Call for proposals: Rethinking Reference in the AI Era

The IFLA Reference and Information Services (RISS) section is seeking proposals for Ignite (7 minute) talks to be presented, in person, at a session for the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea, 10-13 August 2026. The talks must address the theme Rethinking Reference in the AI Era: Empowering Transformation in Libraries. The deadline for submissionsis 11 May 2026. [I couldn't find the full call on the IFLA website, so it is reproduced here]
"Introduction: Libraries are central to information transformation, particularly as the information landscape undergoes rapid digital and technological change. As knowledge practices change and trust is renegotiated in light of evolving technologies, empowering transformation is critically important. We need to equip our communities and researchers with the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape. Reference librarians and library workers play a critical role in this mission by connecting users to appropriate resources, strengthening research competencies, and supporting critical knowledge skills."
"The nature of reference work is evolving. In many cases, users’ first point of engagement is no longer a human interaction but a digital interface. The rise of artificial intelligence tools has shifted not only how information is accessed but also the types of questions users ask. Increasingly, inquiries focus on how to use AI tools responsibly in the research process, how to cite AI-generated content, how to evaluate outputs, and how to use digital images and other materials ethically. These emerging needs require librarians and library workers to expand their expertise beyond traditional resource navigation to include digital literacy, AI literacy, and ethical guidance. This program will explore the transformation of reference services in all types of libraries from the librarian’s perspective and will also examine regional variations in these challenges, recognizing that educational environments and technological adoption differ across libraries and geographic contexts."
"Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:
- How has providing reference changed in the AI era?
- What new competencies are required for reference?
- How must library workers adapt their daily practices to remain effective?
- Has the role of the reference librarian shifted from information provider to critical thinking facilitator?
- How can we mitigate the fear factor, what makes us uncomfortable, as service providers?
- What steps can reference librarians take to move forward boldly in an era of transformation?"
Important dates and deadlines:
11 May 2026 Deadline for submission of proposals/abstracts
20 May: Notification to authors about the status of a submission
20 July: Submission of accompanying PowerPoint slides for presentation
"Proposals should include: Title of proposed presentation; Abstract of proposed presentation (no more than 200 words); Name of presenter(s) plus position(s) and/or title(s); Employer / affiliated institution; Contact information including email address, telephone number; Short biographical statement of presenter."
"Please send your proposals to Robin Kear, Secretary, RISS (rlk25@pitt.edu) and to Marydee Ojala, Chair, RISS (marydee@xmission.com) by 11/05/2026. "

" Please note:
- At least one of the submission authors must be physically present to provide the ignite talk during the program in Busan. 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 talks.
- The language of the session is expected to be English.
- All presentations and papers presented at the WLIC 2026 will be available online under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
- All presentations and papers must be unpublished and not previously presented.
- Authors must disclose whether they have submitted or plan to submit this proposal to another WLIC 2026 session.
- Authors of accepted presentations must complete the IFLA Authors’ Permission Form.
- Authors and presenters must adhere to the Presenter guidelines, provided when your Ignite talk is accepted.
- All expenses, including registration for the conference, travel, accommodation, etc., are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. IFLA does not provide any financial support. "
Photo by Sheila Webber: Sheffield town centre, March 2026