Skills sharing across the pond: UoL-UGA library staff symposium
Earlier this month we spoke to Dr Matt Greenhall, Director of Libraries, Museums and Galleries, about the University’s exciting partnership with the University of Georgia Athens (UGA). Here Dr Greenhall shares with us the benefits of this partnership, the opportunities presented by joint symposiums, and the strategic vision for the University’s Libraries, Museums and Galleries.
As part of the ongoing development of the University’s global partnerships, colleagues from Libraries, Museums, and Galleries have created a close working relationship with their counterparts at the University of Georgia Athens (UGA).
There are many things which our libraries and museums have in common. We are custodians of large and diverse collections, we work to support teaching, learning and research across our institutions, and lead visible and impactful work with our surrounding communities. We utilise our expertise and knowledge to further scholarship within and beyond the university and play a central role in the student experience.
These commonalities are a fertile ground for collaboration and knowledge exchange between us. One way in which we have done this is through a series of joint virtual staff symposiums.
Symposiums
Some of the activity from the symposium
Our first joint symposium was held in December 2024 and featured 28 speakers and showcased work across our libraries and museums, and the Liverpool University and University of Georgia Presses. Through presentations and virtual tours, colleagues shared insights into our collections, services, and community outreach initiatives. Over 120 participants engaged in these discussions, both online and in person through two ‘watch parties’ held in our buildings.
Although on other sides of the world, these conversations have emphasised that we have much in common: Liverpool is home to Europe’s largest science fiction collection, whereas UGA libraries also have an important and growing Sci-Fi collection. We both care for large music archives, work closely with our university presses, and are developing our digital scholarship capabilities. We’re both investing in our spaces and services to keep pace with changing user demands and expectations.
Yet presentations also highlighted many differences, including that we work within different national research and funding landscapes. This level of similarity and difference is a fertile backdrop for collaboration.
Building on this success, a second symposium is planned for May 2025, focusing on interactive "long table discussions" to foster deeper collaboration among colleagues and teams, within and beyond our Libraries, Museums and Galleries.
Growing relationship
Matt Greenhall and Joanne Fitton with Executive Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Fiona Beveridge, visiting the Georgia Museum, April 2024
These events are one element of a growing relationship between Liverpool and UGA’s libraries and museums, as part of the wider partnership between our two universities. Recent activities have included joint workshops between library staff, in-person visits to our respective facilities, and our growing support of research partnerships as part of the wider UoL-UGA relationships.
Developing the role and impact of our Libraries and Museums within the University’s global partnerships, including with UGA, is an important element of our strategic plan, Reimagining Libraries, Museums and Galleries.
This strategic plan is an invitation to all of our users, visitors and stakeholders to work with us as we work towards our ambitions. This includes our alumni community and we always welcome your support, expertise and experience in helping us to deliver our mission. To learn more about the work of Libraries, Museums and Galleries, including the partnership work with Georgia, read our annual report 2023-2024.