An EUniverCities Conference Book
Mathieu Schneider, Willem van Winden, Alison Ward and Andrew Dean
(A not so…) Quiet Transformation – an exploration of the current and future collaborative roles of
city and university libraries
Background
EUniverCities is a European network, launched in 2012, in which medium-sized cities and universities work together in ‘tandems’ – to give knowledge cities more visibility within Europe. Both the city and the university need to be members of the network – so the views and needs of both are represented. The network aims to exchange and share knowledge, expertise and experience in city-university co-operation across urban Europe.
Network members learn from each other how to shape cooperation in a fruitful way, apply lessons, take next steps at a local level, and spread knowledge and ideas. The current ambitions and aims as well as the conditions of cooperation between the partners are defined in the Network Strategy 2023 – 2025. The network is accompanied by Willem van Winden of Urban IQ, as an External Expert.
Each year the network addresses particular issues identified by members, and in October 2024 in Strasbourg it sought to explore the current and future collaborative roles of city and university libraries.
The network is always open to new city-university tandems looking to join with us. Whilst the challenges and opportunities may not all be readily transferable to other cities, they are based on real world examples and highlight what is needed to
Introduction
Libraries are increasingly viewed as meeting places for both students and the public, fostering collaboration and community engagement. The EUniverCities meeting in Strasbourg in October 2024 examined through a series of workshops, how libraries can strengthen their role as spaces where academic and non-academic audiences intersect, especially as traditional books lose their dominant role in information dissemination.
The central aims of the 3-day meeting were:
• To assess the role of libraries as meeting places for students and citizens;
• To discuss the ways in which we can strengthen the cross-fertilisation of audiences within libraries;
• To ask questions about the common spaces in the city where the academic world and citizens meet;
• To question the place of libraries in a world where the media for disseminating knowledge have multiplied and where books no longer have the dominant position that they had up to the end of the 20th century.
This document explores the evolving roles of city and university libraries, emphasizing their transformation into multifunctional spaces that serve diverse community and educational needs.
Chapter 1 – Common Themes
The Future of Libraries
Libraries have long been cornerstones of knowledge, culture, and community. However, as societies evolve, so too must these institutions. The future of libraries is shaped by a combination of technological advancements, shifting societal needs, and new ways in which people seek, access, and value information. While libraries continue to adapt and thrive, they also face challenges such as funding constraints, digital divides, and shifting public perceptions of their role. To ensure their relevance in the coming decades, libraries must embrace innovation and expand their services to meet the everchanging demands of modern society.
Across the EUniverCities partners, we identified a number of common themes that are likely to define the future of libraries. These themes highlight how libraries are adapting to remain vital and valuable institutions.
Technology Integration: Libraries as Digital Hubs
The rapid pace of technological advancement has profoundly impacted libraries, pushing them to become hubs for digital literacy and innovation. Libraries are no longer just about physical books; they have evolved into spaces that provide access to e-books, online databases, and multimedia resources.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: New tools such as chatbots for customer service, personalized book recommendations, and automated cataloguing, are being integrated into library systems to enhance user experience.
• Makerspaces and Digital Labs: Many libraries now offer access to 3D printers, coding workshops, and robotics programs, providing handson opportunities for learning and creativity.
• Virtual and Augmented Reality: These technologies enable immersive learning experiences, whether it’s exploring historical sites through VR or engaging with interactive educational content.
Community Hubs: Expanding Social Roles
Libraries are increasingly being recognized as vital community hubs, offering more than just books. They are spaces for social engagement, learning, and personal development. They offer:
• Coworking and Collaboration Spaces: As remote and freelance work grows; libraries are transforming into coworking spaces where individuals and small businesses can work in a collaborative environment.
• Mental Health and Well-being Initiatives: Libraries are partnering with mental health professionals to offer counselling services, mindfulness workshops, and safe spaces for discussion.
• Event and Workshop Hosting: From job fairs to cultural festivals, libraries serve as community gathering points, strengthening social ties and local engagement.
• Multigenerational Programming: Libraries now offer tailored services for children, students, working professionals, and seniors, ensuring they meet the needs of diverse demographics.
