IFLA launches survey on barriers to international research collaboration
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is inviting librarians and library and information science (LIS) researchers to take part in a new survey examining the barriers to international research collaboration.
The survey, which is open until 31 July 2026, aims to improve understanding of the challenges affecting cross-border research partnerships and ensure the perspectives of libraries are represented in international discussions.
According to IFLA, concerns have grown over increasing restrictions on international collaboration, driven by tighter security measures, more protectionist policies, budget pressures and limitations on the movement of researchers. At the same time, there have been renewed efforts to promote international cooperation, recognising its role in advancing research and strengthening relationships between countries.
The survey explores a range of issues, including the availability of support for international engagement, participation in international organisations such as IFLA, differences in national approaches that can complicate collaboration, and the balance between research cooperation and broader policy objectives such as security.
IFLA said the survey has been developed with support from its open science and scholarship, academic and research libraries, acquisitions and collections, and serials and other continuing resources units.
The findings will be used to produce a short report that will help inform IFLA’s future work in this area, while also contributing evidence and insights to wider international discussions on research collaboration.
IFLA is encouraging responses from libraries that support researchers involved in international collaborations, as well as from library and information science researchers themselves. Responses are requested by 31 July 2026.