This is the second contribution from our grant winners about their experiences at the IFLA WLIC 2025 in Astana!
This post is by Lucan Lopez Eugenio, currently working as a librarian at the University Library, University of the Philippines Diliman.
I am deeply grateful and overjoyed to have been selected as one of the six recipients of the IFLA Academic and Research Libraries (ARL) Attendance Grant 2025, generously sponsored by SAGE. Submitting my first application for the ARL grant, I did not expect to be selected, which made the experience even more meaningful. Receiving this grant allowed me to attend my very first IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC), held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from August 18 to 21. Without the ARL’s generous support, this milestone in my professional journey would not have been possible.
  [click to zoom-in]
My heartfelt gratitude goes to the ARL Section, its Chair, Mimi Calter, and the dedicated members who supported this initiative. I am also pleased to acknowledge Jayshree Mamtora and Lily Ko for overseeing the selection process for the Asia region. This recognition is not only financial support but also an affirmation that early-career professionals like myself have a place and a voice in the global LIS community.
 
 [click to zoom-in]
The Congress itself was an inspiring and unforgettable experience. I had the privilege of presenting two works during the event. The first was my master’s research project, “Speaking Out in the Stacks: An Oral History Project of LGBTQIA+ Librarians,” which I presented both in poster format and at the LGBTQ session. This project is very close to my heart, and I sincerely appreciate my adviser, Prof. Benedict S. Olgado, for his guidance throughout the research.
 [click to zoom-in]
Second, I co-authored the paper Connecting Through Collections: The University of the Philippines Archives’ Role in Local History, which was presented at the satellite meeting of the Library Services to Multicultural Populations and Local History & Genealogy Sections. Working alongside colleagues Ericka May R. Fernando, Sheryl T. Gerodias, Maria Criselda D. Pabalan, Mae Lanie M. Caro, and Eimee Rhea C. Lagrama was a rewarding experience that emphasized the significance of archives in preserving community memory and identity.
  [click to zoom-in]
Beyond my own presentations, attending different sessions deepened my understanding of the pressing issues libraries face today. Discussions on inclusivity illustrated how national libraries are working to reflect the full diversity of their nations, particularly through born-digital content such as social media, oral histories, and user-generated materials. I also learned about strategies for serving multilingual and multicultural communities, including the use of new technologies and innovative approaches to community engagement. These exchanges broadened my perspective on how libraries can respond to evolving definitions of diversity while continuing to provide meaningful and accessible services.
 [click to zoom-in]
The session on integrating AI in information literacy explored how libraries can leverage artificial intelligence in their teaching and services. I found the discussion on ethical considerations and on preparing communities to engage critically with emerging technologies particularly timely and relevant.
As an ARL grantee, I also attended the ARL Hot Topics session, which featured discussions on the evolving roles of libraries as agents of national development, including advancing research, supporting education, and serving as hubs for engagement and discourse.
 [click to zoom-in]
What made the Congress even more memorable were the people I met and the connections I built. I had the chance to learn from and exchange ideas with colleagues such as Joseph Hafner, Michael Nordeman, Zu Sendor, Prof. Jonathan Hernandez, Prof. Jennifer Brannock, Prof. Takashi Nagatsuka, Cherie Bush, Alain Zayan, Elisabet Rundqvist, and Dr. Xiaofang Zhang. Meeting fellow Filipino librarians from the University of Santo Tomas, EESM Bookstore, and the National Library of the Philippines for the first time was also an enriching experience, as was connecting with colleagues from Qatar and the UAE. Ms. April Manabat warmly hosted me and generously showed me around Astana, which made my stay even more special.
 [click to zoom-in]
This experience, made possible by the ARL Attendance Grant, has been both humbling and empowering. It not only gave me the chance to present my work and represent my institution but also offered the opportunity to engage in global conversations on inclusivity, multiculturalism, technology, and the future of libraries.
 [click to zoom-in]
Back in the Philippines, I am determined to put my learnings into practice by advancing oral history and community archiving projects, incorporating AI and information literacy into local contexts, and developing inclusive programs that reflect the diversity of our communities. I also look forward to sharing these insights with colleagues, students, and the wider LIS network in the Philippines so that the impact of this experience extends beyond me.
Being an ARL grantee at my very first WLIC is an experience I will always treasure. I returned home inspired, motivated, and eager to contribute further to our global LIS community.
Ұлкен рақмет to the IFLA Academic and Research Libraries Section for this opportunity!