Inclusive digital literacy for all: bridging communities for a United Future

Zoltán Sándor Kovács (will present online) - Digital security awaraness and public libraries in the 21st century

Zoltán Sándor Kovács

Graduated with a degree in Library and Information Sciences in 2011 in Jászberény. Began professional career in academic libraries, gaining substantial experience in research support, collection management, and academic services. Transitioned to public libraries in 2020, focusing on community reader services, and digital access initiatives.

Since 2024, has been serving as a Senior Librarian in Albertirsa, where responsibilities include overseeing library programs, coordinating with local educational institutions, and developing inclusive cultural services. Known for a strong commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement through accessible information services.

Dr Neeza Singh 

is the Librarian of T.S. Central State Library, Chandigarh, India. She is currently the Standing Committee Member of Metropolitan Libraries Section of IFLA. She has been an innovator and Mentor of INELI South Asia program for public librarians by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She is on panel as Advisor with READ India for North India and Reading Mission. Among many awards, she has been bestowed upon by prestigious State Award  for   meritorious   service by Chandigarh Government, Best Public Librarian Award of India, Best Female Library Personality of India, etc. She has been an innovator and Mentor of INELI South Asia program for public librarians by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr Neeza Singh  was   the   first   to   start   children   workshops   in   public libraries of Chandigarh and is organizing a number of innovative programmes in her Library and outreach programmes for underserved communities and all age groups for promoting reading and library culture.

NAOMY MWAURAH

Naomy Mwaurah is a college librarian at Boma International Hospitality College (BIHC), where she leads the institution’s Information Literacy Program. She is passionate about equipping students and faculty with essential research and critical thinking skills, and is playing a central role in embedding information literacy and research into the academic culture of the institution.

She was recently elected as IFLA standing committee member of the Information Literacy Section, where she will be contributing to shaping global perspectives and best practices in the field. In recognition of her leadership and innovation in library and information services, she was named a Young African Library Leaders Fellow (YALLIF) in 2020, and she is currently a member of the Green Fellows Cohort 2025, a platform that supports emerging leaders in advancing sustainable practices within their institutions and communities.

In addition to her work in academic librarianship, she is a certified lead trainer in Women in Digital Business (WIDB) and a Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) trainer, both accredited by the International Labour Organization (ILO). These certifications reflect her broader commitment to empowering communities through digital inclusion and entrepreneurial skill-building.

Naomy is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Science at Kenyatta University. Her academic interests include Sustainable libraries, digital literacy, and the evolving role of academic libraries in higher education. Through her multifaceted work, she remains committed to advancing equitable access to information and promoting transformative learning.

Dr. Sharon Q. Yang

is a Systems Librarian and Professor at Rider University Libraries. She earned her M.S. from the School of Library Services at Columbia University in 1986 and received her doctoral degree in 1997. Her current work includes teaching research instruction, providing reference services, and managing library systems. Her research interests include library systems, discovery services, artificial intelligence in libraries, altmetrics, and information literacy. Dr. Yang has received several research awards and has presented at national and international conferences. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and has served twice as a Fulbright Scholar through the Fulbright Senior Specialist Program.

Leili Seifi, PhD

Associate Professor

Department of Knowledge & Information Science

University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran

Leili Seifi is an Associate Professor at the University of Birjand. Her research focuses on cultural heritage, community informatics, public libraries, and information literacy. She has authored over 50 peer-reviewed national and international publications and has been an invited speaker at various global events. She has led nationally and internationally funded grants on information literacy, indigenous knowledge preservation, and database development. She also has played a key role in organizing international conferences and fostering scholarly collaboration. Her contributions have been widely recognized by ASIS&T, including the 2021 Infoshare Award, SIG Member of the Year Award and selection for the 2023-2024 Leadership Program. Under her leadership, SIG-III received the SIG of the Year and SIG Publication of the Year Awards, reflecting her significant impact on the field of library and information science. She is the Chair of the IFLA Library Services to Multicultural Populations Section.