We are thrilled to extend an invitation to all EBSLG members for the upcoming Annual General Meeting. The annual conference of European Business School Librarians’ Group is organized by the Centre of information and library services, Prague University of Economics and Business and will take place in the beautiful city of Prague, Czech Republic.

Topic of the coference

The Evolution of a Business Library as Community Space

As we transition from the traditional concept of libraries to embrace dynamic, multifunctional spaces that foster collaboration, innovation, and learning beyond the books, the essence of what constitutes a library as a space is being redefined. In the EBSLG AGM 2024 we will explore the realm of alternative library spaces, learning hubs, academic coworking spaces, and the synergies it can bring to the business schools.

The conference aims to uncover the potential of these spaces in facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration, supporting community building, and enhancing the overall academic experience. Workshops will provide actionable insights into designing these environments based on the diverse needs of students, faculty, and external community members.

Even for those unable to modify their physical library environments, the EBSLG AGM 2024 conference offers a way how to rethink their approach. Participants can explore innovative service models that enhance user experience without spatial changes, strategies for community building within existing spaces, and ways to optimize current spaces for multifunctional use.

Registration

The registration fee for participants is EUR 100, which includes all refreshments and meals.

The registration is closed.

Please note that the conference is exclusively for EBSLG members.

Program

Day 1: Monday, June 24, 2024

Prague University of Economics and Business, nám. W. Churchilla 4, Prague 3

15:00-15:10 Welcome from the Host Institution

Petr Dvořák / Rector, VŠE (VŠE, Coworking Café)

15:10-16:00 Coworking Excursion + Everything starts With Coffee (cupping organized by one of the best coffee roasteries in Prague) (VŠE, Coworking Café)

National Library of the Czech Republic, Mariánské nám. 190/5, Prague 1

17:00-17:15 Opening Remarks from the Director of the National Library of the Czech Republic

Tomáš Foltýn / Library Director, National Library of the Czech Republic

17:15-18:15 Guided Tour of the Historical Rooms of the National Library of the Czech Republic

18:15-21:00 Welcome reception

Day 2: Tuesday, June 25, 2024

9:00-12:00 Guided Tour of Selected Libraries in Prague

Group 1:
- Library of Czech Academy of Sciences, Národní 1009/3, Prague 1
- Smíchov branch of Municipal Library of Prague, Náměstí 14. října 83/15, Praha 5
Group 2:
- National Library of Technology, Technická 6/2710, Prague 6
- Petřiny branch of Municipal Library of Prague, U Petřin 2511/1, Praha 6

Prague University of Economics and Business, nám. W. Churchilla 1938/4, Prague 3

12:00-12:05 Opening remarks and Conference Overview by the Host Institution (VŠE, RB 209)

Václav Šubrta / Library Director, Centre of Information and Library Services, VŠE

12:05-13:00 Keynote Address: “Redefining Libraries: From Traditional to Multifunctional Spaces” (VŠE, RB 209)

Tomáš Řehák / Library Director, Municipal Library of Prague
Lenka Hanzlíková / Head of the Communication Dept., Municipal Library of Prague

Prague University of Economics and Business, nám. W. Churchilla 1938/4, Prague 3

13:00-14:00 Lunch (VŠE, RB)

Prague University of Economics and Business, nám. W. Churchilla 1938/4, Prague 3

14:00-14:30 Sponsor Presentations (VŠE, RB 209)

14:30-14:40 Workshop Opening Remarks by Vice-Rector for Education and Quality Assurance

Pavel Hnát / Vice-Rector for Education and Quality Assurance

14:40-15:20 Workshop with the Architect of VŠE Coworking Space (part one): “Designing Dynamic Library Spaces for Modern Needs” (VŠE, RB 209)

Jakub Heidler / Architect of Coworking Space at VŠE, Studio Reaktor

15:20-15:50 Coffee Break (VŠE, RB)

15:50-18:00 Workshop with the Architect of VŠE Coworking Space (part two): “Designing Dynamic Library Spaces for Modern Needs” (VŠE, Coworking)

Jakub Heidler / Architect of Coworking Space at VŠE, Studio Reaktor

Pivotéka Sedm°, Sokolovská 73/63, Prague 8

19:30-22:00 Dinner and Craft Beer Tasting

Day 3: Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Prague University of Economics and Business, nám. W. Churchilla 4, Prague 3

