ICOL

"Towards Sustainable Future Libraries”
Hotel Ascott Gurney, Penang 23-24 September 2025
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- Call for Papers & Posters
- Speakers
- Schedule
- Location
- Sponsor & Exhibition
- Registration
- Past Event
- Contact Us
The International Conference on Libraries (ICOL) 2025
September 23-24, 2025
Ascott Gurney Hotel, Penang
The International Conference on Libraries (ICOL), organized by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Library since 2005, will celebrate the 20th years anniversary in 2025 with its seventh edition. Scheduled for September 23rd - 24th, 2025, at Penang, Malaysia, the conference will focus on the theme "Towards Sustainable Future Libraries."
Sustainable future libraries embracing practices, technologies, and strategies aimed at ensuring long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Libraries are adopting eco-friendly designs and technologies, such as energy-efficient buildings, green certifications, and the use of renewable energy sources. Future libraries are leveraging emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), digitization, and cloud computing, to create more efficient and accessible services. It also prioritizes open access to information and resources, providing free or low-cost access to digital collections, research papers, and educational materials.
ICOL 2025 will serve as a platform for information professionals from Malaysia and beyond to share knowledge, discuss trends, and explore developments in librarianship and information technology. It has grown to become one of the major events for information professionals in Malaysia. The program’s presentations are also applicable to public, academic, school, and special libraries’ interests.
What to Expect
- Knowledge-sharing sessions aligned with the theme
- Trade exhibition showcasing product innovations and new technologies
- Poster presentation competition for librarians, researchers, and academics
The poster competition aims to promote knowledge sharing and innovation, featuring the latest research, projects, and ideas in line with the conference theme.
Objectives
- To provide a platform for sharing knowledge, expertise, personal experiences, and professionalism through the presentation of papers and research.
- To foster relationships, promote collaboration, and exchange experiences in the field of librarianship.
- To discuss issues, challenges, and strategies to position information professionals as relevant, referred, and respected through intellectual discourse and paper presentations
Target Audience
Professional Librarians, Information Specialists, Knowledge Managers, Researchers, Academics, Students, And Individuals or Companies involved in the field of librarianship and information management
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THEME
“Towards Sustainable Future Libraries”
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TOPICS
- Future-Proofing Libraries’ Goals:
Adaptation to technological advances, including artificial intelligence (AI); resilience in library and research support services; evolution of library spaces; sustainability and long-term planning; community engagement; and support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Visionary Leadership and Governance for Future-Ready Libraries:
Transformative leadership, navigation of funding challenges for financial sustainability, and development of a future-oriented library workforce - Collaborative Partnerships for Sustainable Libraries:
Collaboration and partnership among libraries, educational institutions, NGOs, government agencies, and private sectors for sustainability initiatives, including digital inclusion, resource sharing, library development, and equitable access to knowledge - Information Literacy and Combatting Misinformation:
The library's role in the collection, curation, and provision of access to knowledge; the promotion of information literacy; and the education of communities to combat misinformation and disinformation - Knowledge Preservation and Innovative Digital Archiving:
Innovative approaches to the preservation of valuable resources related to sustainability, cultural heritage, and scientific progress, particularly in the context of digitization, open access, and long-term accessibility - Supporting Open Science and Effective Research Data Management:
Facilitation and promotion of the principles of open science, including open access publications, open data, open educational resources, citizen science, data stewards, open software and hardware, and the fostering of good research data management activities throughout the research data lifecycle - Navigating Legal, Ethical, and Copyright Challenges in Library Practices:
Exploring the complex interplay of legal, ethical, and copyright issues in library practices, focusing on ensuring equitable access to information while safeguarding privacy and intellectual property rights
- Future-Proofing Libraries’ Goals:
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SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS (ORAL PRESENTATION/POSTER PRESENTATION)
- Selection of papers/posters for the conference will be based on the abstracts.
- Submit your abstracts through https://linktr.ee/icolpapers by 10 April 2025.
- Please follow the template provided for submission of abstract to ensure consistency and facilitate the review process.
- All abstracts must be written in English.
- The full paper template will be provided to authors after the notification of acceptance.
- Accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings and accepted poster will be published in the conference website.
- Selected papers will be published in selected journals (indexed in MyCITE/SCOPUS)
- Selected poster will be announced as the best poster award.
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IMPORTANT DATES
Conference Oral and Poster
Abstract submission deadline: 10 April 2025
Notification of acceptance: 12 May 2025
Full paper/Poster submission deadline: 14 June 2025
Camera-ready: 30 August 2025
Conference: 23-24 September 2025 -
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any inquiries regarding the submission of abstracts, please do not hesitate to contact Mohd Ikhwan Ismail at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Please visit our website (https:lib.usm.my/index.php/icol) and ICOL 2025 Facebook page (https:www.facebook.com/icol2025) for further information.
We look forward to your participation!
will be updated soon
Tuesday
September
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8:00 AM
Registration
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9:00 AM
Opening Ceremony
- National Anthem
- Prayer Recitation
- Welcome Speech by USM Chief Librarian
- Keynote Address 1 by USM Vice-Chancellor
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10:30 AM
Morning Tea
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11:00 AM
i. Session 1
ii. Poster Presentations -
12:30 PM
Networking Lunch
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2:00 PM
Session 2
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3:15 PM
Session 3
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4:30 PM
i. Hi Tea: A 20th Year ICOL Celebration
ii. End of Day 1
Wednesday
September
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8:00 AM
Registration
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8:30 AM
Session 4
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9:45 AM
Morning Tea
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10:15 AM
Keynote Address 2
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11:15 AM
Session 5
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12:45 PM
Networking Lunch
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2:15 PM
Forum
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4:00 PM
Closing Ceremony
- Best Oral Presentation
- Best Poster Presentation
- Lucky Draw
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4:30 PM
- Afternoon Tea
- End of Day 2
Thursday
September
8:30 AM
LIBRARY VISITS