A Focus on Accessibility
Libraries have long been champions of equitable access to knowledge, and this remains a priority for the future. Efforts are being made to reach underserved populations and ensure inclusivity. Examples from the Network include:
• Mobile Libraries and Outreach Services: Mobile book vans, digital lending services, and pop-up library stations bring resources to rural and underserved communities.
• Assistive Technologies: Libraries are investing in technology to support people with disabilities, such as screen readers, braille books, and speech-to-text tools.
• Multilingual and Culturally Diverse Collections: As societies become more diverse, libraries are curating collections that cater to multilingual and multicultural communities.
• Free and Open Access to Information: The push for open access publishing and freely available research materials aligns with libraries’ mission to democratize knowledge.
Lifelong Learning: Libraries as Education Partners
Learning no longer stops after formal education. Libraries are playing an increasingly important role in promoting lifelong learning by providing access to educational resources, skill-building programs, and career development opportunities. They regularly embrace:
• Online Learning and MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses): Many libraries are partnering with universities and platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX to offer free or subsidized online courses.
• Digital Literacy Training: Libraries help individuals develop critical digital skills, such as coding, data analysis, and cybersecurity awareness.
• Entrepreneurship and Career Support: Resume-building workshops, job search assistance, and business startup resources are becoming standard offerings.
• Interdisciplinary Learning: Libraries are increasingly curating materials and hosting events that blend disciplines, from science and art to philosophy and technology.
Cultural Heritage Preservation: Safeguarding the Past for the Future
As custodians of history and culture, libraries play a crucial role in preserving both local and global heritage. In an age where digital transformation is accelerating, efforts are being made to ensure that valuable materials are not lost. Examples include:
• Digitization Projects: Libraries are digitizing historical manuscripts, newspapers, photographs, and audiovisual materials to make them more accessible and prevent deterioration.
• Collaborations with Museums and Archives: By working with cultural institutions, libraries are helping to create comprehensive archives that blend literature, artifacts, and historical records.
• Citizen Archives and Community Storytelling: Some libraries are encouraging communities to contribute personal stories, documents, and photographs to collective digital archives.
• Artificial Intelligence for Preservation: AI is being used to restore and reconstruct damaged texts and images, allowing for the revival of lost historical materials.
Collaborations: Strengthening Networks for Relevance and Growth
To remain relevant, libraries are increasingly forming partnerships with technology companies, educational institutions, and public agencies. Particular examples are cited later in this report, but we tend to find these include:
• Tech Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with tech companies enable libraries to offer cutting-edge tools such as AI research assistants, data visualization platforms, and cloud computing resources.
• Educational Partnerships: Libraries are working with universities, schools, and training centres to expand access to academic materials and research support.
• Public-Private Initiatives: By securing funding and support from both government and private sectors, libraries can sustain innovative projects and infrastructure development. Global
• Knowledge Networks: Libraries are joining international knowledgesharing initiatives to exchange resources, research, and best practices.
Threats to Libraries’ Existence
Despite these positive developments, libraries face numerous challenges that threaten their existence. Changing funding priorities have placed strain on their ability to sustain traditional services, while the rise of digital platforms has altered the ways people engage with information.
The prevalence of smartphones, e-book platforms, and subscriptionbased services has led to declining foot traffic in libraries. As more people turn to digital resources, libraries must work harder to justify their physical presence and maintain relevance. Budget cuts
and shifting governmental priorities further complicate this issue, making it difficult to secure necessary resources for operational sustainability.
Perceptions of obsolescence among younger generations also pose a challenge. While many appreciate the quiet study space and knowledgerelated status of libraries, they are less likely to use physical books and periodicals, preferring digital alternatives instead. This shift in user behaviour necessitates continuous adaptation.
Additionally, libraries face growing competition from online platforms that provide alternative knowledge sources, often monetized and privatized. As these platforms expand, they challenge libraries’ commitment to free and open access to information. Maintaining pace with rapidly evolving technology is another challenge, as the cost of acquiring and sustaining cutting-edge tools and digital
subscriptions can be prohibitive.
Misinformation and the rise of unverified sources threaten libraries’ traditional role as bastions of factual knowledge. As social media and other digital platforms proliferate unreliable information, libraries must work harder to assert their credibility and combat the spread of misinformation.
City-University Library Collaborations
City and university libraries working together can create a powerful network of knowledge-sharing which benefits both academic institutions and the broader community. These collaborations maximize resources, enhance educational access, and strengthen the cultural fabric of cities.
