Theme: “Reliable Data, Stronger Libraries: Universal Bibliographic Control for the Future“
Introduction
The IFLA Bibliography, Subject Analysis and Access, and Cataloguing Sections (with the Committee on Standards) are seeking proposals for papers to be presented at a session to be held at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan, 18-22 August 2025.
A new IFLA professional statement on Universal Bibliographic Control (UBC) will be launched at WLIC 2025. This session invites contributions to discuss UBC significance in the evolving information landscape.
The aspiration for UBC has long been a central goal for the global library community, but its implementation faces new challenges in an era of mass information, AI, and data-driven technologies. While metadata remains essential, its creation is often overlooked, despite its crucial role in ensuring global access to structured, reliable, and interoperable data.
This session will serve as a platform for dialogue on how to strengthen UBC, empower libraries, and ensure UBC remains a cornerstone of global information management.
Papers should reflect the conference theme, “Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future”.
We encourage contributions in two possible formats:
- Regular presentations: 10-12 minutes
- Lightning talks: 7 minutes (ideal for use cases)
Suggested topics
- The context and historical significance of UBC and its continued resonance in today’s evolving information landscape
- The intersection of UBC and Artificial Intelligence
- Practical applications of UBC in National Bibliographies and the role of National Bibliographic Agencies
- The perception and role of UBC in shaping current library practices, policies and discourse
- UBC users, including libraries and other stakeholders benefiting from coordinated, interoperable bibliographic data
- Local or regional use cases
- UBC in LIS education
- …
Important dates & deadlines:
- 30 April 2025: Deadline for submission of proposals/abstracts
- 19 May 2025: Notification to authors about the status of a submission
- 15 July 2025: Submission of the full text of the paper
- 15 August 2025: Submission of accompanying PowerPoint slides for presentation
Submission guidelines
Proposals should include:
- Title of proposed presentation
- Abstract of proposed paper (no more than 300 words)
- Name of presenter plus position and/or title
- Employer / affiliated institution
- Contact information including email address, telephone number
- Short biographical statement of presenter
Send proposals via email to: Maud Henry maud.henry@kbr.be, Mathilde Koskas mathilde.koskas@lilo.org and Anna Slawek anna.slawek@utoronto.ca
Use subject line: “Submission for UBC Open Session – WLIC 2025”
Please note:
- At least one of the paper’s authors must be present to summarize the paper during the program in Astana. Abstracts are to be submitted only with the understanding that the expenses of attending the conference will be the responsibility of the author(s)/presenter(s) of accepted papers.
- The language of the session is expected to be English.
- All papers presented at the WLIC 2025 will be available online under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
- All papers must be unpublished and not previously presented.
- Authors must disclose whether they submit this proposal to another WLIC 2025 session.
- Authors of accepted papers must complete the IFLA Authors’ Permission Form.
- All expenses, including registration for the conference, travel, accommodations, etc., are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. IFLA does not provide any financial support.
Congress Participation Grants
A list of opportunities for support is available on the Grants & Awards webpage.