We collect and disseminate knowledge about library design, construction and equipment. We facilitate an exchange of experiences between librarians and architects.

Our Section considers matters concerning the design and construction of all types of libraries in all parts of the world, their furnishings and equipment. We aim to collect and disseminate knowledge about buildings and equipment in order to increase this knowledge among librarians. We also aim to establish connections between librarians and architects by creating the conditions under which it would be possible for each of them to understand the other’s language, and to promote an exchange of experiences.

We share knowledge about library building projects at regular seminars, IFLA Congress Open Sessions, in publications and regular social media posts. Networking is an important part of our section. Contacting us is a great way to start if you need to visit or want to learn about a library building project. A particular challenge for many librarians is that they have not been involved in a building project before, so reaching out to an experienced colleague will save you time and money! We are happy to help!

We also work with other IFLA sections to recognise library building excellence through the annual IFLA/Systematic Public Library of the Year award, which celebrates new public libraries and is presented to a library that best combines open, functional architecture with creative IT solutions, and takes into account both digital developments and local culture.

This unit is part of the Professional Division A.