Librarians and others from across the Atlantic Ocean came together virtually for a two-day symposium this December, engaging in a rich exchange of professional knowledge and ideas. Co-organized by the University of Georgia Libraries and the University of Liverpool Libraries, Museums, and Galleries, the symposium marked the latest milestone in the decade-long collaboration between these sister universities.
The symposium began with a report on the recently signed agreement naming Liverpool University Press as the exclusive distributor for UGA Press books in the United Kingdom and Europe, and a non-exclusive distributor for other parts of the world.
“We have similar aims, opportunities, and challenges as organizations, but we often approach them with different contexts and perspectives,” said Toby Graham, university librarian and associate provost, describing the partnership. “It’s been enriching and broadening – even inspirational – to look at our shared areas of work in a new light.”
Sessions continued with presentations on emerging uses of artificial intelligence, both by students in their coursework and by libraries to transform access to archival collections. Participants discussed approaches to measuring and increasing the reach and impact of scholarly research. They shared ways to engage with students to foster their academic success, wellness, and sense of belonging. Community-based approaches to archives were also discussed among numerous other topics.
“We talked a lot about our collections and services, but it struck me that we’ve actually been talking mostly about community: community of users and us as a professional community on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Matt Greenhall, director of Liverpool’s libraries, museums, and galleries. “It reminds us that we have professional friends around the world, particularly at UGA, where we can talk a similar language, share our experiences, and learn from one another. The challenges we face in Liverpool and UGA are not unique to us. They are often shared challenges and shared opportunities, and that is why the strength of this partnership is so good.”
In May, the two institutions marked the 10-year anniversary of their relationship with the “Collaborative Frontiers in the Life Sciences” workshop at UGA, which explored innovative approaches to future health challenges. A delegation from UGA visited the University of Liverpool this fall to discuss future research collaboration in areas such as the use of AI in the child welfare system, the future of public spaces, creative writing, and public history. This month’s virtual Libraries Symposium continues the pattern of transatlantic collaboration.
Librarians from both universities have already begun engaging in collaborations, and Graham and Greenhall are planning another joint symposium in the spring.