A Vietnamese delegation is attending the 79th World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) which is underway in Singapore under the theme “Future Libraries: Infinite Possibilities”.

The 14-member delegation represents the National Library and libraries of provinces, cities, sectors and universities across Vietnam.

Organised by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore, the congress has brought together more than 3,500 delegates from 120 countries and territories worldwide.

From Augusts 17-23, a wide range of issues are to be discussed at more than 20 sessions at the event, including the role of libraries in the Internet age, serving the changing needs of society, harnessing technological innovations and developing new capabilities and preserving literary heritage.

More than 400 library leaders and professionals are expected to share their vision, perspectives on trends and developments, expertise and best practices.

Besides the exchange of knowledge, technology companies, publishers, foundations, libraries and educational institutions are showcasing their innovations and services at a trade exhibition.

Addressing the official opening ceremony on August 18, Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information of Singapore, said that Singapore is the third country in Southeast Asia, after Thailand and the Philippines, to host the IFLA Congress.

He expressed his confidence that ASEAN libraries will continue to work together for cultural preservation in years to come.

The Deputy Director of the National Library of Vietnam, Kieu Thuy Nga told the Singapore-based Vietnam News Agency correspondent that since becoming IFLA member in 2000, the National Library of Vietnam regularly joined the federation’s activities and together with it organised a number of courses on further training for Vietnamese librarians.-VNA