By sharing collections, databases, and research materials, city and university libraries expand public access to otherwise restricted academic resources. This allows lifelong learners, independent researchers, and students from different educational backgrounds to benefit from a wider array of knowledge.
Beyond shared resources, joint programming initiatives such as public lectures, specialized workshops, and research symposiums can bring together academics, students, and residents. These events foster civic engagement, encourage critical discussions on societal issues, and make expert knowledge more accessible to the public.
Financial sustainability is another key advantage. Pooling funds for technology investments, staffing, and infrastructure improvements can improve efficiency and help libraries overcome budgetary constraints. These partnerships also create opportunities for grant funding and sponsorships from educational and cultural organizations.
Moreover, such collaborations play a key role in addressing local challenges. Libraries can work with researchers to provide data-driven insights that inform city planning, policy decisions, and social programs. They also promote inclusivity by ensuring that people from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to innovative information, digital tools, and learning opportunities.
City-university library collaborations strengthen community bonds, encourage lifelong learning, and ensure that libraries continue to serve as essential pillars of knowledge and public service.
How Libraries Can Thrive
The future of libraries relies on their adaptability, leveraging technology, and asserting their roles as community and cultural pillars. While challenges exist, libraries can thrive through innovation, collaboration, and staying true to their mission of equitable access to knowledge and lifelong learning. Despite the above threats, there was ample evidence from the attendees at the conference that libraries can thrive, embracing new approaches and reaching new audiences. Our conference highlighted the following as areas that libraries need to focus on:
• Rebranding and Advocacy: Libraries must redefine themselves as vibrant community hubs. Policymakers in cities and universities recognize the need to create spaces where the community can interact, share, and learn. Libraries should move beyond being standalone buildings and become integrated within multifunctional public spaces. Good practice examples such as Dokk1 in Aarhus, Oodi in Helsinki and De Krook in Ghent demonstrate that libraries can serve as dynamic, multifaceted spaces designed for community use, offering a broad range of services beyond traditional book lending.
• Unique Roles: Libraries should be regarded as part of the critical infrastructure of society, fulfilling their public purpose as the guardians of both physical and digital knowledge, preserving local and cultural heritage through unique archives and collections, and promoting a strong sense of human relevance within an increasingly technology-driven world. As the ‘treasures of democratic societies,’ libraries have a vital role in promoting a habit of curiosity, and in helping to shape public debate and critical thinking. In a world where misinformation spreads rapidly, libraries must reaffirm themselves as trusted knowledge centres that guide the public toward credible information and encourage critical inquiry.
• Enhanced Digital Services: Libraries must expand their digital offerings to cater to modern needs, bridging digital divides and ensuring accessibility. By investing in highquality digital collections, userfriendly platforms, and inclusive online resources, libraries can remain at the forefront of information accessibility. Digital transformation should also include AI-driven search tools, virtual reality learning spaces, and seamless integration of academic and public digital resources.
• Building Trust in the Age of AI: Libraries play a role in helping users navigate fake news and information overload, focusing on ethical use of AI. AI limitations, such as bias and inaccuracies, must be acknowledged, ensuring that students and the public in general can access reliable information. Libraries must actively engage in media literacy and digital privacy education to help combat misinformation and promote online safety. By offering workshops, resources, and expert guidance on evaluating information sources, libraries can empower individuals to navigate the complex digital landscape with confidence.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Libraries should foster collaborations between universities, local governments, and technology companies to enhance their services and ensure long-term sustainability. Strong partnerships can help libraries access cutting-edge research, leverage innovative technology, and share costs, ultimately benefiting a wider audience. As Europe’s dedicated City-University Network, we recognize the importance of these collaborations in strengthening regional knowledge ecosystems.
• Sustainable Funding Models: Libraries must explore innovative funding strategies, such as publicprivate partnerships, philanthropic grants, and membership models. Diversifying revenue streams can help libraries secure financial stability and reduce dependence on fluctuating government budgets.
Chapter 2 – Models and Examples
Context
At the conference in Strasbourg attendees asked themselves the question “How can universities and cities transform their libraries to be ready for the next 10 years?” Partners and invited exemplars contributed examples of how libraries are becoming community hubs, learning centres, making science more accessible, helping to educate students and the public around misinformation and the use of AI – and much more.
