The Professional Council of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) invites expressions of interest from those seeking to serve as co-opted members on a Professional Unit Committee (Section or Special Interest Group) for the term 2023-2027.  

IFLA’s Professional Units

At the heart of IFLA’s work are its diverse professional committees – a network of enthusiastic and engaged volunteer experts who bring their knowledge and energy to make IFLA a strong and vibrant organisation. Discover a committee in your area of interest and learn more about what they do.

Benefits and limitations

  • The co-opting process provides an avenue for IFLA Committee membership, outside of the elections process, for those individuals who may not have a direct connection to an eligible nominator, such as students, new professionals, or those residing or working in countries where there are no IFLA members. 
  • Co-opted members serve on Section or SIG Committees as full members for a term of up to four years.  If they wish to be considered for an additional term, they must participate in the IFLA nominations and elections process. 

Committee Member Responsibilities

As a member of an IFLA Section Standing Committee or Special Interest Group, you will: 

  • Virtually participate in the activities of the committee by serving on project working groups or assist with the running and maintenance of the committee.
  • Actively communicate the activities of your committee and of IFLA within your professional networks.
  • Attend online meetings to plan, discuss and continue Unit work.
  • (optional but encouraged) Attend the World Library and Information Congresses (WLICs) held during your term.

Committee Member Skills and Abilities 

  • Expertise and experience in the thematic focus of the Section or Special Interest Group Committee. 
  • Ability to integrate diverse perspectives and to collaborate virtually and in person with a diverse range of colleagues. 
  • Proven record of developing ideas and successfully designing, organising and producing practical outputs which support the work of the library field. 
  • Motivation and ability to devote time and energy to the role outside of their local time zone’s typical work hours – this can be 5-10 hours per month. 
  • Time allowance to prepare and attend virtual meetings of the Committee which are held across a global set of time zones.
  • An ability to act with respect, trust, confidentiality and transparency and recognise 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. 

Expression of Interest

Provide a formal expression of interest to serve on a specific committee as a co-opted member on the Expression of Interest platform.

  1. Provide a statement of motivation of 100-200 words 
  2. Indicate your communications preferences
  3. Submit the form 

Selection

  • Co-opted members will be selected based on the needs of the particular committee. 
  • It is possible that the Unit for which you have expressed interest will not co-opt any members during the 2023-2025 term.  
  • The new term co-opting process will be finalised by 1 December, though there may be additional needs for co-opted members throughout the term. 

Successful candidates will be notified of their selection before 1 December 2023. 

  • Unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted but will remain in the pool of available candidates. 

Take this opportunity to join a vibrant and dynamic Section Standing Committee or Special Interest Group and play a role in building a strong and united global library field powering literate, informed and participatory societies.