Contributed by
Sofia Silvério Serra
Librarian
Coordinator, Library Research Support Unit,
NOVA Medical School | NOVA University Lisbon.
The city of Porto set the stage for an inspiring gathering of information professionals as the 15th National Congress of BAD (the Portuguese Association of Librarians, Archivists, and Information Professionals) took place from 17 to 19 June 2026 at Universidade Portucalense. Bringing together more than 500 participants, the event became a space for exchange, reflection, and connection across the sector.
Under the timely theme Commitment to Democracy: Dialogue, Well-being, Inclusion, this year’s congress invited attendees to think critically about the evolving role of libraries, archives, and information services in strengthening open and resilient societies. Across sessions and informal conversations, one message stood out: information work is deeply connected to civic life, social cohesion, and democratic values.
The programme offered a rich exploration of current challenges and opportunities, from professional practice and public service to the broader social impact of information. More importantly, it created space for dialogue between professionals from diverse backgrounds, reinforcing a shared commitment to collaboration, mutual learning, and community building.
For health information professionals, the congress provided particularly relevant insights. Themes such as equitable access to reliable information, inclusion, and user wellbeing closely align with the mission of health libraries, especially in a context where navigating complex information ecosystems is increasingly demanding. Presentations highlighted key areas shaping the profession today: strengthening professional identity and training, redesigning services, expanding social and cultural engagement, deepening integration into clinical research and education, and exploring innovative uses of artificial intelligence.
Overall, the congress not only reflected the current state of the profession but also pointed clearly toward its future: collaborative, socially engaged, and continuously adapting to meet the needs of diverse communities.
From left to right: Sofia Serra, Pedro Firmino, Ricardo Cunha and Carolina Andrade (all EAHIL members)