Live-stream recording from a conference “Nordic Libraries Annual 2024”. This live streaming video includes a presentation by Jamie Johnston “Libraries as Beacons of Community Resilience in Times of Change and Crisis”. At the end of the presentation the moderator of the conference Päivi Jokitalo talks with Jamie Johnston.
Jamie Johnston is an Associate Professor at OsloMet University in Norway and a lecturer at the University of Iceland. Her research centers on the role of libraries and cultural institutions in promoting social inclusion, civic engagement, and democratic participation. A key focus of her work is evaluating library services, particularly user participation and collaborative programming, as essential tools for addressing societal challenges and strengthening democratic processes.
Nordic Libraries Annual is an annual conference looking at topical issues in public libraries and library development. In 2024 the conference was organized November 27. The theme of the NLA 2024 conference is “Libraries, society and social resilience”.
Libraries are an integral part of society. They are meeting places for communities, where people can share knowledge and experiences across social and economic boundaries. They support equality by providing access to resources regardless of people’s background or wealth.
Social sustainability comes from a society looking after the long-term well-being of its members, and libraries have an important role to play in this. Libraries contribute to community cohesion and participation. In this way, libraries support society’s ability to cope with and adapt to change.
Libraries play a key role in crisis resilience, providing not only information and entertainment, but also a safe space where people can face challenging times together. For example, in times of crisis, such as a pandemic or economic crisis, libraries can provide support to individuals and communities alike. They strengthen society’s resilience – its ability to cope with and recover from crises – by providing resources and services.
Read more:
All videos from the conference
See more presentations in English
Live-stream: Mikko Helander and Joonas Nevalainen
Producer: Riitta Taarasti
Produced by Library Channel (Kirjastokaista), 2024
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