Over 45 colleagues from across Europe came together in Brussels on 21-23 November 2023 to explore tools and share views on how to ensure a strong future for the library field in Europe, working hand-in-hand with other library organisations and external partners.

Participants of the Strong and Sustainable Library Fields in Europe workshop, Brussels, Belgium, 21-23 Nov 2023
Participants of the Strong and Sustainable Library Fields in Europe workshop, Brussels, Belgium, 21-23 Nov 2023

Drawing on IFLA resources and experience, the two-day workshop shared ways in which library fields can build a shared sense of priorities for ensuring future sustainability, plan ahead, form partnerships, support emerging leaders, assess impact, and advocate effectively.

Strong and Sustainable Library Fields in Europe workshop, Brussels, Belgium, 21-23 Nov 2023
Strong and Sustainable Library Fields in Europe workshop, Brussels, Belgium, 21-23 Nov 2023

On 23 November, a half-day workshop saw the participants engage with officials from the European Commission, as well as UNESCO and Eurocities. This was a unique opportunity to get an overview of possibilities to integrate EU initiatives and projects into participants’ own work, as well as a chance to demonstrate the potential of European libraries to deliver on wider policy goals.

On 23-24 November the first in-person meeting of the Europe Regional Division Committee (EURDC) took place. Committee members focused on developing their action plan for the next two years. EURDC members were also joined by Ilona Kish, director of Public Libraries 2030. She shared information about both the initiative and the projects PL2030 is carrying out. Collaboration opportunities were also discussed with EURDC committee members.

Europe Regional Division Committee members, Brussels, Belgium, 23-24 Nov 2023
Europe Regional Division Committee members, Brussels, Belgium, 23-24 Nov 2023

The week in Brussels offered a great way to accelerate reflection and planning around how to build a strong and sustainable library field in Europe. As Sharon Memis, IFLA’s Secretary General said, “There is a certain solidarity in Europe that brings strength to the group”. We hope that the shared tools, materials experiences as well as the established networks will support discussions at the national, regional and local levels, helping to build capacity today and tomorrow to deliver change for the library field.

The workshop and EURDC meeting were made possible by a grant from Stichting IFLA Global Libraries.

 

IF you would like see more, here is the photo album of the workshop, and below you can watch the event video: