Libraries as cultural hubs, librarians as social facilitators

Abstract

[EN] The Library is increasing its role as the “third place”. Aside from homes and workplaces, the Library is the space where communities prefer to spend the time and share experiences. Public libraries are now open centres where anyone is welcome. Academic libraries are now hybrid systems between physical spaces and virtual platforms. Both public and academic libraries are good examples of how the purpose of libraries has changed and how their strategies have been realigned. The speech will focus on the role of libraries as agents of change in engaging communities in various ways: digital transformation, knowledge creation, open science, information literacy, education advocacy, reading promotion or dynamic leisure. The talk will also cover important factors shaping libraries today, such as social responsibility, citizen participation, stakeholder collaboration, cultural cooperation, institutional sustainability, and knowledge access. Libraries are moving towards becoming open hubs and library professionals are the main activists in this society, culture, education and science transformation.