International library leaders gather in Brisbane for landmark summit 2024

2024 September
Prodip Roy, Brisbane, Australia 
The city is set to become the hub of global library innovation as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Information Futures Summit (IIFS) 2024 kicks off on September 30.
The three-day conference, running until October 2, will convene at the state-of-the-art Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC).
This highly anticipated event promises to be a pivotal moment for library professionals, technologists, policymakers, and experts from diverse fields to converge and shape the future of libraries and information services.
Under the theme Stronger Together, IFLA President Vicki McDonald delivered a welcome speech, setting the tone for a collaborative and forward-thinking summit. With her wealth of experience as a senior leader in the library sector, having worked across public, academic, and research libraries, McDonald is uniquely positioned to inspire and guide the global library community.
Themed around navigating the complexities of the information landscape, IIFS 2024 promises to be a pivotal event for library professionals, technologists, policymakers, and experts from diverse fields. The summit boasts an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and panellists who will share visionary insights and expertise, shaping the future of libraries and information services.

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Building an open society: Advancing open science through collaborative workshop

2024 September
Md. Anwarul Islam

The “Dynamic Convergence” Open Science workshop brought together global experts to advance Open Science.

Md. Anwarul Islam, Professor in the Department of Information Science and Library Management at the University of Dhaka, participated in the “Dynamic Convergence” Open Science workshop held in Washington, D.C. on September 18-19, 2024. Organised by the Open Research Community Accelerator (ORCA) in collaboration with CERN, UNESCO, NASA, and the National Science Foundation (NSF), the event brought together approximately 100 participants from 31 countries.

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RMIT university hosts Great Book Swap to promote literacy and cultural awareness

2024 September 
Melbourne, VIC
Prodip Roy, Melbourne

The Great Book Swap sale held across all 4 Melbourne campuses- Photo credit: Lenny de VriesLenny de Vries

RMIT University is proud to host the Great Book Swap, a charity event raising vital funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). This initiative aims to promote cultural awareness, respect, and literacy among Indigenous children in remote Australian communities.

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At the heart of the Summit: IIFS panellists

2024 August, International news

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

 

 

 

 

 

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ALA Opens 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibition Call for Proposals

2024 August

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.

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Australian publishing industry faces uncertainty as Booktopia collapses

2024 July
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.

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Breaking news: crucial need for collaboration between library and information science academics and practitioners in Bangladesh

2024 July
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
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Observance of National Library Day 2024 at Dhaka University

2024 February

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.

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BALID’s New Executive Committee Takes Charge in Biennial General Meeting

2024, 2024 January

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:

  1. Chairman: Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman
  2. Vice Chairmen: Mr. AKM Mujibur Rahman, Professor Jabed Ahmed and Regina Akhter
  3. Secretary General: AKM Nurul Alam (Apu)
  4. Joint Secretary General: Ahsan Habib
  5. Finance Secretary: Md. Fazlul Karim
  6. Establishment Secretary: Md. Iltutmiz
  7. Research and Development Secretary: Mahmudun Nahar
  8. Publications and Public Relations Secretary: Nasima Akhter Rita
  9. Members: Dr. M Hossam Haider Chowdhury, Sashank Kumar Singh, Dr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Dr, Anwarul Islam

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