What does the future hold for libraries? Theme of the Li‑Sci‑Fi short story competition (IFLA100). Submissions close 1 Sep 2026. Celebrity judge: Mary Robinette Kowal.

Libraries for the future

Libraries safeguard content and build skills for tomorrow. Early tech adopters merge new tools with core values to advance public missions.

The future for libraries

IFLA100 asks: “What skills help approach the future with confidence?” Use sci‑fi to extrapolate trends or change assumptions—show us the future of libraries.

The competition

Flash

≤ 1000 words

one per category

Short story

1001–2500 words

enter both

What we’re looking for

  • Insight: on‑theme, makes us think.
  • Engaging writing: strong characters, structure.
  • Originality: disclose AI if used (only translation/minor editing).
Celebrity judge: Mary Robinette Kowal Hugo · Nebula · Locus

Submit: PDF/Word to ifla100@ifla.org subject Li-Sci-Fi. First page: title & word count. No name in file. No fee.

Languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Russian, Spanish. (If non‑English, provide translation.)

Prizes (winner's choice)
€500 IFLA membershipfull year paid
Free WLIC 2027 (London)conference registration
€500 cashmonetary award

Blind‑reviewed jury → winner chosen by Mary Robinette Kowal. IFLA may not select a winner. Shortlisted stories published on IFLA website.

Submit story

Deadline: 1 Sep 2026 · ifla100@ifla.org

IFLA original · #LiSciFi #IFLA100