Watch the 4 minute video that provides an overview of the congress highlights by clicking on the link https://youtu.be/8A6TCIiI03s.
“It was an outstanding conference in K.L. The very best I have seen in my 25 years in IFLA.” That was how Madam Gloria Perez-Salmeron, President of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) described the IFLA WLIC 2018 which was held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from 24 to 30 August. This was also the sentiment of many of participants. The congress was attended by 3500 delegates from over 112 countries and there were over 270 professional sessions and 600 speakers that contributed to the success of the conference.
The opening ceremony included a special message from The Hon. Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia via a 3-minute video. If you have an hour to spare check-out the video of the opening ceremony which was streamed live and watched by more than 100,000 librarians all over the world by clicking on the link https://youtu.be/YsVUVUW8B2s.
“What a wonderful experience to attend the World Library and Information Congress especially for those who attend for the first time.” This was the comment of DISTED Library staff Nurul Anisah who was a first timer to attend this conference. She had an opportunity to attend the Newcomer’s session where all the newcomers met and introduced themselves and exchanged business cards. Anisah brought along some DISTED College souvenirs to distribute to participant as a way of promoting the college. Another session she attended was the IFLA presidents session, where six IFLA presidents, past and present talked about their journey to becoming an IFLA President. At many of the sessions attended, there would be a number of speakers giving brief presentations and then the session would be turned around to the audience and they would discuss the wider topics in small groups, and eventually present to the rest of the room.
IFLA WLIC is good platform to see what librarians around the world are achieving. You can connect and learn from others. Anisah said that the “knowledge and experience gained will be applied directly or disseminated to my colleagues at DISTED library to be implemented in the daily duties and responsibilities.” IFLA WLIC in 2019 will be held in Athens, Greece and IFLA WLIC in 2020 will be in Auckland, New Zealand.