We saw that libraries are evolving into flexible, tech-enabled spaces that serve as hubs for collaboration and education. In achieving this they are having to tackle consistent challenges around securing funding, addressing technological disparities, and balancing traditional and modern functions.
Libraries coping with new challenges – the rise of AI and misinformation – and how to make science more accessible to the public.
What role can libraries play in educating citizens and students about fake news, and around the use of AI?
CASE STUDY 1
Strasbourg and Exeter: Tackling ‘Fake News’ and Exploring the Ethical Use of AI
Staff from the “André Malraux” public library in Strasbourg deliver a media literacy programme which includes free workshops, conferences, advertising, social media posts and exhibitions. The training is also offered to colleagues working in the other public libraries of Strasbourg. Workshops include fun and engaging approaches like true or false quizzes, analyzing images and a young journalists role playing game, all designed to promote greater curiosity and critical analysis of what is presented as ‘news’ in the media.
The University of Exeter has started to explore the ethical use of AI by students as early adopters, with them increasingly using AI tools to access and interpret information. The work is still in the initial stages but has highlighted many challenges relating to the use of AI including understanding its limitations, potential copyright issues, inherent bias, and reduced capability in non-English languages.
What role can libraries play in developing the link between science and society?
CASE STUDY 2
Strasbourg: A Cultural Policy to Make the BNU More Attractive for a Broader Audience
To make science more accessible to the public, it is important to bridge the gap between science and society through engaging initiatives. Libraries, like the BNU (Bibliothèque nationale et universitaire) in Strasbourg, is playing a vital role by offering spaces for science communication and cultural engagement. After a renovation in 2014, the BNU introduced equipment for promoting and mediating collections, including an auditorium, exhibition room, and visitable storerooms. The library’s dedicated team organizes around a hundred events annually, collaborating with institutions like the Louvre, Strasbourg museums, and the University of Strasbourg. The BNU’s upcoming project, the Museum of Near and Middle Eastern Archaeology (opening in 2030), will further strengthen the connection between science and society through its cultural and scientific activities.
CASE STUDY 3
Linköping: A Programme of Exhibitions and Lectures
The university library in Linköping runs an ‘Open Science Week,’ inviting researchers to showcase their work, alongside very visual interactive displays that are easily accessible to a wide audience, rather than long extracts of text. The key point is to make sure that projects are presented in a way that the public can understand and find interesting. Research projects relating to local heritage are of particular interest and are easily relatable to a wider audience.
CASE STUDY 4
Innsbruck: Inspiration – Provocation – Science and Practice in Dialogue
Innsbruck’s city library approach is to make a direct link between sharing scientific research and the practical implications at a city-level through a programme of engagement around sustainability themes. By choosing everyday themes that affect members of the public, like mobility or waste, the city council is able to actively engage people in the link between science and practical, contextualised insights. This provides opportunities for an ongoing, multi-layered conversation with the public, leading to a more informed and engaged society.
CASE STUDY 5
Ghent: A Layered Approach to Advancing Open Knowledge Creation
The University of Ghent have a commitment to actively engaging the public with science, using a variety of techniques, including fun activities like temporary tattoos for children and incorporating the city’s ‘Book Tower’ library building into city tourism tours and city marathons. These present easy opportunities to introduce the public to science and learning environments. A further example is the ‘Gent Gemapt’ project that brings the city’s history to life. The online platform uses maps, data and local information to digitally reconstruct the history of the city, bringing together a wealth of research into an easily accessible public format.
Libraries as places of transformation – libraries transforming into learning centres – and how to attract a wider audience?
How can universities and cities transform their libraries into learning centres?
CASE STUDY 6
Parma: A Shared Vision: Building Inclusive Communities Through Libraries
The Parma library network consists of over 100 libraries serving a population of 450,000, including 7 municipal libraries, 1 state library, 12 university libraries, and 47 provincial libraries. The University of Parma, with over 27,000 students and 1,700 staff, is a key partner in promoting reading, through the Parma Pact for Reading, launched in 2021. The city aims to create inclusive learning spaces, with libraries at the heart of collaborations with schools, associations, and the university community. Public libraries serve as community hubs, fostering collaboration and sharing of ideas, and they regularly host seminars, workshops, and discussions on topics like AI, sustainability, gender equality, and more.
