89th World Library and Information Congress takes place in the Congress Centre in Astana, El.kz reports.
The forum has brought together the professional community under the motto “Uniting Knowledge – Shaping the Future”, setting the agenda for the development of the library sector and its role in society.
Traditionally, IFLA outlines the strategic priorities for libraries — from open access policy and scholarly communication to the implementation of new technologies.
This year, particular emphasis is placed on the integration of libraries into the digital environment.
The Turkic History and Culture Foundation TURKTAV plays a prominent role at the forum. The organization is presenting the “Otyrar” and “Turcology” projects — international electronic libraries that bring together and digitize the documentary heritage of Turkic peoples, creating a unified knowledge space.
The foundation’s areas of work include book publishing, translations of works by prominent authors of the Turkic world, exhibition programs, and the development of coaching technologies for access to rare editions. These initiatives strengthen international exchange and open up new opportunities for academic research, internships, and professional study tour.
According to the Executive Director of the Foundation of Turkic History and Culture “TURKTAV” Asel Lakhaeva, the congress has become an important platform for sharing experiences and building horizontal connections between libraries, universities, government and quasi-government institutions. She emphasized that a library is not just a collection of books, but a foundation of historical memory and identity, as well as a tool for sustainable development and intercultural dialogue.
The congress in Astana demonstrated that the future of libraries lies in the synthesis of tradition and innovation, local memory and global knowledge. By hosting professionals from around the world, Kazakhstan is strengthening its role in international library cooperation and providing a platform for discussions on technologies, standards, and joint projects.