At the heart of the Summit: IIFS panellists
Join in Brisbane for the IFLA Information Futures Summit (IIFS), a three-day event that promises to broaden your perspectives and enrich your understanding. This upcoming summit offers an opportunity to explore new ideas, gain fresh insights, and engage with fellow professionals in a dynamic and thought-provoking environment.
L to R: Kepi Madumo, Leslie Weir, Virginia (Ginny) Barbour, Kirsten Thorpe, S. Kate Conroy, Anna Burkey, Rose Barrowcliffe, Nate Hill, Philip G Kent, Heather Zwicker, Kim Wilkins, Victoria Owen, Petra Lundgren, Te Paea Paringatai, Megan Daley, Richard Misilei, Fiona Bradley, Catherine Clark, Robert dhurwain McLellan, Dilara Begum
ALA Opens 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibition Call for Proposals
The American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting proposals for education programs and posters for its 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibition, scheduled for June 26-July 1, 2025, in Philadelphia. This premier event tackles pressing concerns in the library sector, offering a wide range of professional development opportunities focused on cutting-edge research, creative programming, strategic initiatives, and effective practices. The submission period is open until September 23, 2024.
Australian publishing industry faces uncertainty as Booktopia collapses
Booktopia, Australia’s leading online book retailer, has gone into voluntary administration. The collapse of the company, which was the primary sales channel for many small Australian publishers, has significant implications for the industry. While some in the industry are shocked by the development, others saw it coming.
Despite efforts to cut costs, the company was forced to sack 165 staff and cease taking new orders. The industry’s reliance on patriotic retailers to maintain diversity and financial viability has been highlighted.
With a smaller market and limited overseas sales, Australian publishers rely on local sales to succeed. A “best seller” in Australia is defined by modest sales numbers, making it challenging for publishers to remain profitable amidst rising costs and a shrinking reader base. Independent bookstores play a vital role in promoting diverse titles, while discount department stores drive sales volume. The industry’s future remains uncertain as it grapples with the collapse of Booktopia and the shifting landscape of book sales.
Breaking news: crucial need for collaboration between library and information science academics and practitioners in Bangladesh
Prodip Roy from RMIT University, Australia and Md. Ahasan Habib from Islamic University of Technology, Bangladesh have co-authored a groundbreaking study on the importance of collaboration between library and information science academics and practitioners in Bangladesh. This study highlights the crucial need for collaboration between library and information science academics and practitioners in Bangladesh, and globally.
Key findings include:
- Mindset and attitude significantly impact collaboration efforts
- Ego-related conflicts hinder effective collaboration
- Open-minded approach essential for success
- Potential for improved library services and career success through collaboration
This qualitative study provides valuable insights from a developing nation, offering solutions and opportunities for growth in the field. Read the full study here
19 Fully Funded PhD Programs at Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands
Are you holding a Master’s degree and looking for fully funded PhD positions? Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands, invites online applications for multiple funded PhD Programs and fully funded PhD positions in various research areas.
To learn more about these programs, click here
Observance of National Library Day 2024 at Dhaka University
Md. Anwarul Islam
February 8, 2024
The Government of Bangladesh declared February 5th National Library Day in 2017, first observed in 2018. Since then, February 5th has been observed as National Library Day in Bangladesh with various programs, including rallies, seminars, symposiums, roundtable discussions, and other activities. The Department of Public Libraries (DPL), under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, serves as the apex body for the national observance of this day.
BALID’s New Executive Committee Takes Charge in Biennial General Meeting
Dhaka, January 27, 2024
Photo: New EC, BALID, (Photo credit- Facebook, BALID 2024)
The Bangladesh Association of Librarians, Information Scientists and Documentalists (BALID) held its biennial general meeting on January 26, 2024, at the Women’s Voluntary Association auditorium in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The day-long event commenced with the National Anthem, followed by the presentation of the minutes of the previous general meeting, the financial report of the previous council, and the budget proposal.
Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman assumed the role of Chairman, and AKM Nurul Alam as the General Secretary, leading the newly elected Executive Committee. The diverse team is poised to drive BALID’s mission forward with a mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces. The executive members are as follows:
- Chairman: Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman
- Vice Chairmen: Mr. AKM Mujibur Rahman, Professor Jabed Ahmed and Regina Akhter
- Secretary General: AKM Nurul Alam (Apu)
- Joint Secretary General: Ahsan Habib
- Finance Secretary: Md. Fazlul Karim
- Establishment Secretary: Md. Iltutmiz
- Research and Development Secretary: Mahmudun Nahar
- Publications and Public Relations Secretary: Nasima Akhter Rita
- Members: Dr. M Hossam Haider Chowdhury, Sashank Kumar Singh, Dr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Dr, Anwarul Islam
Bangladesh Embassy Mexico Showcases Rich Literary Heritage at 37th Guadalajara International Book Fair 2023
Prodip Roy, Melbourne, December 2, 2023
Photo: Bangladesh Embassy Mexico Facebook page
In a vibrant display of literary and cultural exchange, Bangladesh has proudly taken centre stage at the 37th Guadalajara International Book Fair, Latin America’s largest and the world’s second-largest book fair. The prestigious event, where the European Union holds the distinguished position of Guest of Honor, has become a platform for Bangladesh to share its rich literary heritage with the global audience.
The Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico City has orchestrated a captivating showcase at the book fair, featuring a diverse collection of 64 books that delve into various aspects of Bangladesh’s history, including the Liberation War, the life and contributions of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, political movements, socio-economic development, women’s empowerment, literature, and culture.
Guadalajara International Book Fair 2023: Celebrating Literature and Cultural Exchange
Prodip, Melbourne – December 2, 2023
Photo: [email protected]
The bustling city of Guadalajara, Mexico, has once again become the epicentre of literary excitement as the 37th edition of the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) kicks off its nine-day celebration of literature, cultural exchange, and the power of the written word. From November 25 to December 3, this year’s event is poised to be the largest gathering in the Spanish-speaking world.
With an expected attendance of 800,000 people, the Guadalajara International Book Fair has firmly established itself as a global literary phenomenon. Drawing book enthusiasts, publishers, and writers from across the globe, the event showcases the rich diversity of the Spanish-language literary landscape.
Creative Commons Global Summit 2023 Concludes in Mexico City: A Resounding Success
Prodip Roy, Melbourne
11 October, 2023
CC Global Summit 2023” by Prodip Roy, is licensed via CC BY 4.0.
The Creative Commons Global Summit 2023, a dynamic gathering of researchers, librarians, academicians, lawyers, IT specialists, journalists, musicians, cultural workers and many others in the realm of open access, concluded on 6 October in the vibrant heart of Mexico City. The program took place from 3–6 October 2023 at the Centro Cultural Universitario Tlatelolco to unite, share ideas, and create a brighter future for open sharing in Mexico City.
The Summit, which spanned three days, showcased diverse sessions, workshops, panel discussions, networking, and lightning talks focused on promoting open knowledge, collaboration, and accessibility. The 6 Summit tracks included Science/Climate, Education, Culture, Journalism, Better Internet (Web3, Data, AI, Policy), Arts, and emerging Technologies.