Challenges include finding the right balance between quiet study spaces and dynamic, self-managed environments, and improving the relationship between university students and public libraries. There are also difficulties in organizing spaces, particularly in historical buildings. Future goals include expanding collaboration with the university community, combining traditional and new technological knowledge, and creating flexible, collaborative spaces. The focus is on fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability, aiming to foster community engagement, intercultural dialogue, and social inclusion through accessible, high-quality information and services.
CASE STUDY 7
Aarhus: Libraries as Centres of Learning
Aarhus and its library Dokk1 view libraries as venues for both formal and informal learning, supporting lifelong learning. For formal learning, they offer lectures, debates, and partnerships with universities, making research accessible to everyone. In terms of empowerment and informal learning, libraries provide pop-up activities, open labs, and foster interaction among staff, users, and partnerships. This creates spaces where people can engage actively or passively through conversations and reactions.
To achieve this, Aarhus libraries focus on creating partnerships, ensuring open and democratic spaces, maintaining neutrality to offer diverse perspectives, and providing performance-free environments where users can explore freely.
CASE STUDY 8
Helsinki: Oodi as a Living Learning Space
Oodi in Helsinki embodies a “living learning space open to all.” Oodi is aligned with the Library Act of 2017, which promotes equal access to education and culture, enhances the availability and use of information, encourages reading and diverse literacy skills, supports lifelong learning and competence development, and fosters active citizenship, democracy, and freedom of expression. Additionally, urban workshops at Oodi offer “learning by doing” opportunities, allowing hands-on, practical learning experiences.
How can universities and cities transform their libraries to attract an ever-wider audience?
CASE STUDY 9
Strasbourg: New Service Project
The city of Strasbourg’s new public development strategy includes a network of 13 libraries, including a mobile library, serving the city and surrounding municipalities. In 2023, the libraries partnered with 390 active organizations, such as socio-cultural and medical-social centres, making them central to the community and accessible to all residents.
The new service project for 2025-2029 is built on three key priorities: social justice, participatory democracy, and ecological transition. It aligns with Strasbourg’s heritage as the UNESCO World Book Capital 2024, emphasizing the city’s role as a hub for ideas, creativity, empowerment, and ecology.
The libraries are active in various initiatives that enhance residents’ daily lives, including offering a blood donation service, combating menstrual poverty, providing green prescriptions for pregnant women, addressing eco-anxiety through workshops, and promoting citizen science programs where the public contributes to scientific research on topics like biodiversity and animal behaviour.
CASE STUDY 10
Ghent: Educational Game Collection
Artevelde University of Applied Sciences in Ghent offers a collection of over 4,000 educational games across five media libraries. These games are designed as tools for teaching, coaching, education, healthcare, team development, and more. The games can be borrowed for up to 3 weeks and are accessible to students and staff of Artevelde UAS, professional organizations, and the general public. The service includes booking for sessions and consultations, open access to the collection in media libraries, and support with tips and information for team building and handling difficult conversations.
CASE STUDY 11
Innsbruck: Open to all: Digital Services of the University and State Library of Tyrol
The University of Innsbruck oversees access to well over 3.7 million items, both online and in print, including historical collections, e-books, and licensed scientific e-journals and e-newspapers. As the combined library service for the university and the state of Tyrol, the hybrid service is committed to enabling access to large digital collections, online learning material and open access research. The single portal also provides thousands of members from the 105 participating libraries in Tyrol access to an extensive e-Library, with e-books, audios, e-magazines and e-papers. The model illustrates the efficiencies and convenience of collaboration at state level, promoting social development and creating spaces for free, creative and critical thinking to a very large, diverse audience.
Work and meeting – living together in 21st century cities – what is the added social value of libraries – and how libraries can strengthen city-university collaboration
What is the added social value of libraries in cities?
CASE STUDY 12
Ghent: Library De Krook: Business as Unusual
Ghent’s city library, De Krook represents a shift from traditional library functions to a focus on relationships and interactions. While the Flemish Local Cultural Policy Decree defines libraries as spaces for knowledge, culture, information, and recreation, De Krook is evolving into a hub for knowledge, connection, and idea exchange. The library is not just a place for borrowing books, but for sharing experiences and fostering collaboration.
