Catharina Isberg running for IFLA president
Catharina Isberg’s candidacy for IFLA President-elect 2027–2029 and President 2029–2031
Libraries empower people, strengthen communities and sustain democracy. Through her extensive experience working across library sectors and connecting with colleagues around the world, Catharina has seen firsthand what we can achieve when we listen to and learn from one another. These experiences inspire her to stand for election as IFLA President-elect for the 2027–2029 term, followed by the term as IFLA President in 2029–2031: bringing people together and turning shared ambitions into meaningful action.
Catharina wants to work with members and colleagues to strengthen the voices and societal role of libraries and library associations, broaden participation in IFLA and deepen collaboration within and beyond our sector. Together, we can connect global goals with local action and continue to build a courageous, inclusive federation grounded in openness, clear responsibilities and long-term organisational and financial sustainability.
Endorsement
“As Secretary General of the Swedish Library Association Svensk biblioteksförening I am proud and happy that Catharina Isberg, the Library Director in Lund, Sweden and also our own Vice President, has decided to run for President of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) .
Catharina knows the ins and outs of IFLA, having worked closely with them for a long time. She has this fantastic ability to listen to what others have to say, yet she stays completely focused on her goals. She has many big ideas, especially for growing the library sector here in Sweden and around the world.
I have been lucky enough to attend several international meetings with Catharina, and I am always struck by how many people she has connected to and how much they respect her. Beyond that, she brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to the idea that everyone has the right to access information and freedom of expression. She is also a fierce advocate for the role libraries play in supporting a strong democracy. Because she sees these issues as the heart of IFLA’s mission, I feel very optimistic about where the organization is headed if elected. I truly hope Catharina gets the chance to become President-elect next year and then take on the role of President in 2029. Good luck, Catharina! 💪 🎉 💪
Silvia Ernhagen,
Secretary General,
Swedish Library Association”
“As one of IFLA’s founding countries, Sweden has a long-standing commitment to international library cooperation and our federation, IFLA.
Against this background, Catharina Isberg’s long and genuine experience within IFLA gives her a deep understanding of the organisation and its potential. She combines strategic thinking with a collaborative leadership approach, a willingness to listen and the courage to encourage change. These are important qualities for leading an organisation as diverse and globally connected as IFLA.
Catharina is also Vice-President of the Swedish Library Association, and I greatly value our collaboration. Catharina is a leader with a unique combination of professional experience, international engagement and strategic leadership. Her career across public libraries, research libraries and the private sector gives her a broad understanding of the many roles libraries play in society. Catharina’s commitment has been of great value to the Swedish Library Association, and I am convinced it will be equally valuable to IFLA.
At a time when democracy, access to information, digital inclusion and freedom of expression face increasing challenges, libraries have an essential role to play. I share Catharina’s conviction that we must strengthen our collective voice and work across borders, sectors and communities to ensure that libraries remain strong, relevant and accessible to all.
Sweden’s commitment to international library cooperation also includes advocating for a more transparent and inclusive IFLA. I am therefore very pleased that Catharina Isberg, with her expertise and extensive experience, has chosen to stand for election as IFLA President.
I particularly appreciate the priorities she has outlined for IFLA’s future. Her commitment to strengthening the voice and societal role of libraries, broadening participation and creating stronger connections between global ambitions and local action reflects what our sector needs.
I believe Catharina has the competence, integrity and collaborative leadership needed to bring IFLA forward into its next century. On behalf of the Swedish Library Association, I am pleased to express my strong support for Catharina’s candidacy for IFLA President-elect 2027–2029 and President 2029–2031.”
Helene Öberg,
President, Swedish Library Association