Welcome
Dear members of the Information and Library Science community,
For the sixth time, Koç University Libraries are organizing an International Library Staff Week in Istanbul, between 12-16 May, 2025. The event brings together professional Library staff with varied backgrounds working in universities or other research orientated libraries with an interest in sharing ideas and networking with colleagues.
Our experience from similar events, started in Spring 2018, when we organized and hosted for the first time an International Library Staff Week, with the participation of 18 International Academic Librarians from 13 countries and 5 continents. Continuing, later on the same year 8 colleagues from the American Beirut University Libraries spent a week at Koç University and later on, in October, the Library hosted the Greek and Turkish Library Staff Week. In April 2019 we celebrated Spring and the Library profession with colleagues all over the world with our 2nd International Library Staff Week. In May 2022, we organized the 3rd International Library Staff Week. In total 23 attendees from 17 different institutions and 13 different countries attended our event. In May 2023, we organized the 4th International Library Staff Week with again an excellent librarian group from various countries around the world. In May 2024, we hosted the 5th International Library Staff Week with 26 attendees from 14 countries and 18 different libraries.
We strongly believe that international events as such, offer the opportunity to share different professional and cultural backgrounds and experience in a friendly and relaxed environment and is a great start for potential joint projects.
In addition, Istanbul is a unique place to visit and Koç University stands strong in the international educational and research arena. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the experience!
Main theme
Themed "A United Future: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in Libraries," the 6th Istanbul International Library Staff Week will be a platform to engage in critical conversations and explore solutions-centered approaches to the challenges facing the profession. This theme encompasses various subjects under how libraries can be committed to removing barriers to services and promoting a culture of inclusiveness to enable all users to make the best of library services.
During this week, we will search for the answers to questions such as:
- How do equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging factor into your daily life as a librarian?
- What's the single biggest challenge facing libraries when it comes to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging?
- What are some effective ways libraries can promote equity,diversity,inclusion and belonging in their communities?
Definitions in the American Library Association’s Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:
“Equity” takes difference into account to ensure a fair process and, ultimately, a fair outcome. Equity recognizes that some groups were (and are) disadvantaged in accessing educational and employment opportunities and are, therefore, underrepresented or marginalized in many organizations and institutions. Equity, therefore, means increasing diversity by ameliorating conditions of disadvantaged groups.
“Diversity” can be defined as the sum of the ways that people are both alike and different. When we recognize, value, and embrace diversity, we are recognizing, valuing, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual.
“Inclusion” means an environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully; are valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives; have equal access to resources and opportunities; and can contribute fully to the organization’s success.