How can libraries serve to strengthen the connections between universities and cities?
CASE STUDY 13
Lausanne: Collaboration in the Centre of the City
BCU Lausanne, a cantonal and university library, serves both the general public and the University of Lausanne (UNIL), one of Switzerland’s most research-intensive universities. With multiple locations, including the main Unithèque building on the UNIL campus, BCU Lausanne also manages several other libraries, such as the HEP Vaud library and two gymnasium (high school) libraries. It coordinates the libraries of the canton of Vaud and supports their digital transition through tools and training.
As Switzerland’s largest digital library, BCU Lausanne has digitized collections dating back to the 18th century and is the cantonal centre for library science. It plays a key role in advancing digital excellence and innovation, particularly in AI, through events like the Machine Learning Café, which facilitates collaboration among researchers.
BCU Lausanne’s main public venue, Palais de Rumine, is a popular space for both students and the general public to borrow books, attend conferences, and engage in educational events. For example, the “Apéro-philo” sessions bring philosophy to the public, co-organized with UNIL professors.
Looking ahead to its 2026-2030 strategy, BCU Lausanne aims to address the disruptive impact of technology, particularly AI, on science and society. The library seeks to bridge the digital divide by engaging with the public, gathering feedback, and offering services that foster a positive, inclusive vision of the future.
Chapter 3 – Insights and Final Reflections
“How can universities and cities transform their libraries to be ready for the next 10 years?”
The overall conclusion from our conference was that there are many excellent examples of libraries that are already transforming and redefining their role to adapt to societal changes, whilst maintaining their mission of equitable access to knowledge.
Libraries as Learning Centres
Transforming libraries into learning centres was an important discussion point amongst delegates. This often involves creating flexible, techenabled spaces that function as hubs for creativity, interaction, education, community engagement and informal learning. Presentations illustrated how libraries have created dedicated areas to host ‘learning by doing’ activities (e.g., sewing machines, laser cutters, 3D printers). This type of informal learning involves experimentation, often with a programme of activities open to the whole community.
However, these types of activities can also present challenges in terms of ensuring that staff are appropriately trained in using and maintaining equipment which in turn requires flexibility from staff and investment in training.
Libraries also have an important role in helping to connect the public with science and we heard from a number of speakers about the innovative techniques they use to help people engage with scientific research and new technologies.
Adding Social Value
Libraries clearly play a unique and invaluable role in the social fabric of cities, far beyond being repositories of books. They serve as inclusive, democratic spaces where people from all walks of life —regardless of age, background, or economic status—can meet, learn, and engage in civic life. In an era where social fragmentation and digital isolation are growing concerns, libraries offer a vital counterbalance by fostering community interaction, dialogue, and cultural exchange.
One of the most significant social contributions of libraries is their ability to provide equitable access to knowledge and resources. From digital literacy training to free internet access, libraries help bridge the digital divide and empower citizens with the skills they need to navigate the modern world.
Libraries also play an essential role in promoting social cohesion and integration. As multicultural societies become the norm, libraries create safe and welcoming spaces for different communities to interact. Language learning programs, cultural festivals, and storytelling sessions all contribute to strengthening community ties. Additionally, libraries have become safe havens for those facing social or economic hardships, offering mental health resources, job search support, and even temporary refuge for the homeless.
Moreover, libraries contribute to the vibrancy of urban life by acting as cultural incubators. Through exhibitions, performances, public lectures, and creative workshops, they enrich the intellectual and artistic landscape of cities, ensuring that culture and heritage remain accessible to all. Their role in archiving local history and facilitating citizen-led storytelling further strengthens the connection between residents and their shared identity.
In short, the social value of libraries extends far beyond traditional education; they serve as dynamic civic institutions that foster inclusivity, support social mobility, and nurture a culture of lifelong learning and civic participation. The challenges are around securing funding, addressing technological disparities, and balancing traditional library roles with modern needs.
Innovative funding models, including public-private partnerships and philanthropic grants, can provide financial stability, while efforts to combat misinformation through media literacy education will reaffirm libraries as trusted sources of information. The future of libraries lies in their ability to evolve, ensuring they remain indispensable spaces for knowledge, inclusion, and progress in the years to come.
