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The Association of Commonwealth Universities | ACU

IATUL 2026

15th to 19th November 2026

University of Johannesburg, South Africa

The 46th Annual Conference of the International Association of University Libraries (IATUL) is coming to Africa this year and will be hosted by the University of Johannesburg Library.

This in person international event will bring together the global library community to critically explore how libraries navigate and innovate amidst the convergence of artificial intelligence, data-informed decision-making, evolving staff roles and HR mandates, and tightening resources. 

The theme of the conference this year is Navigating the Future of Knowledge: Empowering Librarians Amidst Technological, Financial, and Role Transformation.

Librarians, researchers, and thought leaders are invited to submit proposals for the call for abstracts under the conference theme and sub themes.

Registration is open now. To extend participation across the global community, IATUL are offering travel grants.

Key dates:

  • Call for abstracts deadline: 19 June 2026
  • Travel grants deadline: 15 June 2026
  • Early bird registration closes: 30 July 2026
  • Standard registration closes: 16 October 2026

The ACU is proud to partner with the University of Johannesburg Library for this important gathering of thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators in academic librarianship to engage in critical, face-to-face conversations that will shape the future of the field.

Visit the conference website