The 82nd International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) held its annual World Library and Information Congress in Columbus, OH from Aug. 13-19 2016 with a theme, “Connections, Collaborations, Community”. It marks the conference’s first return to the United States since 2001. There were nearly 3,100 delegates represented from 120 countries to a very diverse city, Columbus, which is considered to be a home to world-class library institutions such as the Columbus Metropolitan Library system, the Ohio State University Libraries, and OCLC, a worldwide library cooperative. It was very stimulating to see the world’s librarians in one place! The conference was held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center located in downtown Columbus, and the Organizing Committee and all volunteers deserve credit by making it very welcoming and comfortable for delegates from all around the world.
Creative Signage/Little Library
Cultural Activities/IFLA Volunteers
Serials & Other Continuing Resources Section (SOCRS) Committee in Action….
The SOCRS Committee met twice during the conference, and was well represented by committee members and conference delegates from various parts of the world as observers. The committee meeting minutes are here. We brainstormed the ideas for organizing program and satellite meeting during IFLA 2017 in Wroclaw, Poland. SOCRS is planning on having a satellite meeting in Kraków. The topic will relate to Scholarly Communications and Serials. The Acquisition and Collection Section will be asked to co-sponsor the conference. Stay tuned…
SOCRS continued its social tradition of a group dinner for having some fun and chat at excellent and authentic Italian Restaurant, Marcella’s! Yum Yum Food!
I had a privilege to attend a reception honoring The National Committee Fellowship recipients and sponsors, at newly renovated marvelous Columbus Metropolitan Main Library. It was literally a great experience to meet budding librarians from different parts of the world!
One of the highlights of the congress is its cultural evening! It is an event where hosting city tries to showcase not only the local community and city, but the cultural aspects of the entire country. It was held at Center of Science and Industry (COSI), which is considered as Columbus’ most dynamic hands-on Science Center. The cultural eve was featuring multiple regions of the U.S, in terms of its diverse culture, entertainment and food. I sincerely admire this opportunity, and it is one of my most favorite events!
Delegates from Arizona State University Libraries
Finally, a trip to Columbus cannot be complete without exploring its Short North art district, which is the heart and soul of Columbus! It is the most lively and offbeat district with art galleries, specialty shops, pubs, restaurants, and coffee houses.
North Market
Savory Vegetarian Crepes/Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
And, last but not the least, what a treat to dig into Picasso exhibit at Columbus Museum of Art!
Loving the journey of the World Library and Information Congress!
Can’t wait for 2017 IFLA @ Wroclaw, Poland!!!
Thanks for the great post, Smita! It was such an excellent conference though now I wish I’d made the Picasso exhibit. Columbus exceeded all my expectations, and I thought represented the US so well.