Strengthening City-University Collaborations through Libraries
City and university libraries serve complementary roles in their communities, and collaboration between them can significantly enhance access to knowledge and resources. University libraries possess extensive academic collections and specialized research databases, while city libraries offer broader, community-focused programming. By forming strong partnerships, both institutions can extend their reach and improve their services.
Shared resources allow for cost efficiency and expand accessibility. Public library patrons can benefit from access to scholarly materials, while university students and researchers can engage with the cultural and community-driven initiatives found in city libraries. Additionally, joint programming – such as public lectures, interdisciplinary workshops, and communitydriven research projects – creates opportunities for deeper learning and engagement between students and citizens.
Libraries must also leverage shared technological infrastructure, such as digital archives, AI-driven cataloguing systems, and maker spaces, to maximize their impact. Staff collaboration through professional development and crosstraining fosters innovation, ensuring that both university and city libraries remain at the forefront of information dissemination.
By strengthening these partnerships, libraries reinforce their role as pillars of lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and community engagement, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and the public sphere.
Final Reflections from Strasbourg
Attendees were inspired by many libraries' openness to innovation and their commitment to creating inclusive spaces for diverse groups. Key moments included workshops on media literacy, such as combating fake news, which resonated deeply with participants from Exeter Library. The exchange of ideas, particularly on media literacy, proved valuable for adapting initiatives back home. The event also highlighted the quality of library spaces, the evolving role of libraries as cultural hubs, and the need for collaboration between city and university libraries.
Regarding future plans, some attendees intend to integrate new media literacy concepts into their programs, strengthen connections with universities, and focus on creating spaces for learning and collaboration. Others aim to enhance library collections and adapt buildings to accommodate modern functions, such as learning and collaborative spaces.
The biggest challenges discussed included the divide between city and university libraries, the need to adapt library spaces to meet modern demands and securing funding and support for libraries' role in fostering community engagement and democracy. The discussion on AI raised concerns about the future relevance of academic libraries, with a call for critical thinking and adapting to fast-paced changes. Additionally, the growing influence of social media and the rise of misinformation were viewed as threats. The focus must be on ensuring the public remains informed and connected to credible sources.
Overall, the event reinforced the importance of libraries needing to evolve to stay relevant and to continue to be accessible to all, ensuring their sustainability as vital community spaces.
Feedback from attendees:
I was inspired by…
… thelibrarieswillingnesstoinnovate-totrynewthings-andtoalwaysseekto openuptheirspacesfornewgroupsofpeople.
Dr Andrew Dean, University of Exeter
…theworkshoponFakeNewsandInfobesity.TheStrasbourgteamsharedhowthey deliverworkshopstoimprovemedialiteracyintheircommunity,whichalignswitha topicthatsomeofourstaffatExeterLibraryaredeeplypassionateabout.…This practicalexchangeofideaswasahighlightformeandreinforcedtheimportanceof librariesequippingtheircommunitieswithcriticalinformationskills.
Callum Archer, Exeter Library Centre Manager
… thecolleaguesweresoopenandpositiveaboutchangeandnewconcepts,and thatthelibrarieswevisitedhadsuchahighqualityofstay.
Miriam Schmidt, Magdeburg Public Library
…thekeynoteDagnijaBaltina(DirectoroftheNationalLibraryofLatvia(NLL))
…Hertalkaboutourresponsibilityaslibrariansandascitizensforthelibraryand informationfuturewasinterestingandinspiring!
Kajsa Gustafsson, Linköping University Library
…thenewmediathèqueFridaKhalo,withitsintentiontoopenuptocitizensinmany differentwaysandbecometheculturalandleisurecenterofthearea.
Filippo Ziveri, Parma City Library
…theformatofshortpresentationanddiscussioninrelativelysmallgroupswas surprisinglygood.Iappreciatedtobeabletoknowafewpeopleabitbetterandto betterunderstandwhattheyaredoing,andhowtheyaredoingit.
Jeannette Frey, Director of BCU Lausanne
I plan to…
…look(ing)athowwecanbettersupportsomeofthecorefunctionsofthelibrary andespeciallyitscollections.
