International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
Budget
€3,135,732
EP Access
2
accredited persons
Staff
3
0.85 FTE
EU Grants
€35,368
Mission & Goals
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession. As set out in our Strategy 2024-2029, our Vision is of Sustainable futures for all through knowledge and information IFLA is an independent, international, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization. Our aims are to: - Promote high standards of provision and delivery of library and information services - Encourage widespread understanding of the value of good library & information services - Represent the interests of our members throughout the world. In pursuing these aims IFLA embraces core values around access to information and equitable access to excellent library services.
EU Legislative Interests
Information Society: Audiovisual and Media Policies, Communications, Digital Agenda for Europe, Internet, Copyright Reform, Media Coordination, Media and Information Literacy, Digital Skills and Jobs, WiFi4EU, Horizon Europe/FP10, Research, Data Policy Culture: Creative Europe (and follow-on), contribution of culture to policy goals, access to culture, heritage protection and promotion Research: European Research Area
Communication Activities
IFLA represents the voice of the international library community in copyright and intellectual property concerns, including issues related to disputed claims of ownership of library materials; economic and trade barriers to the acquisition and use of library resources and effective library services; subscription and license agreements; and a wide range of other legal matters of international significance to libraries and librarianship. IFLA is part of a wider project - Knowledge Rights 21 - focused on promoting reforms at the European and national levels. IFLA raises awareness of the essential correlation between libraries and the values of intellectual freedom. We collect and disseminate documentation and aim to stimulate a dialog both within and outside the library world. We work to protect intellectual freedom and freedom of expression by publishing reports, participating in national and international conferences and organizing workshops; monitoring the state of intellectual freedom within the library community world-wide and publishing newsletters and online news; responding to violations of free access to information and freedom of expression and making press releases. IFLA is also strongly committed to promoting universal and meaningful internet access, as well as the safeguarding of heritage and access to it. At the heart of much of our work is the UN's 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. We have Formal Associate Relations with UNESCO, observer status with the United Nations, associate status with the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) and observer status with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In 1999, we established observer status with the World Trade Organization (WTO). We hold the World Library and Information Congress: IFLA General Conference and Assembly in August or early September in a different city each year. More than three thousand delegates meet to exchange experience, debate professional issues, see the latest products of the information industry, conduct the business of IFLA and experience something of the culture of the host country. The 2025 edition was held in Astana, Kazakhstan, and the 2026 one will be in Busan, Republic of Korea. Our centenary conference will take place in London, UK. A range of professional meetings, seminars and workshops are held around the world by our professional sections and special interest groups, as well as advisory committees. More information about our events and publications can be found on our website at http://www.ifla.org
Interests Represented
Does not represent commercial interests
Member Of
Conference of NGOs in consultative relationship with the United Nations; International Freedom of Expression Exchange; International Council for Scientific and Technical Information; International Council for Science; European Society of Association Executives; OCLC; Coordinating Council of Audiovisual Archives Associations; Science|Business;
Organisation Members
IFLA had 139 member associations (international and national), and 824 member institutions at the end of our last Annual Report year. We have members in 151 countries (figures from our 2024 Annual Report). Association and institution members as of 3 February 2026 are listed here: https://www.ifla.org/wp-content/uploads/ifla-members-and-association-affiliates_2026-02-03.pdf
Additional Information
In 2024, IFLA received 826 349EUR in membership fees, 200 414EUR contributions for core activities from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 94 073 for work on the Knowledge Rights 21 Programme (from Stichting IFLA Foundation), 4 180EUR from Corporate supporters, grants and donations, 35 213 from our voucher scheme, and 25 558EUR for publications and royalties. Our latest annual financial report can be found here, including additional details: https://repository.ifla.org/handle/20.500.14598/4381
Commissioner Meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.