21-25th of September, 2026, HMU, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
We would like to invite you to our International Week that will be held from September 21 to September 25, 2026 at the Central Library of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, located in the city of Heraklion in Greece.
Academic libraries face significant challenges resulting from declining budgets and aging staff. Hard times require hard work and collaboration and the exchange of experiences is important. Getting together and sharing our knowledge and ideas is the basic purpose of this international week that we organize. Our program appeals mostly to librarians with a background in Open Science, Library Services for Persons with Disabilities, Library consortiums, Information literacy, Empowerment of local communities.
Presentations and social events aim to provide our participants with both knowledge and leisure that they expect to find in a country like Greece!
The programme comprises presentations, library and cultural site visits, and social events.
The main themes that will be covered include:
- Library consortiums
- Library Services for Persons with Disabilities
- Open Science, Open Access
- Information literacy
- Empowerment of local communities
An additional main objective of the training week is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the participants and the Hellenic Mediterranean University’s library staff and of networking prospects. The programme outline is a preliminary one and does not include the social programme activities (these will be included in the final programme).
We invite every person involving in the library field to join our International Week. You will have the opportunity to enjoy Greek hospitality and get to know the Cretan culture which is influenced by Minoan, Venetian and Turkish culture.
Meet the speakers
Panagiotis Kavouras
Physicist, MSc, PhD Research Integrity, Open Science, and Communication expert, HEAL-Link Office - Library and Information Centre, Aristotle University
Ntina Kakali
Director, Library and Information Centre, Panteion Univerisity, AMELib: Accessible Multi-modal Electronic Library
Korina Defteraiou
Education and Outreach Executive, Web2learn
George Katsamakis
Librarian, Dataly Tech
Olena Dubova
Senior Librarian, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania
Aristoula Papaioannou
Director, Library and Information Centre, University of Ioannina
Marie-Pierre WYNANDS
Director of Information, Culture and Heritage, Catholic University of Lille, France
Marlena Wolska
Senior Administrative Specialist, AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland
Mohamed El-Adl
Former Vice Manager of the Center for Persons with Disabilities, Mansoura University, Egypt
Ana Alice de Sousa Peixoto Lopes
Technical Officer, CDUA - Center for Documentation of Urban Planning and Architecture Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto
Asma Alwreikat
Director, Learning and Teaching Technology Center, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
Daiva Steponaviciene
Senior Specialist Scientific Communication Department, Library, Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania
Cornelia Stanciu & Viorica Șerban
National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), Romania
Andrew Ojulong
Head Librarian , Lira University, Uganda
Theodora Karaiskou
Library and Information Centre, University of Patras
Atahnasia Salamoura
Library and Information Centre, University of Patras
Kostas Petridis
Vice Rector of Internationalization, HMU
Katerina Voutiraki
Head of Library and Information Centre, HMU
Michelle Latimer
University of Warsaw, Poland
Dr Gareth Owens
Head of IRO, HMU
George Vardalachakis
Event Manager, HMU, Greece
Agnieszka Jakubik
University of Warsaw, Poland
Eirini Dragasaki
Kundourios Municipal Library of Agios Nikolaos
Marta Sponsiello
Law Library - University of Rome Tor Vergata / Italy
Nikolaos Dederakis
Public Central Library of Rethymnon
Program
| Monday, 21st Share good Library policies for persons with disabilities |
Tuesday, 22nd Information & AI literacy for Libraries and a glance in the future |
Wednesday, 23rd Library Consortiums & Associations |
Thursday, 24th Open Science & Access |
Friday, 25th Empowerment of local communities & Good Policies |
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| 10:15 - 11:00 | Welcome in HMU- Welcome from the HMU Rector (Nektarios Papadogiannis) - Welcome from the IRO Academic Director (Ioannis Daliakopoulos) - Welcome from the HMU Library Director (Michalis Panagiotakis) |
Smart Learning in Twenty Minutes: Promoting Information and AI Literacy among University Staff (Asma Alwreikat, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt / Jordan)
Summary“Smart Learning in Twenty Minutes” is a microlearning initiative designed to strengthen AI literacy among university staff through accessible learning sessions. Each twenty-minute session introduces an emerging AI tool, concept, or application relevant to teaching, assessment, research, and digital content creation, followed by brief discussion and exchange of experiences. The initiative supports continuous professional development, encourages responsible and ethical AI use, and helps staff integrate AI confidently into academic practice. This presentation highlights the initiative’s design, implementation, engagement approach, and institutional impact, offering a scalable model that academic libraries and universities can adapt to promote digital transformation and lifelong learning.
