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We are excited to announce the main themes of Occupy Library 2020 – the online edition:

We are looking for presentations of case studies and inspiring ignite talks on the following topics:

• Serving communities in time of crisis

• Partnerships for strong democracies  

• Active citizenship in analog and digital format

• Emerging tech trends to empower communities 

• Public spaces and community engagement 

In addition to that, we welcome proposals for open-themed interactive sessions (one per day, 90 minutes long), which will cover other topics relevant to libraries and NGOs. The form of the session can vary from panel-discussions to interactive workshops of practical Labs, and they will be moderated / facilitated by the initiator (the person who proposes the OTIS).

Occupy Library ® 2020 is an independent event organized by the Progress Foundation with the support of Next Library® and in co-operation with the Occupy Library Steering committee,  in partnership with The National Library of Romania and Goethe-Institut, conference partners and sponsors.

Read more about the themes for Occupy Library 2020.  See the calls for program proposals here.

Democracy is a longitudinal process built up with citizens’ participation. The active actors in democracy are, besides the engaged citizens,  the state and local actors: institutions, organizations, civic groups. Their role is important for building and maintaining strong communities. This becomes even more crucial in times of crisis. The Covid-19 Pandemic is currently putting all of us to the test. The efforts made to strengthen our communities, to help them survive this health crisis and adapt to the economic and societal changes that will follow are happening under our eyes. It is important to learn about the institutions and actors involved in building democratic communities, to present the technical tools that support this process and to recognize the efforts made to provide responses to crises that come from a deep belief in democratic values. 

Serving communities in times of crisis

Public libraries are traditionally in the forefront of community support through culture, education and social involvement. We are looking for presentations of case studies and inspiring ignite talks covering as many facets as possible of libraries’ work for communities in times of crisis. We want to know about what libraries did for their communities when the medical crisis hit. We want to know what libraries do or plan to do for their communities during the following economic crisis. How did professional training help librarians face the challenges of the crisis? How can libraries be effective in supporting the wellbeing of their communities in crisis?  

Topics will include: new services and adaptation of traditional services

new partners, communicating with communities in need (a multiway ride)  

Partnerships for strong democracies  

Democracy is a longitudinal process built up with citizens’ participation. The active actors in democracy are, besides the engaged citizens,  the state and local actors: institutions, organizations, civic groups. 

We are looking for inquiries into: What is the potential impact on citizens, communities, learning, literacy, culture, and libraries and how do we explore opportunities and threats in partnerships with others?  How can institutions and administrations best support democracy? What local partnerships can provide support for democratic movement? Who is providing support for the development of democratic literacy? How do libraries support stronger democratic communities? 

Topics will include: public-civic partnerships, civic engagement, democratic literacy, partnerships for democracy

Active citizenship in analog and digital format

The new technology does not fundamentally change the rights and obligations of a citizen in a democratic country.  However, the new ICT allows for multiple ways of engagement and participation in the life of the community. Moreover, the competencies required for fully participating citizens in the democratic process in societies that are in the 4th Industrial Revolution change. 

It is important to know:  What are the new trends tech for democracy? How can we use technology to empower underserved communities? What differences are there between analog and digital methods of engagement for citizens?  How does digital active citizenship look like? How can libraries forge competencies for the active citizens of the future?

Topics will include: digital citizenship, civic engagement, digital participation, e-learning, digital collections, digital archives

Emerging tech trends to empower communities 

The promise of digital tools contributing to bridging the societal divides is yet to be fulfilled. But it is clear that in the process the danger of new divides emerging is real. The new tech trends can contribute to a society where the haves and the have nots do have the same power in changing people’s lives for the better and influencing their democratic representation. 

 What are the emerging techs and trends that will transform and impact communities, learning, workplaces, democracies, communication, transportation, economy, etc. over the next few years? How can libraries provide support for 21st-century democracies? 

How are libraries building their own digital capacity and adopting technologies for serving the citizens and communities in the future? How can libraries serve the citizens through services that include “new” technologies like AI, VR, IoT, BlockChain, and Big Data?

Topics will include: New technology, Digital library, Library of things, Makerspace.

Public spaces and community engagement

Public spaces play important roles in supporting citizens’ engagement and participation in community decisions. The existence and control over public spaces are themes of prolonged debate in young and traditional democracies. 

Questions to answer: How are the public spaces influenced by community input? How is the digital technology transforming our public spaces? How is the space of a public library providing support for the development of a community? What can we learn from cultural and educational programs that take place in public spaces?  

 Topics will include: community spaces, learning spaces, agora

The program for Occupy Libraries 2020 will reflect the themes described above through interactive sessions, Ignite Talks, panels, keynotes, site visits, and other events.

We are calling for proposals for 

Presentations – here

Ignite Talks – here

addressing one of the themes.

Open-themed discussions – here

For any additional inquiries please contact office@progressfoundation.ro

We reserve the right to alterations & surprises!