Theme: “Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future: Libraries Serving Multicultural Communities through Local History and Genealogy“
Introduction
The Local History and Genealogy Section and Library Services to Multicultural Populations Section of IFLA is accepting submissions for the satellite meeting at National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 15 August 2025.
“Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future: Libraries Serving Multicultural Communities through Local History and Genealogy” will explore best practices and how libraries can partner with local community groups to document and celebrate indigenous culture and heritage.
The meeting will provide best practices for expanding collections to include underrepresented voices, creating inclusive programming, and utilizing new technologies to assist patrons with family history research. Topics will include strategies for preserving multicultural histories, using digital tools for genealogical research, engaging communities in history projects, and addressing challenges in representing diverse genealogies. Ethical considerations in genealogical research and collaboration with local cultural groups will also be discussed.
Possible Topics:
- how libraries can partner and collaborate with local cultural groups
- documenting culture and heritage
- celebrating diverse culture and heritage
- best practices for expanding collections to include underrepresented voices
- creating inclusive programming
- utilizing new technologies to assist patrons with family history research
- strategies for preserving multicultural histories
- using digital tools for genealogical research
- engaging communities in history projects
- challenges in representing diverse genealogies
- ethical considerations in genealogical research
- celebrating multiculturalism through library-supported genealogical projects
- libraries as Pillars of Multicultural Community Building
- enhancing multicultural literacy
Dates and location
15 August 2025 at the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana
Abstract submission
Proposals must be submitted in English and include the following information:
- title of the presentation
- We are accepting presentation proposals as 15-minute talks and 8-minute lightning talks. All talks must be presented in English.
- presentation abstract (300 words maximum)
- presenters’ name(s), professional affiliation, country, email address, brief biographical note and a photo
Timeline
All proposals must be submitted by 30 April 2025.
Proposals will be evaluated by the satellite program committee group and successful applicants will be informed by 10 May 2025.
Please note
All expenses, such as travel and accommodation, are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. Letters of invitation can be issued to presenters upon request.
Organisation
This IFLA WLIC 2025 satellite meeting is organized by IFLA Local History and Genealogy Section and Library Services to Multicultural Populations Section. The host is the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan (11 Dostyk Ave.)
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Brannock.