The annual General Conference and Assembly of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the main library forum in the world. This organization was created in 1927 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Today it comprises 1400 members from 140 countries, and is a leading international institution representing the interests of library and information services and their users. This is the global voice of the library and information profession.
The city of Athens (the Hellenic Republic) was chosen as the venue for the 85th IFLA General Conference in 2019. This year IFLA meetings are held from August 24 to 30. The theme of the congress is “Libraries: Dialogue for Change”. Traditionally the large-scale event brought together experts from all over the world to exchange experiences, ideas, discuss new information technologies and achievements in library work, establish professional contacts and long-term cooperation.
Director of the National Library of Belarus Roman Motulsky takes part in the events of the IFLA Conference.
On August 27 a meeting of directors of national libraries (CDNL, Conference of Directors of National Libraries) was held at the National Library of Greece. At the opening of the conference CDNL Chairperson Lily Knibbeler, Director General of the National Library of the Netherlands, and Filippos Tsimpoglou, Director General of the National Library of Greece, addressed the audience. This year the conference included a number of thematic presentations and group discussions. During the meeting, the participants shared the most significant problems for national libraries. A joint presentation on IFLA activities was presented by IFLA President Christine Mackenzie and Secretary General Gerald Leitner.
During the CDNL meeting, Roman Motulsky donated the facsimile reproduction of the first book in the world entitled “Primer” (1618) to the Director General of the National Library of Greece Filippos Tsimpoglou.
In the following days the IFLA General Conference and Assembly will continue its work.
Public Relations Department
Read more: CIS Caucus: Numerous Meeting of Delegates from CIS Countries at IFLA-2019
