North America Virtual Hub
The IFLA 88th World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) will be held in Rotterdam, August 21-25, 2023 with the goals that align with the IFLA Global Vision under the motto Let’s work together, let’s library. In support of the WLIC 2023, the Mortenson Center for International Library Program and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library are coordinating and hosting one of the regional virtual hubs at the time of the WLIC to promote increased inclusion and participation from registered remote delegates (i.e., those not able to travel to Rotterdam). The regional virtual hub sessions aim to promote regional engagement/conversation on topics related to IFLA and the congress.
After careful consideration and preparation, the planning committee has organized four sessions that align with the key topics of the WLIC 2023. Some themes that we plan to include are international cooperation, indigenous knowledge and generative AI in libraries. The N.A Virtual Hub's session details can be found below on this website. Details on all other hubs can be found at https://2023.ifla.org/ . All virtual hub sessions are accessible to registered virtual participants, who can register at https://2023.ifla.org/congress-registration-information/ .
We are offering one open session on Toward Guidelines for Library Services With Indigenous Peoples: North American Perspectives, Monday, August 21; 12:00-2:00pm CT. Please register for this FREE session at https://go.illinois.edu/iflana-reg by Friday, August 18, 2023. Join us!
Sessions, August 21-24, 2023
Monday, August 21st, 2023
12:00-2:00pm Chicago, 7:00-9:00pm Rotterdam. Find your timezone.
Please register with this Google Form to receive the Zoom link for the session. We will also be publishing the recording for the session on this website.
Over the years, the global community of libraries and cultural institutions have collaborated to promote and enhance services to indigenous communities, as well as encourage indigenous leadership in various sectors. To further contribute to these efforts, this session aims to foster dialogue to complement the IFLA Indigenous Matters Section Open Session on Working Together Toward Guidelines for Library Services With Indigenous Peoples. From the session’s presentations and discussions, we hope to generate concrete input for the IFLA Indigenous Matters Section in their development of Guidelines.
Speakers: George Gottschalk (Moderator), Sandy Littletree, Raj Kumar Bhardwaj, Lorisia MacLeod, Allison Wauku, Loriene Roy, Alex Soto and Kaia MacLeod.
Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023
12:00-1:15pm Chicago, 7:00-8:15pm Rotterdam. Find your timezone.
The current global instability presents numerous challenges to libraries, academic, and cultural institutions from around the world. Information professionals are exploring a variety of strategies and practices to offset these challenges by collaborating on transnational projects and strengthening global information networks. This roundtable seeks to highlight perspectives from North American institutions and showcase projects that empower user groups and communities worldwide.
Speakers: Olga Makarova (Moderator), Nathaniel Brunt, Martin Kalfatovic, Melissa Stewart.
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023
12:00-1:15pm Chicago, 7:00-8:15pm Rotterdam. Find your timezone.
In alignment with IFLA’s vision of creating “a strong and united global library field powering literate, informed and participatory societies,” the LIS curriculum can benefit from having international perspectives in the education of budding library and information professionals, ranging from teaching international librarianship, infusing globalization in instruction, conducting research focused on global issues, and/or studying abroad. From the international experiences of the panelists, this session hopes to illustrate how internationalizing the LIS curriculum can have great impact in mobilizing the LIS field for global engagement.
Speakers: Steve Witt (Moderator), Hermina G.B. Anghelescu, Nadia Caidi, Dick Kawooya, Ellen Knutson.
Thursday, August 24th, 2023
12:00-1:30pm Chicago, 7:00-8:30pm Rotterdam. Find your timezone.
Generative AI is one of the most pertinent topics in any information setting nowadays. In response to the rise of Generative AI, IFLA’s AI Special Interest Group has compiled a guide for library and information professionals. This session will explore the opportunities, challenges and impacts of Generative AI in the library and information profession, and its ramifications in the broader information environment. From here, we hope to provide recommendations and comments to enhance the guide created by IFLA through presentations and open and robust dialogue.
Speakers: Tienya Smith (Moderator), Nicole Coleman, Elisandro (Alex) Cabada, Celenia Graves, Dylan Ruediger, Meng Qu.
Meet our Ambassador!
Evie Cordell
Evie Cordell is an assistant professor and the eLearning Librarian at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research explores how to engage learners in the digital classroom. She is also interested in exploring how to support librarians in the pursuit of tenure in holistic and constructive ways. On the weekends, you can find her shopping for vintage dresses to add to her ever-growing collection, working in her garden, or playing with her pups, Millie and Margo.
Follow Evie on Social Media to check out IFLA WLIC!
Planning Committee
The North America Virtual Hub was organized in coordination with the Session and Volunteer Sub-Committee and the Program Sub-Committee. All members are affiliated with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Chairs
Chair: Clara M. Chu
Vice Chair: Uyen Nguyen
Session and Volunteer Sub-Committee
Clara M. Chu
Lisa Hinchliffe
Joe Lenkart
Olga Makarova
Uyen Nguyen
Lian Ruan
Program Sub-Committee
Clara M. Chu
Atoma Batoma
Sara Berthier
LIsa Hinchliffe
Joe Lenkart
Olga Makarova
Heather Murphy
Uyen Nguyen
Peggy Nzomo
Lian Ruan
William Schlaack
Dena Strong
Steven Witt