German libraries featured at ALA Annual Conference

In 2014, ALA signed an MOU establishing collaboration and partnership with BID (Bibliothek & Information Deutschland), the umbrella organization of German library associations, from 2016 through 2019. Last year, American librarians traveled to Leipzig for the German Library Congress to present talks and papers, and to build personal and professional relationships with our German colleagues. This year, ALA welcomes more than 12 German librarians to Annual Conference in Chicago presenting on best practices and services from Germany that we can emulate in US libraries. All ALA attendees are welcome to attend these sessions featuring our European colleagues.

Libraries in Germany
Sat. June 24, 3:00 – 4:00pm, McCormick Place West - W183b
   Libraries in Germany-- venerable book-museums or modern information facilities? Silence in large reading rooms or conversation and hustle-bustle? Gutenberg or ICT? The library scene in Germany is as multifaceted and exciting as the country itself. We will present insights into trends, new developments, and new structures. We promise that you will soon want to travel to Germany to experience these discoveries yourself!

Serving Refugees: Experiences from German Libraries
Sun. June 25, 1:00 – 2:30pm, McCormick Place West - W181b
   In 2015 there were more than 1 million refugees and asylum-seekers in Germany. The influx of refugees from various cultures, especially from Syria, Afghanistan, the Balkans, and various African countries, is abating. Yet families, young men, and unaccompanied minors are still seeking refuge in Germany. Libraries in Germany have a long tradition of providing multicultural services and resources. Since 2006 an expert panel of the German Library Association has been addressing this topic. The lessons learned from the panel can be used to improve the resources for these user groups in public and academic libraries. There are many challenges, including overcoming language and cultural barriers, and integrating refugees into schools and colleges. Another consideration is staff training and information exchange on the topic using webinars and other channels. A variety of positive and hopeful responses to these challenges will be presented from real-world experiences. 

German Academic Libraries - New Trends in Management
Mon. June 26, 10:30 – 11:30am, McCormick Place West - W181a
   Academic libraries in Germany are constantly changing due to new developments in higher education influenced by digital transformations in research and instruction and study, as well as in reaction to scientific-political impulses. The changes occur in multiple fields, at various speeds, and sometimes simultaneously or unexpectedly. This results in continuous change management that encompasses various factors, such as organizational and personnel development, the library’s service offerings and cooperation with partners within and without the university. Using various examples, new trends in German academic libraries will be illustrated.

Libraries Support Research in Germany
Mon. June 26, 1:00 – 2:30pm, McCormick Place West - W176a
   Academic libraries at German universities support researchers by providing scientific information resources, managing and linking research data, and assisting with open-access publication of research results. A system of specialist information services that puts the interests and needs of the researchers at the forefront has been developed with financial support by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, the German Research Association. The developments in Germany in these areas will be presented using various examples.