About WAL
This event represents a significant opportunity to address the evolving needs of academic libraries in the context of innovation and to explore efficient models for knowledge innovation services. China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) has joined hands with esteemed partners, including Tsinghua University Library, the University of Hong Kong Libraries and the International Association of University Libraries (IATUL), to host WAL events from 2020 to 2024 successfully. The previous WAL sessions convened more than 130 experts and scholars coming from 29 countries and regions, spanning China, the U.S., Germany, the U.K., Spain, Hungary, Russia, Australia, UAE, South Africa, Singapore, Japan, etc.
The 6th WAL will be held in Nanjing, China. Nanjing University Library and Southeast University Library will serve as the supporting organizations, providing solid support for the success of the forum.
2025 WAL: Join the global discussion
Applications and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Libraries
Applications and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Libraries
The Role and Practice of Libraries in Open Science
The Role and Practice of Libraries in Open Science
Smart Space Building and Service Transformation of Libraries
Smart Space Building and Service Transformation of Libraries
Practices for Library Research Data Management Services
Practices for Library Research Data Management Services
Scholarly Communication in the Digital Age: Challenges and Strategies
Scholarly Communication in the Digital Age: Challenges and Strategies
New Skills and Capacity Development in Academic Libraries
New Skills and Capacity Development in Academic Libraries
Library Leadership in a Global Context
Library Leadership in a Global Context
International Partnerships and Collaborations Between Libraries
International Partnerships and Collaborations Between Libraries
Congress Outline
| Time | Programme | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
July 8 |
Plenary Session |
||
|
Morning, |
Parallel Panels |
Topic |
Organizer |
|
International Partnerships and Collaborations Between Libraries |
International Association of University Libraries (IATUL) |
||
|
Open Science and the Reimagining of Academic Libraries |
Tsinghua University Library |
||
|
Scholarly communication in the Digital Age: Challenges and Strategies |
The University of Hong Kong Libraries |
||
|
AI-Enabled Cross-border Literature Collaboration Mechanisms |
Nanjing University Library、Southeast University Library
|
||
|
Afternoon, |
Academic Visit |
Libraries, Museums, Memorial halls, etc. |
|
Congress Outline
July 8——Plenary Session
Morning, July 9 ——Parallel Panels
·International Association of University Libraries (IATUL)
Topic of the Specialized Sub-forum: International Partnerships and Collaborations Between Libraries
·Tsinghua University Library
Topic of the Specialized Sub-forum: Open Science and the Reimagining of Academic Libraries
·The University of Hong Kong Libraries
Topic of the Specialized Sub-forum: Scholarly communication in the Digital Age: Challenges and Strategies
·Nanjing University Library、Southeast University Library
Topic of the Specialized Sub-forum: AI-Enabled Cross-border Literature Collaboration Mechanisms
Afternoon, July 9 ——Academic Visit
·Libraries, Museums, Memorial halls, etc.
Key Dates
Venue
The conference will be held at the Nanjing Fengda International Hotel, located in the core area of Jiangbei New District. Situated across the river from Gulou District and Jianye District (Hexi), the hotel benefits from the dynamic contrast between the modern skyline of Jiangbei—a national-level new district—and Nanjing's traditional cityscape. With comprehensive amenities and convenient transportation access, the venue provides easy connections to Nanjing's major commercial hubs and cultural attractions.
Address: No.89 Chengnanhe Road, Pukou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu
2025 WAL Special Initiative
In our era of borderless knowledge, academic libraries are pioneering innovative service models that bridge global intellect. As central hubs for knowledge preservation, dissemination, and innovation, each library contributes uniquely to advancing human civilization.
As we prepare for the 2025 Forum on Future of World Academic Libraries (WAL), we launch this extraordinary cross-regional dialogue. We warmly invite you to share your vision for the future of libraries through video messages, audio recordings, or written submissions. Your contributions will be featured across WAL's official platforms and CNKI's global media networks, with select highlights displayed at the live conference venue. Be part of this global conversation as we shape the next era of academic libraries together!
