The Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) successfully concluded the 2nd International Week for Academic Libraries of HMU, held from 21 to 25 September 2026 at the University Library premises in Heraklion, with the participation of librarians and representatives of academic institutions, libraries and related organisations from Greece and abroad.
The event served as an international forum for the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices concerning the present and future of academic libraries. A total of 70 librarians participated, with international representation spanning 24 countries, alongside representatives of Greek universities, public and municipal libraries, the Hellenic Academic Libraries Link and other organisations.
The 2nd International Week for Academic Libraries was organised by the Library and Information Centre of HMU in cooperation with the Public and International Relations Department, with the aim of strengthening international cooperation, facilitating the exchange of expertise and highlighting the evolving role of academic libraries in education, research and learning.
Welcome Address by the Rector of HMU
At the opening of the event, the Rector of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, Professor Nektarios Papadogiannis, welcomed the participants, highlighting the pivotal role that academic libraries now play in an environment being transformed by Open Science and Artificial Intelligence.
In his welcome address, he stated:
“Academic libraries are no longer merely places for storing and preserving knowledge. They are vibrant spaces of access, inclusion, exploration, collaboration and innovation. In an era characterised by Open Science and Artificial Intelligence, their role is becoming even more important: to support our academic communities not only in accessing information, but also in critically evaluating it, disseminating it responsibly and transforming it into knowledge.
This International Week therefore offers an excellent opportunity for the exchange of experiences, mutual learning and the development of new collaborations among universities and countries.”
The Rector warmly welcomed the international guests, as well as participants from Greek universities, public libraries and related national organisations, while expressing the hope that, through their stay in Crete, they would also have the opportunity to experience the island’s hospitality, culture and history.
He also thanked the Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and Outreach, Professor Konstantinos Petridis; the Academic Coordinator of the International Relations Department, Professor Ioannis Daliakopoulos; the Director of the Library and Information Centre of HMU, Mr Michalis Panagiotakis; the Head of the Library, Ms Katerina Voutyraki; as well as the staff of the International Relations and Library Departments for their contribution to the excellent organisation of the International Week.
Five Days of Dialogue on the Future of Academic Libraries
Over the course of the five-day programme, a broad range of topics relating to contemporary challenges and the transformation of libraries was explored.
The first day focused on accessibility and services for students with disabilities and special educational needs. Among other initiatives, the Greek AMELib project was presented, while the services offered by the HMU Library in this field were also highlighted. At the same time, participants explored ways in which libraries can be more meaningfully integrated into the educational process and strengthen their collaboration with academic staff.
The second day was dedicated to information literacy and education in Artificial Intelligence, featuring presentations of international good practices and placing particular emphasis on the responsible use of AI, critical thinking and information evaluation. Special attention was also given to the transformation of libraries into spaces that support student well-being, accessibility, community engagement and cultural heritage.
On the third day, the focus shifted to library consortia and associations. Examples from Greece and abroad highlighted the importance of collaboration in developing shared resources and services, with particular reference to HEAL-Link and ILSaS+.
The fourth day focused on Open Science and Open Access, research integrity and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Inclusive initiatives aimed at creating accessible content were also presented, together with opportunities for the use of open-source software in libraries.
The fifth and final day was dedicated to empowering local communities and to the broader social and cultural role of libraries. In this context, initiatives from the Public Central Library of Rethymno, the Koundourios Municipal Library of Agios Nikolaos and the Historical Museum of Crete were presented, highlighting the links between libraries and cultural organisations and their contribution to education, the promotion of reading, social cohesion and active citizen participation.
Academic Libraries in a New, Multidimensional Role
A key conclusion of the event was that contemporary academic libraries have moved beyond their traditional role as spaces for the preservation and provision of information. They are evolving into dynamic centres of learning, digital innovation, inclusion, cultural preservation and scholarly collaboration.
Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence, Open Science, international cooperation and engagement with local communities emerged as key priorities for the future of libraries and for further strengthening their contribution to education, research and social development.
With the conclusion of the 2nd International Week for Academic Libraries, the Hellenic Mediterranean University further strengthens its international outlook and its networking with universities, libraries and organisations from different countries, creating a stable platform for the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices concerning the evolving role of academic libraries.
More information about the event:
