Call for presentation proposals

The Information Technology Section of IFLA, in collaboration with Erasmus University Library and the IFLA Sections Continuing and Professional Development and Workplace Learning (CPDWL) and Subject Analysis and Access (SAA), will host a satellite conference on 18 August 2023 (Friday) at Erasmus University in Rotterdam. The theme of the conference is "Agile Methodology in Libraries: Innovations in Library Projects and Management".

Agile methodology has been widely adopted in the Information Technology field and is now gaining popularity in libraries. This methodology emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and an iterative, user-centered approach to project management. By rapidly exposing project ideas to feedback from users, Agile methodology aims to improve the quality and relevance of the outcome to the library community. It can be applied to various areas of library work, such as resource selection and development, technology implementation, and service delivery, among others. 

Likewise, Agile methodologies can assist in improving the flow of information in complex-adaptive organizational systems, such as libraries, by ensuring that value streams for users do not get broken due to existing organizational structures. When viewing libraries through a systems thinking lens that is not limited by organizational structure, Agile methods can assist in the greater understanding of the dependencies of different actors and workflows.

The goal of the conference is to explore the ways in which Agile methodology is being implemented in libraries and to identify potential new avenues for application. The conference will build upon the success of the Agile open session at the IFLA WLIC 2022 congress in Dublin, which generated considerable interest. The aim is to provide a platform for library professionals to exchange experiences, ideas, and best practices for Agile implementation in libraries, with the ultimate goal of delivering high-quality library services and resources in a timely and responsive manner.

We invite presentations, workshops and case studies to explore together implementation cases and practices, from a practical approach: 

• Implementation levels of Agile methodologies in libraries; deciding the types of projects that are best suited for Agile and how teams may adopt the methodology.  
• Demonstrations and analysis of Agile tools and techniques.
• Implementation examples and case studies of Agile methodology in use across different types of libraries.
• Strategies and tips for building skills in Agile methods across teams and projects.
• Agile practices applied within managerial and strategy-driven projects.
• Applying Agile principles within adaptive and complexity leadership approaches; systems thinking versus linear management.
• Agile project management by library services vendors.
• Collaborative workflows in libraries using Agile methodology.
• Agile methodology and hybrid library service delivery and user service engagement.

Important dates

• 31th May, 2023 - Deadline for submission
• 7th June, 2023 - Notification of selection
• 31st July, 2023 - Full papers / presentation slides submitted with author permission form.
• 18th August, 2023 – Satellite
• 21-25 August, 2023 - WLIC

Submission guidelines

Proposals must be submitted using the submission form. They must be in English and include the following information:

• Title of proposed presentation.
• Abstract of the proposal (400 words).
• Name/s of presenters and positions and/or titles.
• Employer or affiliated institution.
• Contact information including email address and telephone number.
• Short biographical statement of no more than 100 words.

Please note:

• Presentations must be in English. Each presentation should be no more than 20 minutes in length with discussion at the end of each session.     
• Speakers should expect to be recorded on video and should be prepared to submit their presentation for publication in the IFLA repository.
• There will be hybrid options for presenting.  
• Proposals should only be submitted with the understanding that the expenses of attending the conference in Rotterdam will be the responsibility of the author(s)/presenter(s) of accepted papers.
• All expenses, including registration for the conference, travel, accommodation etc., are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. No financial support can be provided by IFLA, but a special invitation letter can be issued to author(s)/presenter(s) of accepted papers.

Congress Participation Grants

List of opportunities for support is available on the Apply for Grants & Awards for the IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2023.