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An Introduction to Hellenic Academic Libraries Consortium (Katerina Voutiraki, Hellenic Mediterranean University / Greece)
AbstractThis section presents the consortium’s history and the online access to journals, books, and databases that it provides. In addition, reference is made to services related to open access agreements, the Legal Advisory Service for Intellectual Property Issues, AMELib (Accessible Multi-modal Electronic Library), the Academic Libraries Quality Assurance Unit, HERMES (Higher Education Research Metrics System), HARDMIN (Hellenic Academic Research Data Management Initiative), and the Knowledge Hub. Special mention is made of the ILSaS+ project, the innovative central infrastructure that offers a comprehensive library-as-a-service environment and the new services it provides to its members.
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Co-creating accessible audiobooks: how academic libraries can build sustainable volunteer communities for open and equitable access to knowledge(Korina Defteraiou, Web2Learn / Greece)
SummaryThis presentation will showcase the action “Audiobooks for equal access to knowledge” implemented by Web2Learn in collaboration with the Panteion University Library and its Information Centre. The action engages volunteers through crowdsourcing in the collective creation of open audiobooks for users with print disabilities. Given the continuous need for accessible materials, the action prioritised sustainability and transferability by establishing a structured methodology. To this end, a sustainability toolkit was developed to be easily replicated and adapted by libraries operating in diverse contexts. The action was part of the EU-funded project CAELUM: Open science supporting vulnerable communities: empowering university libraries in crisis response.
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Documentation Center of the Faculty of Architecture(Ana Alice de Sousa Peixoto Lopes, Center for Documentation of Urban Planning and Architecture Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto / Portugal) |
| 11:00 - 11:30 | Icebraking Activity: Speed up dating(Moderated by Vardalachakis) |
Making Research Visible: The Library's Role in VDU CRIS (Daiva Steponaviciene, Vytautas Magnus University / Lithuania)
SummaryVytautas Magnus University Research Management System (VDU CRIS) grew from a library initiative into the central research information system of Vytautas Magnus University. Developed by the team itself using the DSpace platform and open-source technologies, this system brings together publications, researcher profiles, projects, theses, dissertations, and research data into a single, interconnected ecosystem. The university library played a key role in developing this system: it optimized workflows, ensured the quality of metadata, supported open science practices, and provided analytical services. By integrating ORCID, Scopus, Web of Science, and other platforms, VDU CRIS enhances the visibility, accessibility, and impact of the university’s research, while serving as a key component of its research infrastructure.
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Library Leadership, Strategic Partnerships and Consortium Development: Experiences from Uganda and Africa(Andrew Ojulong, Lira University / Uganda) |
From idea to sustainable action: Designing participatory actions in libraries for equal access to knowledge (Korina Defteraiou, Web2Learn / Greece)
SummaryThe aim of the workshop is to engage library staff in designing sustainable actions that will mobilise communities of volunteers through crowdsourcing, with the aim of collectively creating audiobooks and accessible content for users with print disabilities. The workshop will be based on the sustainability toolkit developed as part of the action “Audiobooks for equal access to knowledge”, implemented by Web2Learn in collaboration with Panteion University Library and its Information Centre as part of the EU-funded project CAELUM. Participants will work in teams to develop their own action plan for implementing collective actions for audiobook creation through crowdsourcing.
