By Kirsi Hyytinen and Tiina Tuominen, VTT Technical Research Center of Finland
From October 31 to November 2, 2024, the XXXIV International RESER Conference will take place in Helsinki, hosted by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. This year’s theme, “Co-creating Sustainable Solutions for Future-proof Societies” brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers and industry leaders working towards future-proof societies through service research.
A Special Spotlight on the LibrarIN Project: Empowering Libraries as Social Innovators
A key highlight of RESER 2024 is a special session on the LibrarIN Project – a Horizon Europe initiative reimagining European libraries as active co-creators of social value. Chaired by Professor Luis Rubalcaba, this workshop will explore innovative methods for integrating value co-creation into library services, positioning libraries as central spaces for social interaction and public value creation. Attendees can expect insights on how libraries can address community needs, foster inclusive service co-creation, and strengthen resilience in an increasingly digital world. This session will also provide fresh perspectives on library management and policy recommendations, aligning library initiatives with broader societal goals.
Featured Research: Libraries as Catalysts for Community, Digital Transformation, and Social Impact
RESER 2024 will showcase cutting-edge research that examines libraries’ potential to act as public value creators, from digital advancements to ecosystem integration.
- Mapping Innovation and Collaboration in Academic Libraries
In a study “Bibliometric Analysis of Innovation in Academic Libraries: A Study of the Period 2003-2023” by Montealegre G., University of Alcala (UAH); Rubalcaba L., University of Alcala (UAH); Solano E., University of Alcala (UAH), Hyytinen K., VTT Technical Research Center of Finland; Tuominen T., VTT Technical Research Center of Finland; Vainikainen S., VTT Technical Research Center of Finland; Windrum P., VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, researchers conduct a bibliometric analysis tracing two decades of trends in academic library innovation and collaboration. The analysis reveals how libraries have embraced participatory models and co-creation, evolving alongside the needs of their users. This data-driven study offers an unprecedented view of libraries’ shifts toward collaborative, innovative roles within their communities. - AI-Driven Digital Transformation in National Libraries
In a study ”Digital transformation of national library services with AI” conducted by Ines Mergel, University of Konstanz; Antoine Henry, University of Lille; Justus Kühler, University of Konstanz; Alberto Peralta, UAH; Carsten Schmidt, University of Konstanz; Anna-Lea Schumann, University of Konstanz; Ada Scupola, Roskilde University; Barbara Van der Vaart, LIBER, 12 national libraries across Europe are examined to understand how AI is shaping their services. From natural language processing to optical character recognition, AI technologies are enhancing cataloguing, digitization, and data accessibility, thus transforming traditional library services. The research discusses both the opportunities and ethical challenges associated with AI, emphasizing libraries’ roles as stewards of information and advocates for ethical digital transformation. - Libraries as Ecosystem Hubs for Social Value and Community Cohesion
In a case study of the Vienna Library Network “Libraries and public value: placemakers in an ecosystem perspective”, researchers Doris Schartinger, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology; Dana Wasserbacher, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology; Paul Windrum, VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, explore how libraries function as ecosystem hubs. They explore how libraries collaborate with NGOs and local organizations to meet community needs through language cafes, intergenerational events, and social programs. The study highlights how these libraries foster inclusivity and contribute to local development by aligning services with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). - Innovating Library Spaces for Public Value
In a study “The library as a space for public value co-creation” Lars Fuglsang, Roskilde University; Kirsi Hyytinen, VTT Technical Research Center of Finland; Tiina Tuominen, VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, introduce a framework to conceptualize library spaces as platforms for public value. By defining “experimental,” “curatorial,” and “custodial” spaces, their research explores how libraries can become venues for community engagement, creativity, and social connection. The study uses case studies from Denmark and Finland to illustrate how thoughtfully designed spaces allow libraries to serve as adaptive public institutions, creating social value and encouraging democratic participation. - Benchmarking Library Performance at the European Level
Study “Measuring and benchmarking library performance at the European level: Lessons from three ongoing experiments” by Marta Anducas, The Lisbon Council; Francesco Molinari, The Lisbon Council; Marieke Willems, The Lisbon Council; Franco Perini, Library System of North-East Milan; Giuseppe Vitiello, Rete delle Reti, present tools that redefine library performance measurement across Europe. Their work includes successful library initiatives allowing libraries to demonstrate their societal and economic impact effectively. These tools help libraries showcase their contributions, advocate for sustainable funding, and measure their community value, ensuring libraries’ relevance in the public sector.
Why Attend RESER 2024?
The conference offers a unique opportunity to explore how libraries are leveraging new technologies and social innovations to foster sustainable communities. The LibrarIN Project’s special session will provide invaluable insights into strategies for integrating value co-creation into library services, enhancing both their impact and relevance.
RESER 2024 will provide the latest research, strategic insights, and collaborative opportunities to help shape the future of libraries as active contributors to society. Join us in Helsinki to engage in dynamic discussions and witness how libraries are leading the way as inclusive, adaptable spaces that address real-world community challenges and promote lifelong learning.