Retrospective
Review of the Online Event "Digital Strategy for Archives and Public Libraries"
On the 12th of February 2025, the Brandenburg State Office for Archives and Public Libraries organised an online event on the topic of "Digital Strategy for Archives and Public Libraries". This was aimed jointly at employees of Brandenburg's archives and libraries. The aim was to provide insights into the development and implementation of digital strategies and to demonstrate their added value.
Goals, benefits and structure of a digital strategy
Ulf Preuß, head of the Brandenburg-digital coordination centre, kicked things off. In his presentation, he explained the fundamental goals, benefits and structure of a digital strategy for archives and libraries. He emphasised that a digital strategy can not only contribute to structuring and possibly optimising internal processes, but can also increase the visibility of existing services for the public. The thematic focuses of digital strategies and examples of their structure were presented in detail. The presentation concluded with a reference to funding opportunities and frameworks. A planning aid for the DIWA funding programme is available.
Insight into the process of creating and the SLB's digital strategy
In the second part of the event, Roger Thiel from the Potsdam City and State Library (SLB) shared his experiences and insights from the process of creating the SLB's digital strategy. Thiel presented the key steps that led to the development of the strategy and discussed the challenges and success factors. In particular, the advantages of the participatory approach in the creation of the SNL's digital strategy were presented and emphasised as a success factor. The SBL's digital strategy focuses on seven fields of action in order to efficiently implement digital projects and promote digital expertise. The current status, the desired goals and specific prospects for action are analysed for each area of activity. The SBL's digital strategy has been published and is available to view.
Conclusion and outlook
The event provided an excellent platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience on the topic of digital strategies in archives and libraries. The presentations by Ulf Preuß and Roger Thiel provided valuable impulses and practical examples that can serve as a guide for the participants. Thankfully, the two speakers and, of course, the Brandenburg State Office for Archives and Public Libraries are always available to answer questions in order to promote dialogue and cooperation in this important area.
The following article provides further insight into the topic: Ulf Preuß,"Digital Change in Culture – Libraries and Funding in the State of Brandenburg". LIBREAS. Library Ideas, 46 (2024).
A big thank you to all speakers and participants for the productive and goal-oriented, friendly exchange. Further events of the State Specialist Centre for Archives and Public Libraries.
