Ayub Khan is Head of Warwickshire Libraries and Heritage and Culture, and has been involved with IFLA since the turn of the millennium.

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.

Ayub received a partial grant to attend an IFLA conference in 2000, in Jerusalem, and was hooked on International Librarianship. He later joined the multicultural round table and then the IFLA Buildings committee.

“In 2022, I plucked up the courage to stand as an IFLA governing board member and was delighted to be nominated by CILIP and elected by the membership of IFLA.”

Membership of one of IFLA’s many diverse groups is a unique opportunity to develop your professional skills, make new contacts and connections, and represent the UK library sector.

“I learned so many skills, chairing and being involved in committees. I also gained a broader knowledge of library and informational work across the globe and in different continents. This helped broaden my perspective and enhance my networks. Being a member of the governing board provided me with an opportunity to lead an organisation on an international scale.”

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.

“There will never be a good time, so take every opportunity that there maybe, and if you are unsuccessful in being elected, don't let this put you offer. Persevere and try again. I have never looked back at my international involvement. I've learnt that the library profession is similar across the world, it's just the content which differs.”

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.

Find out more on how to apply