Table of Contents
- A Global Knowledge Festival Connecting Libraries, Cities, and People
- What is WLIC? The Significance and Status of the World Library and Information Congress
- When and Where Will the 2026 WLIC be Held in Busan?
- Background and Anticipated Effects of Busan's Successful Bid
- A Venue for Discussing the Role of Future Libraries in the Era of Digital Transformation
- Conclusion: A City Connecting Knowledge and People
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A Global Knowledge Festival Connecting Libraries, Cities, and People
In August 2026, Busan will emerge as the center of the world's libraries.
The fact that the World’s largest library event, the '2026 World Library and Information Congress (WLIC)', organized by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), will be held in Busan has been officially decided.
This event will be held in South Korea for the first time in 20 years since it took place in Seoul in 2006, further strengthening Busan's status as a city of libraries and reading culture. This is expected to be an opportunity for Busan to leap forward as a global hub for knowledge and cultural exchange.
What is WLIC? The Significance and Status of the World Library and Information Congress
The World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) is the world's largest gathering of library and information professionals held annually by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). More than 5,000 participants from over 150 countries attend, representing a diverse array of backgrounds including national libraries, city libraries, researchers, policymakers, and civil society organizations.
The congress addresses various global issues such as information accessibility, the social value of libraries, digital transformation, and data sovereignty. Through these topics, participants will engage in discussions about the future of libraries and changes in the information environment, exploring opportunities for development and collaboration in the library sector.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is a non-profit organization established in 1927, providing a vital voice in the field of library and information services. It collaborates with organizations such as UNESCO, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the International Publishers Association to uphold freedom and equality of information access and knowledge sharing as its core values. IFLA promotes the development of libraries and information services globally, playing a crucial role on an international level.
When and Where Will the 2026 WLIC be Held in Busan?
The '2026 World Library and Information Congress' will be held in Busan. The event is scheduled to take place from August 10 to 13, 2026, centered around BEXCO in Busan.
Various programs will also be offered in several libraries in the Busan area, including IFLA sectional meetings, academic presentations, exhibitions, and library tours. Additionally, satellite events are planned to occur before and after the main congress.
The event is scheduled to take place from August 10 to 13, 2026, at major venues including BEXCO and various libraries in Busan. Around 5,000 participants from approximately 150 countries are expected to attend.
This event is hosted by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea and the Korean Library Association, with support from Busan Metropolitan City and Korea Tourism Organization, as well as Busan Tourism Organization.
The total budget is 5 billion KRW, with 1.5 billion KRW from the national government, 500 million KRW from the city budget, and the remaining 3 billion KRW supported by organizations like IFLA.
Background and Anticipated Effects of Busan's Successful Bid
The city of Busan submitted its bid to host IFLA in collaboration with BEXCO, Busan Tourism Organization, and the Korean Library Association starting in April. In early July, the onsite visit highlighted Busan’s exceptional MICE infrastructure, citizen engagement in reading culture programs, and capability for hosting international events.
Busan's identity as a reading culture city is particularly prominent, with unique facilities like the 'Deullaknalak' Children's Library, the Sea Library, and the 15-minute city reading infrastructure enhancing its appeal. The ecosystem formed through the connection between bookstores and libraries has also gained attention, significantly contributing to Busan’s selection.
The IFLA congress is expected to bring about 6.4 billion KRW in direct economic benefits to Busan and generate over 22 billion KRW in production-induced effects. Additionally, it is anticipated to positively impact Busan's MICE industry and local economy by attracting over 5,000 visitors.
A Venue for Discussing the Role of Future Libraries in the Era of Digital Transformation
The main themes of the WLIC congress in Busan in 2026 will include changes in libraries corresponding to the AI era, bridging the information gap, open access, data sovereignty, and the development of metaverse libraries. Library professionals from all over the world are expected to gather to engage in in-depth discussions about the future of libraries and their social roles.
Moreover, Korean Wave content and Busan's unique regional culture will provide participants with various cultural experiences, creating an opportunity to internationally promote Korea’s knowledge culture and content industry.
Conclusion: A City Connecting Knowledge and People
As the slogan "Connecting Libraries, Cities, and People" suggests, this World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) is poised to be more than just an international gathering; it will be a celebration of knowledge that enhances the city’s identity and expands the democratization of information accessibility.
This historic opportunity for 'Busan, the City of Libraries' to grow into the center of the global knowledge community should not be missed.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. When and where will the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) be held in 2026?
It will be held at BEXCO and nearby libraries in Busan from August 10 to 13, 2026.
The World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) will take place from August 10 to 13, 2026, primarily at BEXCO in Busan. Various programs and satellite events will also be held at several libraries in Busan during the event period. Over 5,000 participants from more than 150 countries are expected to attend, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea and Busan city are collaborating to prepare a successful event.
Q. What is the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) and who hosts it?
It is the world's largest international conference for library and information professionals hosted by IFLA.
The World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) is the largest annual conference for library and information professionals organized by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). More than 5,000 participants from over 150 countries will gather to address critical global issues such as information accessibility, digital transformation, and data sovereignty. IFLA, established in 1927, is a non-profit organization leading the development and cooperation of libraries worldwide.
Q. What are the background and anticipated effects of Busan's successful bid for WLIC?
Busan's reading culture infrastructure and its capacity for international events were strong, leading to a successful bid with significant economic impacts expected.
Busan submitted its bid for IFLA in collaboration with BEXCO, the tourism organization, and the library association, showcasing its excellent MICE infrastructure, reading culture programs, and community participation in reading. Unique facilities like the 'Deullaknalak' Children's Library and Sea Library contributed to Busan's selection. The congress is expected to generate about 6.4 billion KRW in direct economic effects and over 22 billion KRW in production-inducing effects, positively impacting the local economy through the influx of approximately 5,000 visitors.
Q. What are the main topics to be discussed at the 2026 WLIC in Busan?
The future role of libraries in the AI era, addressing information gaps, data sovereignty, and the metaverse.
The main themes at the Busan WLIC in 2026 will include innovations in libraries fitting the AI era, enhancing information accessibility, open access, data sovereignty, and the development of future libraries utilizing the metaverse. Library professionals worldwide will gather to explore in-depth discussions about the social roles of libraries and changes in the information environment. Additionally, participants will experience Korean Wave culture and unique local cultural experiences from Busan.
Q. What is the role and international status of IFLA?
IFLA promotes the development of libraries and information services globally and facilitates knowledge sharing.
IFLA is a non-profit organization founded in 1927, representing libraries and information services worldwide. It emphasizes the freedom and equality of information access and knowledge sharing, collaborating with organizations like UNESCO and the World Intellectual Property Organization. IFLA actively supports the development and collaboration of libraries globally, maintaining a significant voice in the international library community. The WLIC serves as a flagship international event for IFLA to drive cooperation and innovation in the library and information sector.