ICUDL 2006 is the second in a series of International Conferences on Universal Digital Library. The conference aims to add to the foundation of the Universal Digital Library (UDL) that will be a portal to foster creativity and free access to all human knowledge. The Million Book Project (MBP) is considered the first milestone towards building this digital library with a free-to-read, searchable collection of one million books in various languages belonging to diversified cultures and civilizations available to people worldwide over the Internet. The annual workshop for the MBP will thus be held in conjunction with the conference.The theme of ICUDL 2006 will be "Towards building the globally owned Universal Digital Library where human knowledge is equally preserved and accessed". The goal of this conference is to provide a forum for library and IT professionals to exchange comprehensive views on the recent development and progress in digital library technology, to promote international cooperation in related fields, to advocate universal access to information, and to enhance the global impact of Universal Digital Library Project (Million Book Project).The UDL portal is planned to expand to include all types of knowledge and digital resources produced and acquired by MBP partners and other entities. In the near future, we anticipate that this portal will be a gateway to the international content of digital libraries initiatives including all available branches of information from the four corners of the globe in all languages. This universal inclusive portal will be the core of the UDL that will preserve human heritage for present and future generations. Moreover, this wealth of information – easily and freely accessible – will be utilized for the prosperity and welfare of humanity.Recognizing the ICUDL2006 noble mission, eminent researchers, scientists and decision makers from all over the world will meet in Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Library of Alexandria, during the period 17-19 November 2006. As in the ancient times, it is the same site that has and will witness the peaceful unity of mankind under the eternal umbrella of science, to pursue the foundation of the UDL. Old and new generations will always be grateful to the visionary scientists who chose to make universal access to knowledge and information their life’s mission. The new Library of Alexandria will share with all its honorable guests from all over the world in the shaping of the present and future human intellectual life.Participation is sought from all parts of the world and from the full range of disciplines and professions involved in digital library research and practice, including computer science, electrical engineering, information science, information systems, librarianship, archival science and practice, museum studies and practices, technology, education and humanities. All domains – academia, government, industry, and others – are encouraged to participate as presenters or attendees.