Title:

Reimagine Continuing Professional Development for SustAInable Futures

Overview:

The IFLA Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning (CPDWL) Section, in collaboration with the Six IFLA’s Regional Divisions (Asia-Oceania, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa, North America, Sub-Saharan Africa), invites submissions for its exciting session at WLIC 2025.

This session will explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing continuing professional development (CPD) within the library and information sector. With the increasing integration of AI in library operations and professional development, this session will focus on how these emerging technologies can foster sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.

As libraries and library professionals navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven tools and practices, CPD initiatives play a critical role in equipping them with the knowledge and skills to lead meaningful change. This session aligns with the WLIC 2025 theme, Uniting Knowledge – Building the Future, by addressing the intersection of AI, sustainability, and professional growth.

Call for Submissions:

We welcome submissions that explore challenges, opportunities, and innovative strategies addressing one or more of the following themes:

• Harnessing AI for Green Libraries:
  • Exploring how AI can optimize library operations (e.g., energy use, resource management) to reduce environmental footprints.
  • Training library professionals to adopt AI tools for sustainability planning.
• AI-Powered Learning Ecosystems:
  • Utilizing AI-based platforms for personalized and continuous learning in the library and information sector.
  • Case studies on AI-driven virtual mentorship and skill development for sustainable library practices.
• AI Ethics and the Librarian’s Role in Building Sustainable Knowledge Societies:
  • Addressing ethical considerations of AI in libraries and its impact on sustainable development.
  • CPD programs to equip librarians with ethical AI literacy.
• Bridging the Digital Divide:
  • Using AI to democratize professional development opportunities for librarians in underserved regions.
  • Strategies to ensure equitable access to AI-driven CPD resources.
• AI and the Future of Work in Libraries:
  • Preparing library professionals for the changing nature of work with AI integration.
  • CPD initiatives to foster adaptability, creativity, and collaboration in AI-enhanced workflows.
• Reskilling for Resilience:
  • Building resilience in library professionals to navigate AI-driven transformations.
  • Training librarians to engage in AI-facilitated partnerships.
• AI Innovations for Knowledge Equity:
  • Examining AI tools that promote knowledge equity and sustainable access to information.
  • Training librarians to use AI to support open access, digital preservation, and inclusive education.

Formats:

We encourage submissions that focus on a variety of presentation formats to engage and inspire the audience, particularly for the Regular Presentations of the Open Session:

• Regular Presentations: 5-minute in-depth sessions with presentation slides, followed by
• Panel Discussions: Collaborative and interactive discussions with IFLA Regional Division Committee Chairs on key themes.
• Roundtable Discussions: Small-group, focused discussions among audience before the Wrap up

Important Dates & Notes

• Proposal Submission
  • Submit a proposal of 500 words or fewer in one of the accepted IFLA languages by midnight on April 4, 2025.
  • Send your proposal to the IFLA CPDWL Section Chair, Helen Chan, at [email protected].
  • Use the following subject line for your email: “Submission for IFLA CPDWL Open Session – WLIC 2025.”
• Proposal Format
  Please include the following in your proposal:
  • Title of Proposal:
    [Provide a clear and concise title for your proposal.]
  • Author(s):
    [Full name(s), affiliation(s), and contact details of the author(s).]
  • Abstract:
    [Summarize your proposal in 2-3 sentences.]
  • Proposal Content (500 words or fewer):
    [Provide the main content of your proposal. Ensure it is clear, concise, and relevant to the theme of the CPDWL Open Session.]
  • Keywords:
    [List 3-5 keywords related to your proposal.]
  • Language of Submission:
    [Indicate the IFLA language used in the proposal.]
  • Biographical Information:
    [Provide a brief biography of the author(s), including relevant professional background and experience (maximum 100 words).]
• Notification and Communication
  • Contributors will be notified of the status of their proposal by April 27, 2025.
  • Proposals not submitted in English will be translated for review purposes. All communication between authors and the committee will be conducted in English.
  • The CPDWL Open Session at WLIC 2025 will follow an interactive and engaging format designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. Please note that all selected speakers must be available to present in person on stage at the CPDWL Open Session during WLIC 2025 in Astana, Kazakhstan. No online presentations or pre-recorded presentations will be arranged. This ensures a dynamic and engaging experience for participants, encouraging active dialogue and in-person networking opportunities.
• Contact Information
  • If you have any questions, please contact the IFLA CPDWL Section Chair, Helen Chan, at [email protected].

This session will take place at WLIC 2025 in Astana and aims to foster engagement, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among library professionals worldwide.

We Look Forward to Your Contributions and Innovative Ideas!