9:00-9:10 Group photo (VŠE, RB)

9:10-10:10 Interactive Session: “Innovative Service Models: Enhancing User Experience without Spatial Changes” (VŠE, RB 209)

Hana Landová / Library Director, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

10:10-10:50 Sponsors Presentations (VŠE, RB 209)

10:50-11:15 Coffee Break (VŠE, RB)

11:15-12:30 EBSLG Members Flash Talks (VŠE, RB 209)

Hal Kirkwood / Bodleian Business Librarian, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford: The Library as ‘Third Place’
Thorsten Meyer / Deputy Director, Leibnitz Information Centre for Economics, ZBW: ZBW – WORLD – The Culture of the Networked Working Environment Today and Tomorrow
Lorena Steeb / Business Studies Librarian, Mannheim University Library, University of Mannheim: From Traditional Reading Rooms to Flexible Learning Environments: Insights from Mannheim University Library
Susanne Dalsgaard Krag / Library Manager, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University: News from Aarhus: BSS Datalab and rethinking the branch library in Herning
Nikolaus Berger / Library Director, University Library, Vienna University of Economics and Business: Further Development Starts After Opening

Prague University of Economics and Business, nám. W. Churchilla 1938/4, Prague 3

12:30-13:30 Lunch (VŠE, RB)

Prague University of Economics and Business, nám. W. Churchilla 1938/4, Prague 3

13:30-14:30 Updates from Sister Organizations (VŠE, RB 209)

Beulah Muller / Associate Director of Info Central, Gordon Institute of Business Science
Liliana Luchi / CLADEA – Representative, Universidad Austral
Lorna McNally / Business Faculty Librarian, Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde (ABLD update)
Nikolaus Berger / Library Director, University Library, Vienna University of Economics and Business

14:30 – 15:15 Business Meeting (VŠE, RB 209)

15:15-15:45 Coffee Break (VŠE, RB)

15:45-17:00 Business Meeting cont. (VŠE, RB 209)

after the Business meeting there will be optional Excursion of Centre of Information and Library Services, VŠE, led by Václav Šubrta / Library Director (about 20 min. max)

Červený Jelen Restaurant, Hybernská 1042/5, Prague 1

19:30-22:00 Dinner

Day 4: Thursday, June 27, 2024

Prague University of Economics and Business, nám. W. Churchilla 4, Prague 3

9:00-10:30 Workshops

Workshop 1: Optimizing Library Spaces for Multifunctional Use (RB 207)
- Pavel Kocourek / Director of Velký Mlýn Association, Cofounder of Inovatika Company
Workshop 2: Create and Sustain Your Vision for Your Community Space (RB 205)
- Adam Hazdra / Chief Product Officer at Cyrkl.com

10:30-11:00 Coffee Break (VŠE, RB)

11:00-11:30 Presentation of Workshop Results, Discussion (VŠE, RB 209)

11:30-12:00 Roundtable Discussion: “Academic Coworking Spaces: Benefits and Challenges” (VŠE, RB 209)

Pavel Kocourek / Director of Velký Mlýn Association, Cofounder of Inovatika Company
Adam Hazdra / Chief Product Officer at Cyrkl.com

Prague University of Economics and Business, nám. W. Churchilla 1938/4, Prague 3

12:00-13:00 Lunch (VŠE)

Anežský klášter, U Milosrdných 17, Prague 1

14:00-16:00 Cultural Visit – National Gallery Prague — Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia: both the medieval art exhibition (with guided tour for us) and one of the most important Gothic buildings in Prague

Call for proposals

We encourage EBSLG members to deliver brief presentations on projects or subjects they believe would be interesting for the attendees. It would be nice if your presentation fits the topic of the conference, but generally you are free to choose your topic.

We plan to allocate several slots for these presentations within the programme of the conference, with each session expected to last approximately 15 minutes, inclusive of time for questions and feedback.

For further details about your intended presentation or if you have any inquiries, please feel free to ask a question in our Basecamp.

European Business School Librarians' Group

The EBSLG connects senior staff from top European business school libraries. It aims to facilitate discussions, encourage collaboration, and support information exchange among member libraries to improve their services. This network serves as a platform for mutual assistance and the sharing of valuable insights within the business school library sector.