Open Session Call for Papers: Using Oral History to Document the Histories of Library Associations and Evolving Library Practice
Library History Special Interest Group with IFLA Sections of Preservation and Conservation, Information Technology, Library and Research Services for Parliaments, Library Theory and Research, and the Kazakhstan Library Union
Session Theme:
A Focus on Diverse Communities and Ethical Preservation in the Digital Age
Libraries and archives play a pivotal role in documenting the histories of library associations, yet challenges persist in preserving these narratives—particularly those of underrepresented communities and born-digital records. This call for papers invites contributions that explore the opportunities and challenges of using oral history to document the histories of library associations and their evolving practices, with a focus on diversity, collaboration, and preservation in the digital age.
Call for Papers:
The IFLA Special Interest Group Library History, together with the IFLA Sections of Preservation and Conservation, Information Technology, Parliamentary Libraries, Library Theory and Research, (to be confirmed) and the Kazakhstan Library Union are seeking proposals for papers to be presented at a session to be held at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan, 18-22 August 2025. Papers should reflect the conference theme, “Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future".
Themes and Objectives
This call aims to advance
discussions around oral history’s role in documenting library association
histories, addressing critical questions such as (not limited to.):
o How can oral history
initiatives overcome the tension between subjective memory and historical
accuracy?
o What is the role of
archivists as curators versus creators of records, particularly in oral history
projects?
o How can libraries and archives ensure the preservation and accessibility of born-digital records?
Contributions are encouraged to
address the following themes:
1. Oral history and archival theory
o How has oral history
challenged and informed archival theory and practice over the past fifty years?
o What ethical,
human-centered approaches can libraries adopt to integrate oral histories into
their collections?
o Reconfiguration of the
role of librarians and archivists in the development of oral historiography:
from ‘custodians of knowledge’ to ‘creators of knowledge’
2. Diversity and sustainability in oral
history projects
o Case studies
highlighting oral history projects that document diverse and underrepresented
voices.
o Examples of library and
archival initiatives that connect with communities to preserve cultural and
professional heritage.
o Models that ensure the
sustainability of projects and programs that seek to document the history of
the field.
3. Preserving born-digital content
o Challenges and best
practices for managing born-digital records in the context of library
association histories.
o Strategies for ensuring
long-term access, curation, and stewardship of digital content.
4. Global perspectives on library association
histories
o Insights from
international organizations on the preservation of library professional
association histories, as discussed at IFLA and other forums.
o Collaborative efforts
across continents to document and share the histories of library and
information science associations.
o Comparative regional
studies: comparing differences in the development of library associations in
Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, etc.
5. Innovative approaches and future directions
o Exploring new
methodologies for recording, preserving, curating and disseminating oral
histories.
o The potential for
interdisciplinary collaborations to address the evolving needs of the field.
o Exploring the indicators and methods for assessing the
quality of oral history work
o Exploring the use of AI and machine learning in the
preservation and analysis of oral histories.
o Discussing the role of digital tools in improving
the accessibility and usability of oral history archives.
Why Participate?
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a global dialogue on documenting library association histories, addressing pressing issues in the preservation of oral and born-digital histories, and shaping future practices in the profession.
Submission Guidelines
Proposals should include a title, abstract (max. 300 words), and a brief biography of the author(s). Please submit your proposals to [insert contact email] by [insert deadline].
Important Dates & Deadlines:
- 30 April, 2025– Deadline for
submission of proposal abstract
- 13 May, 2025 – Notification of
acceptance
- 20 July, 2025 – Submission of
Full-Text of Paper
- 20 July, 2025 – Deadline for
submission of presentation slides
Submission Guidelines
We invite submissions of research papers, case studies, and reflective essays that align with the themes above. Join us in advancing the historical and cultural preservation of our profession, ensuring that diverse voices and digital records are not only documented but celebrated for generations to come.
Proposals
should include:
- Title of proposed presentation
- Abstract of proposed paper (no
more than 300 words)
- Name of presenter plus position
and/or title
- Employer / affiliated
institution
- Contact information including
email address, telephone number
- Short biographical statement of
presenter
Send proposals via email to: IFLA LIBHIST SIG <iflalibhistsig@gmail.com>
Use subject line: WLIC 2025 LIBHIS-SIG
Please note:
- At least one of the
paper’s authors must be present to summarize the paper during the program in
Astana. Abstracts are to be submitted only with the understanding that the
expenses of attending the conference will be the responsibility of the
author(s)/presenter(s) of accepted papers.
- The language of the
session is expected to be English.
- All papers presented at the WLIC 2025 will be available online under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
- All papers must be
unpublished and not previously presented.
- Authors must disclose
whether they submit this proposal to another WLIC 2025 session.
- Authors of accepted
papers must complete the IFLA Authors’ Permission Form.
- All expenses, including
registration for the conference, travel, accommodations, etc., are the
responsibility of the authors/presenters. IFLA does not provide any financial
support.
Congress Participation Grants
A list of opportunities for support is available on the Grants & Awards webpage.
