Play a greater role in your professional field or area of expertise on the international stage and join one of IFLAs Special Interest Groups, Sections or other positions.

CILIP is offering members from the UK the opportunity to put themselves forward for 800+ roles across 50+ committees and groups at the International Federation of Library Associations & Institutions (IFLA) 2025 elections.

IFLA is an independent, international, non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation, which advances the interests of library and information associations, libraries and information services, librarians and the communities they serve throughout the world.

The elections take place every two years and are a fantastic way for UK librarians and information professionals to play a greater role in their field on the international stage.

Becoming a member of one of IFLA’s groups a unique way to build your network, develop your skills, and represent the UK sector.

Roles Available

Member, Chair, President-elect, and Treasurer positions are available across a wide range of IFLA groups, including Governing Board, Professional Council, European Regional Council, Advisory Committees, Review Groups, Special Interest Groups, and Sections.

Advisory Committees, Review Groups, Special Interest Groups, and Sections are similar to CILIP’s own Special Interest Groups, bringing together subject experts from across the world on a wide range of topics.

IFLA is looking for people whose expertise and vision align with IFLA’s mission of sustainable futures for all through knowledge and information.

CILIP is looking for as many diverse, skilled, knowledgeable, and values-led people as possible.

Successful candidates can expect from CILIP profile-raising and knowledge-sharing opportunities, as well as ad hoc advice and support, while being mindful of our limited resources.

In return, CILIP is looking for people who will pro-actively share knowledge and opportunities with CILIP and the wider UK sector.

Please note that CILIP cannot offer financial support for these voluntary roles and it is strongly advised that nominees either have the support of their employer or independent means of attending international meetings.

How to nominate

CILIP is inviting interested parties to self-nominate to one or more of these positions.

As the lead UK national association member of IFLA, CILIP is required to approve nominations to each vacancy. CILIP will prioritise supporting nominees that are current CILIP members.

In order to self nominate, please review IFLA's guidance, the vacancies, and then complete this online form as soon as possible before 4pm GMT on Monday 24 February 2025.

Find out more about the elections

For any queries, please send an email to elections@ifla.org for assistance. You may also want to join the IFLA webinars on 27, 28 or 29 January 2025.

A CILIP panel consisting of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Development Officer, a Trustee, and a member of the CILIP International Library and Information Group (ILIG) Special Interest Group will review nominations for each vacancy and select those to nominate on to IFLA. Please send membership@cilip.org.uk a copy of your nomination form (a screenshot is fine) to inform the panel's decision. All applicants will be informed of the outcome though no feedback will be provided.

Election stage

Where there are more nominations than places available, IFLA will hold elections from 17 March to 14 April. Results will be announced on 5 May.

A further nomination and election stage will take place for Officer positions of Section Standing Committees, Regional Division Committees, Review Groups, and Convenors of the Special Interest Groups and Advisory Groups from 9 June to 14 July.