Hotel List
Ascott Gurney Hotel
No 18, Gurney Drive, 10250, Georgetown,
Penang Malaysia
+60 4 370 7000
Gurney Bay Hotel
53 Persiaran Gurney, 10250, Georgetown,
Penang Malaysia
+60 4 222 9988
Penang Marriott Hotel
55 Persiaran Gurney, 10250, George Town,
Penang Malaysia
+60 4 566 1888
Vouk Hotel Suites
Jln Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Penang Malaysia
+60 4 370 8333
G Hotel Gurney
168A Persiaran Gurney, 10250, Georgetown,
Penang Malaysia
+60 4 238 0000
GoodHope Hotel
22, Jalan Kelawai, 10250 George Town, Penang
Penang Malaysia
+6 019 779 9437
We offer a range of sponsorship packages (Download here) to suit different needs. Your sponsorship provides brand visibility through event materials, our website, and social media, along with networking opportunities to connect with professionals, industry leaders, and potential clients.
Please kindly complete this online form if you would like to sponsor or exhibit at this conference:
Register Now
Category | Registration Fees (participant/paper presenter) |
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International | USD250.00 |
Malaysian | RM900.00 |
PPM Member | RM850.00 |
Malaysian Student | RM600.00 |
Poster Presentation ( add-on for printing & stand ) |
RM150.00 |
Category | Registration Fees (participant/paper presenter) |
---|---|
International | USD250.00 |
Malaysian | RM900.00 |
PPM Member | RM850.00 |
Malaysian Student | RM600.00 |
Poster Presentation ( add-on for printing & stand ) |
RM150.00 |
Note: All fees inclusive of taxes
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LIBRARIES 2025 (ICOL 2025) 23-24TH SEPTEMBER 2025, ASCOTT HOTEL GURNEY, PENANG, MALAYSIA
PAYMENT INFORMATION:
- Company Cheque* / Bank Draft* / Local Order (LO)* / Purchase Order (PO) *
* Must be made payable to "Usains Holding Sdn. Bhd.". - Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) / Telegraphic Transfer (TT) / Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Payments & Cash Deposit / Over-the-Counter (OTC) Payments **
** Account Information:
Account Name: Usains Holding Sdn. Bhd.Bank Name: AmBank (M) Berhad
Bank Address: Ground Floor, Ambank Group Building, No. 55 Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Account Number: 888 - 100 - 985 - 0380
Swift Code: ARBKMYKL
SST Registration No.: P11-1808-31026043
*For payments using a credit card, please click on the link below based on category:
*2% surcharge on fees will be applied to this platform and the cost will be borne by the participants
Please email the Proof of Payment (Make sure to include your full name and program name) (latest by 5th September 2025) to:
Mrs Yusliza Jusoh
Perpustakaan Hamzah Sendut
Universiti Sains Malaysia 11800 USM,
Penang
Tel: +60(4) 653 6319
E-mail:

Past Events
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ICOL 2005
"Towards a Knowledge Society"
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ICOL 2007
"Emerging Trends"
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ICOL 2009
"Transforming Towards a Sustainable Tomorrow"
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ICOL 2012
"Transformation to Humanize Libraries"
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ICOL 2015
"Openness Paradigm : Emerging Knowledge Ecologies"
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ICOL 2017
"Towards Lean Libraries"

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Typography and Color Harmony
- The typography used in the logo represents simplicity and modernity, aligning with the professional image of ICOL.
- The colors also signify the color of USM. The combination of deep purple and vibrant orange embodies a perfect balance between wisdom, ambition (purple), and energy, creativity (orange). This color pairing creates an eye-catching yet professional appeal.
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Central Symbol within the 'O'
- The network icon inside the 'O' symbolizes connection, collaboration, and innovation, emphasizing ICOL’s commitment to fostering networks and partnerships.
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Bold Lettering
- The boldness of the font conveys strength, reliability, and a clear presence in the industry. It ensures visibility and memorability.
- The capital letters project authority and trustworthiness, making the logo suitable for a corporate or professional context.
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Minimalistic Design
- The clean, minimalist approach reflects professionalism and focus, resonating with a modern audience.
- The simplicity ensures adaptability across various platforms, from digital to print, while maintaining brand integrity.
Contact Us
For futher information, please contact us at:
ICOL 2025 Secretariat
Perpustakaan Hamzah Sendut
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 USM Penang
Malaysia