30 October 2018

Centennial Conference of the National Library of Estonia

On 25–26 of October Prof. Dr. Renaldas Gudauskas, Director General of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, participated in the international conference entitled “Imagine a National Library” held at the National Library of Estonia. The event was dedicated to the 100th year anniversary of the main library of Estonia. The following were the main topics discussed at the conference: the challenges of the digital age, libraries’ engagement with society, social role of libraries, the library as a physical and virtual space, current functions and future prospects of national libraries, national libraries and cultural heritage.

The conference also included a round table discussion of the directors of the Baltic region’s national libraries. The attendees discussed future visions for the national libraries and future prospects for these memory preservation institutions.

The key conclusion of the conference was that National Libraries are the main institutions safeguarding statehood and ensuring the preservation and dissemination of the national identity. It is meaningful to maintain this strategic direction in preparation for the 100th year anniversary of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania to be celebrated in 2019.