In the Service of University Libraries

Considering the pandemic situation's evolution, we decided to convert this year's Annual Conference to an online format only.

The Libraries of Universidade do Porto are very proud to host the 41st IATUL Annual Conference from 13 July to 15 July 2021 and promote the discussion of libraries' role in establishing partnerships between universities, research, and society. A particular focus on developing services and support provided to the constantly changing environment will lead the discussion.

The emergence of movements such as Open Science, Open Innovation, and Citizen Science highlights how society benefits when higher education institutions expand access to research and teaching. Ongoing engagement and collaboration between universities and communities are essential components of these open initiatives. The recent developments in research to fight COVID-19 emphasize the advantages of open collaboration. Academic libraries worldwide are playing vital roles in facilitating these initiatives by developing new and innovative services and infrastructure.

Although it will not be possible to benefit from Porto's beautiful city and excellent Portuguese weather,...

On behalf of the member institutions of both our associations, we are writing to the publishers and service providers of the publishing industry about the 2021 subscriptions and renewals of electronic resources and databases.  We want to make the industry aware that universities, schools, industries, and libraries worldwide are facing significant budget cuts for the next fiscal year as a result of the  COVID-19 pandemic, and that library subscription is an area that is being looked at for potential savings.  To assist libraries and institutions in this possible financial crisis, we request that you support them by reducing prices in 2021. We greatly appreciate such generous gestures already extended by many publishers and vendors, and honestly expect a similar approach from the rest.

Christine Mackenzie, FALIA
President International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)

Charles Eckman,
President International Association of University Libraries (IATUL)

22 October 2020