IFLA Series Publication: Automated Collection Storage Facilities
Call for Authors

To be published by de Gruyter as a volume in the IFLA series

Abstracts (150 to 250 words, . doc or.pdf format): Monday 11th May 2026; notification to authors by the end of May
First chapter drafts: Autumn 2026
Final manuscript compiled: May 2027
Anticipated publication date: early in 2028
Edited by: Linda MacMillan, National Library of Scotland; Benjamin Meunier, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Library; and Ulrich Niederer, Cooperative Storage Library Switzerland

Background
There is an increasing trend, particularly amongst libraries with large and growing print collections, to adopt automated, high density storage technologies when building new collection storage facilities. This trend has created widespread interest in the decision-making and project delivery for such facilities, along risks, opportunities and lessons learnt.
This publication aims to be a valuable resource for library decision makers and project planners considering the construction of an automated collection storage facility.
The book will comprise overview chapters, case studies and focused topic chapters, drawing on examples from all five continents, and of all types of libraries, i.e. national, university, and public libraries.

The call
We are seeking original contributions from authors who either
have experience of delivering an automated storage facility project that is in development or has been recently completed.
or
have knowledge of a relevant topic area.
All articles must be written in English

Case studies and articles on relevant topics
We are particularly interested in understanding where relevant:

1.The decision making / options appraisal / design evaluation journey that led to adopting the chosen automated storage solution, (including reasoning for rejected options),
2.Cost influence,
3.Off-site or on-site. Transport and delivery implications,
4.The timeline from the identification of a need to handover and day to day operations,
5.If the facility is single use or a cooperative approach, incorporating several libraries? If co-operative what agreement / partnership model was used and how was this developed,
6.Types of holdings stored. Treatment of oversized material?
7.The collections use that the facility is / was designed for e.g. low v frequent use. Has this changed over time? Consequences?
8.Building construction, e.g. lightweight verses high thermal mass,
9.Sustainability strategy including any standards applied such as BREAM, LEED etc,
10.Environmental control strategy
11.Fire protection strategy
12.Physical security strategy
13.Cyber security strategy,
14.Cleaning and maintenance approach,
15.Design of the storage area, automation system including e.g. size and types of containers,
16.Operation: use of a dedicated warehouse management system (WMS) v the existing library management system,
17.Orders? Transport?
18.Integrated pest management: what measures? Before or during first ingestion? During operation,
19.Preservation / conservation considerations.
20.Pre-ingest work required for the holdings e.g. metadata, cleaning, quarantine, etc and timescale,
21.Initial ingest process and timescales
22.Business Continuity Planning
23.Stakeholder / Public engagement,
24.Lessons learned

Each case study should include photographs, illustrations and tables as necessary to give a clear picture of the facility, plus a summary of key facts which will allow easy orientation and comparison

Responding to the call
If you would like to contribute, please send an abstract (150 to 250 words; .doc or .pdf format) to the editors
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the editors:
Linda MacMillan: L.MacMillan@nls.uk
Benjamin Meunier: benjamin.meunier@cuhk.edu.hk
Ulrich Niederer: Ulrich_niederer@bluewin.ch

Call for Proposals

Satellite Meeting: Transforming Social Connections through Libraries

Friday, 7 August 2026

Hosted by: Seoul Metropolitan Library, 110, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea, in partnership with the following IFLA Sections:

• Statistics and Evaluation
• Metropolitan Libraries
• Library Design

Ahead of IFLA’s World Library & Information Congress (WLIC) 2026 in Busan, Republic of Korea, a one-day satellite is planned in Seoul.

The Satellite will offer a stimulating program and creative format, including keynotes, panels, ignite talks and learning circles. Our host will deliver a policy case presentation on the Seoul Outdoor Library. They will also organize a social event: Reading Party with Bookbogo (a group reading session with light refreshments). 

Potential delegates are invited to submit a proposal for a 5-minute Ignite Talk or 4-minute Learning Circle Talk.

Some suggested topics to get you started:

• How do libraries foster and transform social connections through programming, space, and services?
• Designing library spaces, services and/or programmes
• Assessing library spaces, services, and programmes
• Communicating the impact and value of libraries
• Meeting today’s needs and preparing for the technological future
• Challenges and opportunities in transforming social connections
• Future-proofing our workforce – what will be the “right” workforce for the future, and what types of leaders are required?

For more information, please visit https://2026.ifla.org/transforming-social-connections-through-libraries/. Thank you.

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Angela