A dynamic Professional Unit has the greatest impact on IFLA’s global work – engaging members, developing strong leadership and identity, delivering high-quality services with a measurable impact, and communicating activities within IFLA and beyond. The Professional Committee launched the Dynamic Unit and Impact Awards (DUIAs) to recognise the Professional Units who have excelled in putting Dynamic Unit goals into practice.   

Four DUIAs were awarded this year 

  • Quality and Impact of the Work  
  • Effective Communication 
  • Membership Engagement and Leadership Development 
  • Overall Achievement  

The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Quality and Impact of the Work was awarded this year to the IFLA Library History Special Interest Group. IFLA’s Library History Special Interest Group was recognised for their outstanding contributions and dedication toward advancing awareness of library history. 

The award recognises the significant influence and positive outcomes generated by the SIG’s work, research, and initiatives in preserving and promoting library history, particularly around their oral history project. Since 2018 the SIG has been collecting and recording oral histories for persons associated with IFLA’s history. This recognition not only acknowledges the group’s efforts but also emphasises the importance of preserving the heritage and historical significance of IFLA for libraries worldwide. The Special Interest Group Convenor Annamaria Tammaro received the award on behalf of the Unit. 

The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Effective Communication was awarded this year to The IFLA Management and Marketing Section. IFLA’s Management and Marketing Section was recognised for their outstanding ability to convey message, engage with their audience, and effectively promote their committee’s work. Through their communication efforts, they have reached a global audience, including librarians, library managers and other information professionals, helping them understand the role of management and marketing in today’s libraries. 

The M&M section has demonstrated their commitment to sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative ideas with the library community. The Section’s PressReader Award, Management Skill Blog and management events, such as webinars, workshops and their collaborative coaching initiative, have effectively delivered valuable insights and information to professionals in the field. The Secretary of the Managing and Marketing Section, Jeannie Bail accepted the award on behalf of the Section. 

The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Member Engagement & Leadership Development was awarded this year to the IFLA Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning Section. 

The Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning Section (CPDWL) embraces all aspects of professional development and learning in the workplace. This award recognises the section’s dedication to advancing professional development in the library and information field through engagement and leadership development among library professionals worldwide. Their efforts have helped empower individuals to enhance their skills, embrace new challenges, and take on leadership roles within the profession. 

Initiatives such as their ongoing collaborative coaching project, podcast and webinar series, and their ever-evolving CPD Guidelines, build strong professional communities and support the next generation of library leaders. The section has launched initiatives that emphasise mentoring, leadership development, and skill improvement, ensuring a holistic approach to professional growth. Ulrike Lang, Chair of the CPDWL Section accepted the award on behalf of the Section. 

The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Overall Achievement was awarded this year to the IFLA Environment, Sustainability and Libraries Section (ENSULIB). ENSULIB is a dynamic community of library professionals and advocates who are committed to integrating sustainability into library practices and raising awareness of environmental issues through library programs and services. 

They have been awarded the Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Overall Achievement, for excellence and outstanding efforts in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability within the library community and beyond. 

ENSULIB has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing green initiatives, developing eco-consciousness, and championing the integration of sustainable practices within the library worldwide with committee projects such as The IFLA Green Library Award, The Green Library Definition (currently translated into 31 languages) and their Green Library poster for libraries, the Green Library website and checklist and more. 

In the library’s role of shaping communities and providing information, ENSULIB’s initiatives have encouraged and supported libraries to become engaged in environmental responsibility. Through their initiatives, including their newsletter and webinar series, ENSULIB aims to inspire libraries to adopt green practices, reduce their carbon footprint, and engage their patrons in environmentally conscious programs and projects.  

ENSULIB’s dedication to sustainability demonstrates that libraries can lead by example in creating a greener, more sustainable future for all. The Professional Council acknowledges the profound impact of ENSULIB’s work and encourages further collaborative efforts to create an environmentally resilient world. The Chair of ENSULIB, Harri Sahavirta accepted the award on behalf of the Section. 

Te Paea Paringatai, Professional Council Chair, highlighted this year’s awardees:

This year, the Professional Council was delighted to receive strong nominations for the 2023 DUIA. In response to feedback from professional units, our 2023 DUIA award comprises four categories and the Professional Council is excited to announce the overall winner, who has inched ahead and demonstrated exceptional commitment to their craft and community. They received a special mention in 2022, and with their continued effort, dedication and excellence the Environment, Sustainability and Libraries Section (ENSULIB) is a deserving recipient and has been awarded the 2023 Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Overall Excellence.  

Congratulations to the IFLA Library History Special Interest Group, recipient of the DUIA Quality and Impact of the Work Award , the IFLA Management and Marketing Section, recipient of the DUIA Effective Communication Award and the IFLA Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning Section, recipient of the DUIA Member Engagement & Leadership Development Award. Each award recipient demonstrated inclusivity, innovation, inspiration and collective impact of the IFLA Professional Structure striving for a stronger, better global library field.