession and advocate for the importance of libraries in society.
Why Busan, South Korea?
Busan, a vibrant coastal city in South Korea, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, dynamic culture, and growing technological prowess. Hosting the WLIC in Busan offers several significant advantages:
- A Thriving Library Landscape: South Korea boasts a highly developed and technologically advanced library sector. From national libraries with cutting-edge digital services to innovative public and academic libraries, Busan will provide a compelling showcase of modern library practices.
- Cultural Richness: Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the unique Korean culture, history, and cuisine, adding an enriching dimension to their professional development.
- Accessibility: As a major international hub, Busan is accessible to travelers from around the world, making it a convenient location for a global conference.
- Inspiration and Innovation: The dynamic environment of South Korea is likely to inspire new ideas and collaborations within the library community.
What This Means for the Library World:
The selection of Busan for WLIC 2026 is a testament to South Korea’s strong commitment to libraries and information access. It provides a platform for:
- Sharing Korean Library Innovations: South Korean libraries are at the forefront of many technological and service innovations. Hosting WLIC will allow them to share these advancements with the global community.
- Global Collaboration: The congress will foster stronger partnerships between Korean librarians and their international counterparts, leading to shared projects and mutual learning.
- Promoting Information Access: By gathering at WLIC, professionals will reinforce the universal right to information and the crucial role libraries play in achieving this.
- Professional Development: Librarians and information professionals attending will gain invaluable knowledge, skills, and inspiration to enhance their work in their home countries.
Looking Ahead:
While the specific dates and the detailed program for the 2026 WLIC in Busan will be announced closer to the event, this early notification allows ample time for planning, professional development, and anticipation.
This upcoming congress in Busan promises to be a landmark event, highlighting the evolving landscape of libraries and information services on a global scale. It’s an opportunity for the international library community to come together, learn from each other, and collectively shape the future of libraries. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach this exciting international convergence in South Korea!
2026年の世界図書館情報会議（WLIC）・国際図書館連盟（IFLA）年次大会は韓国・釜山で開催
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The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-07-23 08:59, ‘2026年の世界図書館情報会議（WLIC）・国際図書館連盟（IFLA）年次大会は韓国・釜山で開催’ was published according to カレントアウェアネス・ポータル. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.