A dynamic Professional Unit has the greatest impact on IFLA’s global work – engaging members, developing strong leadership and identity, delivering high-quality services with measurable impact, and communicating activities within IFLA and beyond. The Professional Council launched the Dynamic Unit and Impact Awards to recognise the Professional Units who have excelled in putting Dynamic Unit goals into practice.

Three IFLA Professional Units were awarded this year:

The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Overall Achievement is awarded this year to:

IFLA Libraries for Children and Young Adults (C&YA) Section

The IFLA Libraries for Children and Young Adults Section is a dynamic community dedicated to enhancing libraries for children and young adults.

The  IFLA Libraries for Children and Young Adults Section have implemented innovative programs for those who work with our younger population such as the Instagram SDG Young Adult Book Club, their 3rd edition of the World Through Picture Books, Guidelines infographic, collaboration with IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People), and an upcoming panel in Italy.

They have created valued opportunities for volunteers to take on leadership roles and created positive conditions for volunteers to apply their talent to a range of projects and initiatives that have a tangible impact in communities worldwide.

C&YA maintain clear, consistent, and open lines of communication among committee members, registered members, and the broader children and young adults community. Their adept communication skills have been instrumental in driving collaboration, increasing visibility, and ultimately achieving their mission of enriching libraries for children and young adults.

From Russell Lynch, IFLA Division E Committee Chair:

The Children and Young Adults Section has a strong standing committee who take on large initiatives together. The Section seeks to diversify the Standing Committee membership across geographic regions and collaborates with other IFLA sections and international associations.

From Te Paea Paringatai, IFLA Professional Council Chair

Our children and young adults in communities everywhere are our future, and it is wonderful to see the work of the Children and Young Adults Section recognised as the recipient of the overall Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for 2024.

The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Quality and Impact of the Work is awarded this year to:

IFLA Information Technology (IT) Section

The IFLA Information Technology Section is recognised for their outstanding contribution and dedication toward advancing the use of IT in libraries and other information organisations. The award recognises the significant influence and positive outcomes generated by the Section’s work, research, and initiatives in preserving and promoting responsible and innovative IT.  The IT Section deepens the knowledge and expertise of the profession in these topics as well as offering opportunities for local and regional librarians to network with worldwide colleagues.

From Athena Salaba, IFLA Division H Committee Chair

In collaboration with its sponsored AI and Big Data SIGs, the IT Section promptly addresses emerging and important matters, especially topics centred around artificial intelligence. With wide collaborations, their activities vary from events to projects and publications, and they make meaningful and impactful contributions, engaging professionals worldwide.

From Te Paea Paringatai, IFLA Professional Council Chair

With the increasing demand to understand AI and its role in service design, and future of work, the practical outputs  of the IFLA Information Technology (IT) Section demonstrates relevance and currency for library professionals delivering better for library patrons of all ages.

The Dynamic Unit and Impact Award for Member Engagement & Leadership Development is awarded this year to:

IFLA Academic and Research Libraries (ARL) Section

The IFLA Academic and Research Libraries Section champions inclusiveness and involves each of its committee members in planning and delivering initiatives to broaden engagement with the overall IFLA membership. Being part of The IFLA Academic and Research Libraries Section means committee members have opportunities to lead initiatives, plan, blogs, webinars, WLIC sessions, satellite meetings, newsletter articles, special journal issues, and more.  Its members contribute to the overall activities of IFLA, such as providing guideline feedback, seeking out collaborative programming opportunities, and providing expertise and perspective to IFLA initiatives.

From Ann Okerson, IFLA Division D Committee Chair

The ARL Section consistently succeeds in offering multiple pathways to engagement.  It fosters a lively culture that offers committee members participation in a wide variety of initiatives, larger and smaller, short term and continuing.  These are opportunities that members seize enthusiastically.

From Te Paea Paringatai, IFLA Professional Council Chair

It is no surprise that the Academic and Research Libraries (ARL) Section strives to engage with its members and provide practical opportunities with proven success to develop leaders. These are extensive activities and showcase the power of IFLA volunteers for a stronger collaborative  Federation.

Warm congratulations to each committee member of the winning units for the 2024 Dynamic Unit and Impact Awards, and special thanks to all units that were nominated this year. It is an absolute pleasure to acknowledge the power of IFLA volunteers, who make a difference for libraries, librarians, and communities we serve. Congratulations.