Nominations for Position

Until IFLA General Assembly 2023

Deadline

6 June 2022, 18:00 CEST (See what time this is for you)  

Overview  

The role of President-elect of IFLA provides the opportunity to develop understanding and experience of leading the Federation, as well as identifying priorities, prior to taking on the role of President. In this capacity, the successful candidate will work closely with the President, Governing Board and Secretary-General, deputising for the former where necessary in representing IFLA and chairing meetings.  

When the President-elect becomes President, they will lead IFLA and be its chief representative to governments, allied industry, and national and international organisations and bodies. They chair the Governing Board and preside over the General Assembly, and work closely with the Secretary General to advance the Federation’s goals. 

Who can stand for this position?  

Anyone can stand. Candidates do not have to be an IFLA Member or Affiliate and if elected, are elected in their own right and not as the representative of their employer or nominator. 

What is the term of office? 

The term of office is until the IFLA General Assembly 2023, which will likely take place in August 2023. The candidate subsequently becomes IFLA President 2023-2025. 

What are the roles and responsibilities for this position? 

The President-elect is an elected position to the Governing Board. As a Governing Board member, they are responsible, alongside other members, for the management of the Federation, overseeing governance, financial and professional matters, ensuring sustainability, and developing and overseeing the strategic direction of the Federation. In performing their duties, the Governing Board shall act in accordance with Federation’s core values. 

As with other Governing Board members, the President-elect should have a global perspective; an interest in library politics and advocacy; a commitment to the aims and core values of IFLA; and a desire to work collaboratively in dealing with issues for the profession. 

The President-elect will have additional duties associated with their role, including deputising for the President where necessary, and taking on added representation work and speaking commitments. Consequently, the position of President-Elect also involves a significant amount of travelling, speaking commitments and representation and therefore demands strong employer and other support. 

When the President-elect takes on the role of President, they will need to be able to provide inspiration and leadership for IFLA, as well as representing the Federation in relations with governments, industry, and national and international organisations.  

What skills and attributes do I need for this position? 

Candidates for this position should be able to demonstrate: 

  • expertise, experience and interest in/across the library field;  
  • experience in management and governance at a senior level;  
  • an understanding of strategic planning, implementation and review processes;  
  • experience of organizational financial planning, fundraising and risk management;  
  • proven leadership skills, be an experienced communicator and networker with an ability to leverage networks and have an interest in library politics and advocacy;  
  • willingness and ability to devote time and energy to the role – this is usually several hours per week;  
  • time allowance to prepare and attend meetings of the Governing Board, and financial resources to attend at least the IFLA annual Congress;  
  • an ability to act with respect, trust, confidentiality and transparency within the Governing Board and recognize the need to protect personal and privileged information. They must declare any conflicts of interest and abstain from discussions where they have a conflict or potential conflict of interest.  

How many nominations do I need? 

Each candidate requires at least ten (10) nominations for this position. 

Who can be a nominator? 

IFLA Members and Affiliates can nominate individuals for this position. They have received an election email containing information describing how they can submit a nomination. Each Member or Affiliate can nominate one (1) candidate for this position. 

How do I find a nominator? 

Check the list of IFLA Members and Association Affiliates found on the Membership page. Contact IFLA members in your country or region and ask if they are willing to nominate you. 

How do I submit my nominee consent form? 

Those wishing to stand as a candidate will need to submit a nominee consent form (see link below) for this position. This should be done once nominators have been found. In this form you will be asked to provide a 750 – 1000 word statement describing how you demonstrate the skills and attributes required. 

A nomination is only becomes valid when there is a match between the number of required nominations and a completed nominee consent form. 

Submit your consent form for President-elect

(please note, candidates are urged to secure sufficient nominations before they submit this form)

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