In the historic surroundings of the University of Alcalá, LibrarIN’s Stakeholder Panel convened in the morning of the 22nd of May 2025, ahead of LibrarIN’s International Conference. Hosted at the beautiful rectorate of Colegio de San Ildefonso, the meeting focused on how LibrarIN’s research results can positively impact libraries.
From Academic Research to Real-World Impact
The day opened with words of welcome from Anna Triantafillou (ATC) and Luis Rubalcaba (University of Alcalá), who framed the meeting’s goals: sharing progress, co-creating policy recommendations ans strategies for sustainability, and reinforcing the collaboration between stakeholders and the LibrarIN project.
The first session brought research to the forefront. Lars Fuglsang (Roskilde University), Benoît Desmarchelier (University of Lille), and Anthony Arundel (Maastricht University / UM) presented their findings from LibrarIN’s work so far. Covering Living Labs, social innovation, and library survey insights, their presentations invited active discussion and reflection from the panel, linking academic insight to on-the-ground library realities.
Co-Creating AI Policy for Public Libraries
One of the most dynamic sessions tackled a timely topic: the role of AI in public libraries. Led by the University of Konstanz and the Lisbon Council, the session invited participants to co-develop policy recommendations through an engaging format. A brief presentation by Carsten Schmidt and Anna-Lea Schumann was followed by a “silent walk” to encourage reflection, then breakout groups collaborated on specific policy suggestions. Each group shared their ideas, which will directly inform LibrarIN’s forthcoming policy brief on AI in libraries.
Building for the Long Term
After a short coffee break, the focus shifted to sustainability. Marieke Willems, Marta Anducas, and Elena Silvestrini from The Lisbon Council presented LibrarIN’s Key Exploitable Results (KERs)—resources and tools designed to extend the project’s value well beyond its official timeline. Using interactive voting tools, panel members assessed the long-term relevance of each KER. The results showed strong support for four major areas:
- Theoretical Frameworks: Valued for providing a shared language and foundation for future strategy and professional development.
- The LibrarIN Toolkit, comprising of a Library Policy Tracker, What Works Database and Research Knowledge Base, was praised for its adaptability and usefulness in day-to-day practice.
- The Stakeholder Panel itself was ecognized as more than a project component, serving as a platform for ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and collective action across the library sector.
- Policy Recommendations were acknowledged for their potential to guide future decisions and advocacy efforts, particularly in shaping a supportive policy environment for sustainable innovation in libraries.
The panel discussion then turned to an essential question: how can these tools and results continue to live and evolve after the project ends? The sustainability of LibrarIN’s impact depends on how its outputs – the knowledge base, practical tools, stakeholder network and policy recommendations—continue to be actively used, shared, and embedded in professional practice. Panel members see LibrarIN not just as a time-bound project, but as a catalyst for long-term collaboration, learning, and innovation in the library field. Its emphasis on peer exchange, accessible tools, and strong networks positions LibrarIN as a lasting enabler of social innovation and professional transformation.
What Comes Next?
To close the meeting, Anna Triantafillou outlined the road ahead: the final steps of the project with continued stakeholder engagement. A final Stakeholder Panel meeting and two Policy Roundtables are scheduled for September and October.
This Stakeholder Panel meeting was more than just a project update, as it demonstrated of how LibrarIN’s collaborative model can continue to shape and support innovation in public libraries. With the tools, research, and partnerships in place, the project is set to leave a meaningful, sustainable impact .