Social responsibility and digital culture - the role of libraries

“Social responsibility and digital culture”

In an era marked by exponentially growing change and unprecedented challenges to democratic governance and human rights, the role of libraries emerges as crucial in safeguarding the fundamental values that underpin our societies. Libraries act as gatekeepers of information, ensuring equitable access to knowledge for all members of society, regardless of background or location. By curating diverse collections and promoting information literacy initiatives, libraries empower individuals to engage critically with information, thereby fortifying the pillars of democratic governance. As repositories of human knowledge and experience, libraries provide sanctuary for marginalized voices. However, the challenges facing research libraries in the 21st century are manifold. From the proliferation of misinformation to the digital divide, libraries must navigate a complex landscape to fulfill their mission effectively. Nevertheless, by leveraging emerging technologies and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, (research) libraries can continue to serve as catalysts for positive social change. Libraries make cultural heritage accessible and tangible. In their function as memory institutions they combine the past, present and future. They open up inspiring worlds of knowledge for education and research and are reliable sources and places for social dialogue.

This talk gives examples from the perspective of the German National Library but also from the perspective of the Conference of European National Librarians (CENL) how AI, research data infrastructures as well as cultural education and outreach contribute to the crucial role libraries play in the service of society.