IFLA’s Governing Board is responsible for the management of the Federation, as set out in IFLA’s Statutes.

It has a mandate to develop strategic priorities and plans for the Federation, and monitor their progress; adopt IFLA’s annual budget; appoint the Secretary General; establish councils, advisory, professional and regional units, groups, committees, offices or other bodies; and develop and approve Rules of Procedure. It also represents IFLA in legal and other formal proceedings.

In its oversight of the Federation and of IFLA Headquarters, the Governing Board is guided by principled goal setting, effective decision making and appropriate monitoring of performance. It supports the Secretary General to manage resources, delivers the Strategy, and prepares major issues for consideration by the General Assembly.

The IFLA Governing Board consists of eleven members – three elected officers (President, President-elect, and Treasurer), three ex officio members (Chair of the Professional Council, Regional Council, and Management of Library Associations Sections), and five elected members-at-large. The Secretary General acts as Secretary of the Governing Board.

The Governing Board meets at least three times a year, and is advised by the Professional Council, the Regional Council, and four Advisory Committee.

The chairs of the two Councils, and the Management of Library Associations Section, ensure a flow of information between the Governing Board and their committees on important decisions and activities.