Over the course of two days marked by thoughtful dialogue and strategic reflection, the directors of the CIVICA libraries convened to assess their collective achievements and chart a bold course for the next phase of the alliance. Held at the Hertie School, the meeting served as a pivotal moment for the network, bringing together key stakeholders to build upon past successes, share lessons learned, and identify priority areas for future development.
Drawing from a diverse range of experiences across our ten institutions, the directors engaged in productive discussions aimed at identifying the services, tools, and initiatives that would deliver the greatest impact, visibility, and value to our academic communities. These conversations were rooted in a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and excellence in library services.
Among the key themes to emerge were the importance of ensuring equitable access to high-quality resources, whether subscribed, purchased, or open access, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in reshaping library services and advancing open science practices. These areas are now seen as core priorities for the network moving forward, forming three central pillars: open social science, open education, and the strategic development of library services and resources through digital and AI-enhanced means.
The meeting also underscored the strong sense of cohesion and shared purpose that has developed within the CIVICA library network. In his welcoming remarks, Dean Mark Hallerberg of the Hertie School praised the group’s dedication and noted that CIVICA libraries now constitute a truly collaborative and dynamic alliance, united by common goals and a collective vision for the future of academic knowledge sharing.
