During the Closing Session on 21 August, IFLA President Vicki McDonald and Chair of the IFLA Professional Council, Te Paea Paringatai, conferred the following honours and awards:
IFLA Scroll of Appreciation
National Committee of the IFLA World Library and Information Congress 89th IFLA General Conference
Irzhanova Gulzhan, Chair of the Kazakhstani National Committee received the award.
Jayshree Mamtora
For her distinguished contribution to enhancing awareness of IFLA and its activities particularly throughout the Asia-Oceania region. She has spearheaded the increase in diversity within IFLA’s committees, mentoring colleagues to become leaders and advocates for the region.
Jan Richards
For her distinguished contribution and leadership within IFLA, affecting change in public library services around the world.
Her positive spirit and encouragement of colleagues have inspired impactful improvements to services provided to communities.
IFLA Medal
Hella Klauser
For her distinguished contribution to IFLA fostering international cooperation among library associations, mentoring young librarians and enhancing international relations for libraries.
IFLA Dynamic Unit and Impact Awards
A dynamic Professional Unit has the greatest impact on IFLA’s global work – engaging members, developing strong leadership and identity, delivering high-quality services with a measurable impact, and communicating activities within IFLA and beyond. The Professional Committee launched the Dynamic Unit and Impact Awards (DUIAs) to recognise the Professional Units who have excelled in putting Dynamic Unit goals into practice.
Four DUIAs were awarded this year in the following categories:
- DUIA Overall
- Membership Engagement & Leadership Development
- Quality & Impact of Work
- Effective Communication
Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Overall Achievement
Equitable & Accessible Library Services Section (EALS)
The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Overall Achievement was presented to EALS, whose outstanding work has set a new benchmark in inclusive library services. This past year, the Unit led a thoughtful and impactful name change—demonstrating the importance of language, identity, and removing barriers to access. The updated Terms of Reference followed, reflecting their renewed mission.
The committee published three highly anticipated IFLA Guidelines, covering services to prisoners (2023), displaced persons (2024), and accessibility for people with disabilities (2025). Their contributions to the UN DESA 2024 Disability and Development Report further highlight their global influence.
Through regular virtual meetings, a strong communication strategy, and the formation of solid and engaged working groups, members took on leadership roles in publishing, outreach, and expert content development. Their consistent presence at conferences, webinars, and in journals has raised awareness and strengthened the field.
This award recognizes their collaborative spirit, dedication, and meaningful impact across the library world.
Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Member Engagement & Leadership Development
Library and Research Services for Parliaments Section (IFLA PARL)
The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award Membership Engagement & Leadership Development has been presented to IFLA PARL in recognition of its impactful implementation and engagement in collaborative work. Between August 2024 and May 2025, the Section led major initiatives, including a successful Annual Conference in Madrid, contributions to global conversations on AI, and the launch of a Memorial Webinar Series. IFLA PARL strengthened international collaboration, supported key projects in Malaysia and Australia, and advanced its communications strategy. With active leadership, inclusive representation, and effective coordination, IFLA PARL continues to be a driving force in the parliamentary library and research community.
Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Quality & Impact of Work
New Professionals Special Interest Group (NPSIG)
The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award – Quality & Impact of the Work, has been awarded to NPSIG, championing new professionals in the library field. This past year, they submitted a successful proposal to the IFLA Governing Board for a new award honoring outstanding emerging professionals—recognizing excellence and inspiring future leaders. Their vibrant flashmobs and IFLA Camps at WLIC have celebrated reading and gathering as global connectors. The committee also hosted collaborative webinars with ALA, ASIS&T, and student groups, providing early-career professionals with essential skills and global visibility. Their commitment to inclusion, mentorship, and empowerment embodies the DUIA spirit.
Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Effective Communication
Environment, Sustainability & Libraries Section (ENSULIB)
The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award has been presented to ENSULIB for its outstanding contributions to advancing green and sustainable library practices. In the past year, ENSULIB managed its 2025 Green Library Award, submitted a draft for the first global Guidelines for Green Libraries, and initiated a book project on Education for Sustainable Development. Their active communications team, regular webinars, and biannual newsletter have strengthened global engagement. Through collaborations, translations, and global representation at conferences, ENSULIB continues to inspire the library field to act on climate, equity, and sustainability.
For full details on the DUIAs, please see our separate news post.
IFLA WLIC Poster Awards
Best IFLA Poster 2025
Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future
Aizada Uteshova
Kazakhstan
IFLA Poster 2025 – WLIC Viewers’ Choice
Healing Through Urban Farming: Social Transformation Experience at the Kampung Lindungan Library Community
Grace Anak Dingin
Malaysia
Visual Impact
Youth Information Literacy In the Age Of AI: Insights From A Danish Study
Lotte Dhyrbye
Denmark
Photos of award winners will be available on our Flickr.
Full details on IFLA’s Honours and Awards and IFLA Professional Awards are available on the IFLA website.