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21 Aug, 2018

Malaysia to host its first Information Congress to transform global libraries

KUALA LUMPUR, (Bernama) — For the very first time, Malaysia will be the host country of the 84th International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ World Library and Information Congress (IFLA WLIC 2018).

Scheduled for 24 until 30 August 2018, the congress will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). The event is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) together with the National Library of Malaysia. A total of 3,000 librarians from all over the world are expected to attend the event, which will be officiated by YB Tuan Mohamaddin Ketapi, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia.

The theme of the congress in Malaysia is Transform Libraries, Transform Societies: Reaching Out To The Hard To Reach, chosen in recognition of the critical role played by libraries in the development of a nation particularly in their ability to transform societies. It is an opportunity for Malaysia to showcase the status of libraries and information science here in the country as well as the region, besides being a platform for sharing knowledge and networking.

According to YBhg. Dato’ Nafisah Ahmad, Director General of National Library of Malaysia, and who is also the President of the Librarians Association of Malaysia, various activities will be organised throughout the seven days of the congress including business meetings of the Governing Board and the Sections, and more than 150 professional sessions where presentations will be made. Seventeen satellite meetings will be held before and after the Congress, along with library visits, a library boulevard, cultural night and an international trade exhibition with almost 100 exhibitors from all over the world on the application and adaption of innovative ideas to services in local and international libraries.

IFLA is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession, with over 1,400 members in nearly 150 countries representing 500,000 library and information professionals. It places the importance of universal and equitable access to information as a means of promoting social, educational, cultural, democratic and economic wellbeing at the heart of its values, and has a mission to promote high standards of provision and delivery of library and information services globally. IFLA is an independent, international, non-governmental, not-profit organization.

The winning bid for the congress was led by the Librarians Association of Malaysia and National Library of Malaysia and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commision (MCMC).

Those interested to participate in the congress can register at the official IFLA website at https://2018.ifla.org. The closing date for registration is on 22 August 2018.