Over the period 2019 to 2026, the CIVIS Libraries community evolved from an informal network of academic librarians into a structured community of practice playing a leading role in open science, digital transformation, and civic engagement across the CIVIS alliance. Through strategic development, staff mobility, networking activities, and continuous community learning, librarians built strong cross-institutional partnerships, launched initiatives such as RIS4CIVIS, monthly CIVIS Libraries meetings, Human Libraries, and an AI Taskforce, and developed an inter-library Blended Intensive Programme (BIP).
This collaboration culminated in 2026 with the launch of the Staff Week (oraganised as a BlP) “Transformative Libraries and Participatory Culture”, built around four pillars: user experience design, libraries and culture, information literacy and AI, and open science.
During CIVIS Days 2026, at the University of Bucharest, CIVIS librarians held a session that demonstrated how modern academic libraries have expanded beyond their traditional role as repositories of books to become inclusive spaces that foster dialogue, social impact, and community participation.
A key example was the Human Library initiative pioneered by Sapienza University of Rome and later adopted by other CIVIS partners, which uses personal storytelling to challenge prejudice and promote understanding. Participants were further invited to co-design the future of libraries by identifying both cherished features, such as quiet study spaces and a calm learning environment, and emerging needs, including safe and flexible spaces, extended opening hours, improved infrastructure, and wellbeing areas. The feedback collected will contribute to a future CIVIS Libraries manifesto aimed at shaping more inclusive, user-centred, and future-oriented academic libraries.
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Young People in Place: A Participatory Transnational CIVIS Open Lab (2026)
This scientific paper presents the conceptual and methodological framework of the CIVIS Contemporary Childhoods/Youths Open Lab (CON-CHY). Through participatory case studies in Madrid, Salzburg and Maputo, it explores young people’s experiences, participation and mobility in urban spaces.- Research & Innovation
- Inclusion & Diversity
- Civic engagement
- Participatory research
- education
- Open Labs
- Paper
- Scientific publications
- Academics
- Researchers
- Administrators
- Civil society
- Policy makers
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Co-Creation for Digital Equity: Replicable Model of Digital Civic Co-Creation and Methodological Guide – LaCoTT Open Lab (2026)
This methodological guide presents a replicable model for digital civic co-creation developed by the LaCoTT Open Lab. It supports collaboration between universities, students and civic organisations to develop accessible, multilingual digital solutions while promoting service-learning, digital equity and Europe–Africa cooperation.- Innovative Pedagogies
- Service Learning
- Research & Innovation
- Inclusion & Diversity
- Civic engagement
- Participatory research
- Joint learning
- education
- Open Labs
- Toolbox
- Guide
- Students
- Academics
- Researchers
- Administrators
- Civil society