In today’s world, libraries are much more than quiet places for reading and study – they are dynamic cultural institutions that play an essential role in promoting social inclusion, fostering cultural awareness, and supporting sustainable development. As vital hubs of learning, they are uniquely positioned to help tackle some of the most pressing challenges faced by society in the 21st century. These challenges, many of which are shared with other cultural institutions like museums and galleries, demand innovation and collaboration on an unprecedented scale.
To explore these topics, the LibrarIN consortium is hosting an exciting event: the Reimagine Libraries Roundtable: Sparking Collaboration for Innovation to Tackle Libraries’ 21st Century Challenges.
Event Details
- Date: 16 October 2024
- Time: 11h00 – 12h30 CEST
- Location: Online (register here)
Why Attend?
Libraries are tasked to deliver high-quality public services and improved capacity to help deal with societal challenges, such as the ones foreseen in the New European Bauhaus, the EU Green Deal, and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Initiatives. But how can libraries best innovate to meet these challenges? When should they collaborate with broader organisations, and how can they effectively engage their local communities in shaping the future of library services?
The roundtable will bring together policymakers, innovators, and library professionals to discuss these key questions. Participants will explore how libraries can adopt new approaches, strengthen their capacity to address societal challenges, and embrace citizen participation in shaping their services.
Programme
- 11h00-11h05 | Welcome
Marieke Willems, Senior Research Associate & Project Manager, Lisbon Council - 11h05-11h10 | LibrarIN in a Nutshell
Anna Triantafillou, LibrarIN Coordinator & Head of Innovation Lab, Athens Technology Center S.A. - 11h10-11h20 | Reimagine Libraries: Sparking Collaboration for Innovation to Tackle Libraries’ 21st Century Challenges
Luis Rubalcaba, Professor of Economic Policy & Director of the Research Group Inseras, University of Alcalá - 11h20-12h30 | Reimagine Libraries Policy Roundtable
Discussion structured around 4 policy focus areas- Luis Rubalcaba, Professor of Economic Policy & Director of the Research Group Inseras, University of Alcalá
- Ilona Kish, Director Public Libraries 2030
- Catarina Vaz Pinto, Arts and Culture Consultant and former Deputy Mayor for Culture in Lisbon
- Giuliana de Francesco, Policy Officer at European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD)
- Robert Seitovirta, Head of unit Media Culture at Oodi Helsinki Central Library
- Katrīna Kukaine, Director of Development department at the National Library of Latvia
Moderator: Marieke Willems, Senior Research Associate & Project Manager, Lisbon Council
Join us to engage in a vital discussion on how libraries can foster innovation through collaboration and meet the evolving needs of society. This roundtable promises to spark ideas and offer actionable insights for the future of libraries.
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