Athens to Host Top Event in the Field of Libraries

Athens is getting ready to host the 85th World Library and Information Conference (WLIC) of the International Federation of Libraries Associations and Institutions (IFLA), during August 24-30, at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall.

A flagship event for the library and information services sector, the 85th IFLA WLIC has for its theme “Libraries: a dialogue for change” and will focus on the digital age and on what new technologies can bring to libraries, education and research.

IFLA WLIC is expected to bring together some 3,500 participants from more than 130 countries. The event sets the international agenda for the profession and offers opportunities for networking and professional development to all delegates.

The 85th IFLA WLIC is an opportunity for Greece to showcase the status of its libraries and information science field, as well as to have its professionals experience international librarianship and international relations in a unique way.

At the Megaron Athens Concert Hall, over 260 individual sessions covering the broad spectrum of Library and Information Science and its many related fields (copyright, access to information, safeguarding of cultural heritage, development, etc.) will be held. In addition, dozens of satellite meetings and offsite sessions will take place in various locations throughout Athens and Greece.

Moreover, on August 30, participants will have the opportunity to visit one or more of the 70 libraries in and outside Attica.

IFLA Global Vision Workshops International Meeting at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, April 4, 2017. Photo © IFLA HQ

The conference will also include an international trade exhibition with over 70 exhibitors, offering participants the opportunity to get in touch with cutting-edge technologies.

Held for the first time in Greece, the IFLA selected the Greek capital as the event’s host city, following a bid put forward by the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB).

It should be mentioned that Athens was the UNESCO World Book Capital in 2018.

For more information, visit the event’s website: https://2019.ifla.org/