Dr Andrew Dean, University of Exeter
…consider(ing)howtointegratetheconceptsfromthemedialiteracyworkshops intoourownprogramming.WhileExeterLibraryalreadyhasastrongfocuson beingaculturalandcommunityhub,thisexperiencereaffirmedtheneedtokeep ourprogrammingrelevantandimpactful.Additionally,hearingabouthowlibraries acrossEuropeapproachtheirroleshasencouragedmetothinkabouthowwe mightbalancethetraditionalandmodernaspectsoflibraryservicewithoutlosing sightofourmissiontoserveasanissue-basedlibrary.
Callum Archer, Exeter Library Centre Manager
…applyforfundingtoequipthelibrarymoreasanextracurricularplaceoflearning inthecity.
Miriam Schmidt, Magdeburg Public Library
…workmorethinkingaboutourstudents’readingabilities–orlackthereof…howto stimulate?
Kajsa Gustafsson, Linköping University Library
…strengthen(ing)ourcollaborationwiththeUniversitybyleveragingexisting connectionswithteachersandexploringnewmethodstoinvolveuniversitystudents withinthemunicipallibrary.
Filippo Ziveri, Parma City Library
…beevenbolderthanbeforeourStrasbourgmeeting(regardingthefast-paced evolutionaroundAI)-butstillnotsureifthiswillbesufficienttoaddressfuture challenges.
Jeannette Frey, Director of BCU Lausanne
The biggest challenge/the best opportunity is …
Thebiggestchallengeremainsthatthetwolibrarytypes(CityandUniversity) remaintoodistinctfromeachother.Theyoftensharethesameusergroupsand functions-butcollaborationisnotnecessarilyencouragedbystructuresaround themlikefundingandpolicy.
Dr Andrew Dean, University of Exeter
Thebiggestchallengeisnavigatingtheinherentdifferencesbetweenpublicand universitylibraries.Universitiescatertoamoreaffluentandeliteaudience,while publiclibrariesaredeeplyrootedinservingdiverse,oftenunderservedcommunities. Aligningthesevastlydifferentmissionscanbedifficult,particularlywhenresources are limited.
Callum Archer, Exeter Library Centre Manager
Ithinkitwillbequiteabigchallengetotransformclassicaltownlibrariesintothird placesandlearninghubsbecauseitrequiresnotonlyachangeinthemindsof professionalsbutalsothebuildingshavetobeadapted.Differentareasfordifferent needssuchaslearningspaces,collaborativespaces,meetingpoints,makerspaces etc. will have to be created and furnished.
Miriam Schmidt, Magdeburg Public Library
Librarycollections(andtheknowledgetheytransport)offerendlessopportunitiesto connectpeople.Themeetinghighlightedmanywayshowlibrariesfostercommunity buildinginandacrosscitiesanduniversities,andhowmorecanbedone.
Dries Moreels, University of Ghent
Thebiggestchallengeforcitieswillbetomaintainthelibraryservicetotheir citizens.Torealizeitisvitalforlivesandfordemocracy.Peopleneedaplaceto learn,studyandrelax.Beapartofthedemocraticcommunity.Peoplewithouthope andafeelingofbelongingwillnothelpthecommunityforward…Itisaboutmoney! Yes,butitisalsoaboutrealizingthevalueofthelibraryinthemoderncommunity, (for)thepubliclibrary…thestruggletostayrelevantintheeyeofAI!HereIwould saythatkeepingacriticaleyewillbeessential.
Kajsa Gustafsson, Linköping University Library
I thinkmakinglibrariesaccessibletoallandbringtogetheradiversifiedofferingthat isbeyondlendingbooksanddigitalinformation.Alsomakingthemakeypartof theirplacewhetherthat’satown,city,oramobileservice.
Ruth Stansfield, University of Exeter
Thechallengeisalwaystoavoidbecominginsularandself-referential,because collaborationbetweenevenverydifferententitiescanbecomplexbutisessentialto strengthentheroleofthelibrarywithinthecommunity.
Filippo Ziveri, Parma City Library
…becauseoftheinternationalsituation,Iconsidercohesionofcommunitiesthe biggestchallenge.…wehavetomakeeverypossibleeffortinEuropeinorderthat ourpeoplestayascloseaspossibletoscientificthinkingandtheoutcomesofreal research… thatEuropecouldcherishthevalueofitsownentrepreneurs,thatwe wouldcherishourownAIs,andhaveourownsocialmediaplatforms,etc.
Jeannette Frey, Director of BCU Lausanne
