From transformation to integration: libraries as innovation engines for sustainable development
IATUL is partnering with Tsinghua University Library, the University of Hong Kong Libraries and CNKI at the Forum on the Future of World Academic Libraries (WAL 2026) 5-6 August in Fuzhou, China.
The 7th WAL will be held during 5-6 August in Fuzhou, China, with the strong local support from Fuyao University of Science and Technology library.
To reflect the evolving role of academic libraries and explore effective models of knowledge services, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), in partnership with Tsinghua University Library, the University of Hong Kong Libraries, and the International Association of University Libraries (IATUL), hosted the Forum on the Future of World Academic Libraries (WAL) annually between 2020 and 2025.
The forum brought together over 180 leading experts and university library directors from 32 countries and regions, who shared cutting-edge research and practical case studies. With more than ten thousand online attendees, the forum has offered forward-looking insights for the innovative development of academic libraries worldwide and has gained considerable influence across the international academic community.
Centered on the theme "From Transformation to Integration: Libraries as Innovation Engines for Sustainable Development", the forum will explore seven key areas:
- AI-Enabled Innovation in Sustainable Library Services
- The Role and Practice of Libraries in Open Science
- Construction of Smart Library Spaces and Service Transformation
- Sustainable Development and Integrated Utilization of Library Digital Resources
- Library Strategies for Addressing the Digital Divide and Promoting Digital Inclusion
- The Evolution of Librarians' Roles and Competence Development
- Challenges and Practices of Library Cross-Sector Integration and Regional Balanced Development
Library community from the worldwide are mostly welcome to join this event, which also combines an international perspective, forward‑looking discussions, and the rich traditional cultural heritage in Fujian.
We all look forwards to bringing together the global expertise to explore pathways towards the high‑quality, sustainable development of libraries.
-Nancy Guan, CNKI
