Strengthening Library Resilience in an Era of Disasters

I am delighted to share that I have been invited to present the keynote speech at the upcoming International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Preservation and Conservation Section (PRESCONS) Webinar on Disaster Response.

This webinar brings together international voices to discuss how libraries can respond to the growing challenges of climate change, natural hazards, and other disruptive events. It is an important moment for us to reflect on how libraries safeguard not only collections, but also the knowledge, memory, and cultural heritage they represent.

In my session – Resilient Libraries: Safeguarding Knowledge in an Era of Disasters – I will explore how libraries can move beyond a reactive mindset to one of resilience. This shift means preparing for, adapting to, and recovering from hazards, while ensuring that library services remain a source of stability and continuity for the communities they serve.

We will also hear from two distinguished colleagues:

• ✅ Tetsuro Kurahashi (National Diet Library, Japan) – on the importance of collaboration and building mutual support networks to strengthen disaster resilience.

• ✅ Zhou Yi (Sun Yat-sen University, China) – on developing evaluation indicators for the resilience of special collections in Chinese libraries.

Together, these perspectives highlight the shared responsibility of libraries worldwide to prepare for an uncertain future and to protect cultural heritage in the face of increasing disasters.

I’m looking forward to the conversations, connections, and lessons that will come out of this event. By working together across regions, we can build stronger, more resilient libraries that continue to serve as anchors of knowledge and community, no matter what challenges lie ahead.