Abstract:

In November 2022, the IFLA MetLib Section embarked on a public recruitment initiative, enlisting 17 librarians from diverse cities spanning five continents, to establish a global “MetLib Learning Circle”. This marked the inception of a one-year (2022-2023) librarian training program, representing the inaugural multinational endeavor for talent development within the IFLA MetLib Section. The facilitation of the learning circle is entrusted to Tommi Laitio, a Bloomberg Public Innovation Fellow affiliated with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. Distinguished representatives from the public library sectors in the United States, Finland, and other nations actively participate in this pioneering initiative. The primary objective is to delve into the nuanced concept of “convivencia” within public libraries, seeking to comprehend its connotations and explore strategies for its practical implementation. Participants share noteworthy aspects of their respective libraries, particularly focusing on the exploration of spatial functionalities. As a participant in this project, the author furnishes a comprehensive overview of the training program. This involves a thorough examination of the cutting-edge trends and insights within the global public library community, with a specific focus on major cities, as represented by IFLA. Furthermore, the author conducts an insightful analysis of the potential implications for Chinese public libraries.