IN DEPTH
Libraries for change in Leipzig
When Lauren Cummings attended the Libraries for Change conference in Leipzig, she heard challenging questions – such as where do libraries stand as communal spaces in an increasingly individualised society?
IN March, I was lucky enough to attend the 108th Bibliothekartag in Leipzig, Germany, thanks to a bursary from the John Campbell Trust. The Bibliothekartag/Bibliothekskongress is organised by Bibliothek & Infor- mation Deutschland, an organisation that brings together the diff erent associations of German libraries and information workers. The conference takes place in Leipzig every three years where it is held immediately before the Leipzig Book Fair, moving around other German cities in the years in between. This year’s theme was Libraries for Change, and over the four hectic days of the conference attendees from the German speaking countries, “guest of honour” the Netherlands, and some from further afi eld came together to discuss the future of libraries and librarianship in a rapidly changing world.
Skills and digital inclusion Though I’ve worked in academic and law libraries since starting my career, I wanted to make sure I attended presentations by librarians not just from other countries, but also from other sectors. It was great to see public libraries represented so strongly among the speakers, and a particularly interesting talk was about basic skills courses and digital inclusion in Dutch public libraries. Maaike Toonen from the Dutch National Library introduced a national basic skills programme which is delivered by public libraries around the Netherlands. About
42 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
Lauren Cummings (
Lauren.Cummings@
sas.ac.uk) is Document Supply Service Supervisor, Institute of Advanced Legal Studies/MSc Library Science student, City, University of London.
two million people in the Netherlands lack key digital skills and two and a half million have problems with literacy, so the librar- ies’ courses are a key part of government attempts to address the skills gap, especially as the government moves towards digital services and e-government.
It was interesting to compare with the situation in the UK, where we face similar problems with literacy and e-government that not everyone is able to participate in. While our public libraries do fantastic work where they can, they don’t receive the kind of support needed to deliver a similar national programme, and it was sobering to think of how many vulnerable people could be helped if our public libraries were better funded.
April-May 2019
Leipzig Cummings
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