Drawing inspiration from the “Future UniLab” format—developed for UNA partner universities as a think tank to discuss the future role of universities in society—the concept of a “Future LibraryLab” has emerged: a corresponding format in which the libraries of UNA partner universities can come together to jointly develop academic library services, experiment, and create a space for innovation.

In addition to the opportunities for closer international cooperation between libraries and strategic partners of Freie Universität Berlin, as well as support for the UNA Europa Focus Areas and joint undergraduate and doctoral programs from the library’s perspective, this approach also offers the possibility of involving the libraries in the “Future UniLab” in the discussion about the university of the future

Since 2016, the University Library has participated in Freie Universität Berlin’s International Staff Training Week with its own program. The annual event promotes international exchange among staff working in research-related fields and is organized in collaboration with the International Office and with support from Erasmus+.

The three-day Library Track focuses on current topics in academic libraries. Through lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions, international participants and experts exchange ideas on developments and challenges in the library sector. Topics of focus in recent years have included organizational development, user-centered approaches, sustainability, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.

The program is planned and implemented by the University Library in collaboration with Human Resources and other departments at Freie Universität Berlin. The program is published each December; applications for participation are typically accepted through February.

Contact: international-week@ub.fu-berlin.de