IFLA is pleased to offer grants for 20 professionals employed by IFLA institutional members and 10 professionals from other membership categories to attend the IFLA WLIC 2026 in Busan, South Korea.
This is a wonderful opportunity for professionals from IFLA members to bring their insights to the international stage, as well as bring back innovative ideas and practices to enhance their institutions and communities.
What does the grant cover?
The grant will cover the full registration fee.
Applicants must be able to attend the Congress and will be responsible for all other costs associated with their attendance.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the IFLA WLIC 2026 General Grant, applicants must:
- Be employed by an IFLA institutional member, belong to an association that is an IFLA member, and/or be an IFLA affiliate.
- Have a reasonable level of English language knowledge due to their expected participation in a grantee programme during WLIC.
Priority will be given to the applicants who are first-time attendees of the IFLA World Library and Information Congress.
What we expect from you
As a grantee, we ask you to contribute in a few light-touch ways that help us strengthen the programme, share its impact and build a community:
- Join a meetup for grantees during the conference
- Share social media posts about your conference experience (optional if you don’t use social platforms)
- Contribute a short post-event reflection
- Attend an online brief impact follow-up (6 months later)
How to apply?
To apply, please complete this application form and upload a single PDF file that includes the following:
- Curriculum vitae (up to 2 pages, with max 1 further page of references to articles or other work done): Provide a brief overview of your educational background, professional experience, and any relevant achievements or contributions to the library field.
- Statement or letter from your employer supporting your attendance at WLIC.
- Motivation letter (max 300 words): Share why you want to attend WLIC 2026 and how this experience could shape your journey as a librarian:
- Consider how the ideas you encounter, the connections you make, and the inspiration you gain will impact not only your own professional growth but also your institution, library association, and the profession in your country?
- How will you bring your congress experience to life for your colleagues back home? Are there any creative ways you plan to share your insights and new learnings?
Please be clear about any use of AI in the preparation of your letter or application. We recognise the value of AI in helping with language (especially for non-native speakers of English), but want it to be your voice and ideas that we read!
Important dates
Application deadline: 23:59 Amsterdam time on 28 February 2026.
Successful candidates will be notified by: 1 April 2025.