
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the Irish National Committee regret to announce the cancellation of the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Dublin scheduled for 15th-21st August 2020.
The global situation surrounding COVID-19 severely limits the ability of delegates from around the world to organise their attendance in Ireland in the coming months. In addition, our overriding concern is to put the health of our members, volunteers, hosts, exhibitors, sponsors and staff first.
IFLA is aware that the Irish National Committee has gained a great deal of experience in a short period of time and has established substantial links with potential sponsors, suppliers, delegates, hosts and volunteers. The Library Association of Ireland and IFLA have therefore agreed in principle to reschedule IFLA WLIC Dublin to 2022. An exact date in July or August is still to be confirmed.
The New Zealand National Committee, who were scheduled to host IFLA WLIC 2022, fully supports this decision as construction delays to the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland mean that it is unlikely to be available by 2022.
Ireland was enthusiastically embraced by the global library community ever since Dublin was announced as the location for IFLA WLIC 2020 and we have no doubt this enthusiasm will continue into 2022. IFLA and the Library Association of Ireland look forward to re-engaging and re-igniting the energy and passion of all involved in 2022 to ensure that Ireland’s first ever WLIC is an outstanding experience.
If you have any further queries please email wlic2020@libraryassocation.ie