Main target audience: library staff members Duration: 75 minutes Audience: 20-30 participants |
Libraries and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Advancing Inclusive Knowledge Societies(Andrew Ojulong, Lira University / Uganda) |
| 11:30 - 12:00 |
The HMU Academic Library: An Overview (Katerina Voutiraki, Hellenic Mediterranean University / Greece)
AbstractThis section presents the services provided to members of the academic community at the Hellenic Mediterranean University, as well as to external users. The Library is a pillar of the educational process and research, as it supports the university’s faculty, students, and researchers. Special mention is made of the support service for print-disabled users, as well as how the Library has implemented equal access to higher education and established its team of volunteers who support the service. It also explains how the harmonization of Greek legislation with European law—specifically with the Marrakesh Treaty, which was signed on behalf of the European Union—has affected the situation in Greece. The Library’s future plans are also presented.
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Libraries as changemakers: reimagining the James Joyce Library and its role on campus(Michelle Latimer, University of Warsaw / Poland) | Quality Assurance Unit of Academic Libraries(Arietta Papaioannou, HEAL-Link, Greece) - Online | Laboratory in OPEN SCIENCE(Korina Defteraiou, Web2Learn / Greece) | The Koundoureios Municipal Library as a space for learning, culture, and creativity: A journey of discovery through reading, education, and children’s participation (Eirini Dragasaki /Greece) |
| 12:00 - 12:15 | Short Break | ||||
| 12:15 - 12:45 |
The role of the Egyptian government in establishing the rights of persons with disabilities with special respect for library services (Mohamed ElAdl, Mansoura University / Egypt)
SummaryEgyptian government, represented by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, is committed to the inclusion of students with disabilities from the initiation of their school life to the graduation of college through enforcing policies and equality for academic access and waiver of tuition fees, as well as the commitment of providing accessible library services. The removal of barriers of learning and the implementation of assistive technologies with complete access to digital repositories, and providing physical spaces and braille resources to ensure equal access of knowledge and empower students with disabilities to gain knowledge and achieve success in life.
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Information Literacy in the Age of AI: The Experience of VILNIUS TECH Library (Olena Dubova, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University / Lithuania)
SummaryArtificial intelligence is becoming an important part of academic study and research. In this presentation, we will share the experience of VILNIUS TECH Library in integrating AI into information literacy training. We will present the AI tools available in our virtual library and subscribed databases, show how they are introduced during library training sessions, and discuss the importance of combining these new technologies with critical evaluation, responsible AI use, and traditional information literacy skills.
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Library consortiums and development of the nationwide library network in Poland Agnieszka Jakubik, University of Warsaw / Poland
SummaryA significant portion of the collections held by Polish academic libraries remains invisible online, and even uncatalogued. Therefore, a key objective of the Polish digital strategy until 2035 is to ensure access to information about these collections via publicly accessible central catalogue systems.
In my presentation, I will briefly outline the progress made on the digital integration of Polish academic libraries using the Alma library services platform. |
The OPEN Science in Greece: principles and practices of Open Science, its connections with Research Integrity and the relevant services offered by HEAL-Link(Panagiotis Kavouras, HEAL-Link, Greece) - Online | Modern Academic Library: Organisation, Services, Challenges and Accessibility for Users, and Financial Management – the Case of AGH with the Use of the SAP System(Marlena Wolska and Beata Strzelec Waktor, AGH University of Krakow / Poland) |
| 12:45 - 13:15 | AMELib: Accessible Multi-modal Electronic Library(Ntina Kakali, HEAL-Link, Greece) - Online | The impact of AI in Academic Libraries(Konstantinos Petridis, Hellenic Mediterranean University / Greece) | Koha: open source library system(George Katsamakis, Dataly Tech / Greece) |
HEAL-Link's Scholarly Communication Unit: Supporting Open Science (Theodora Karaiskou & Atahnasia Salamoura, HEAL-Link, Greece) - Online
SummaryThis session presents the key services provided by the Scholarly Communication Unit at HEAL-Link, focusing on transformative Open Access agreements with publishers, the HERMES (Higher Education Research Metrics System), and HARDMIN, the national research data repository. Participants will gain an overview of how these services support researchers, research institutions, and Open Science practices in Greece.
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Public Central Library of Rethymnon (Nikolaos Dederakis, Public Central Library of Rethymnon) |
| 13:15 - 14:30 | Lunch Break | ||||
| 14:30 - 15:30 | Round table in the topic for more accessible Libraries(Moderator: Katerina Voutiraki, Panelists Mohamed ElAdl, Agnieszka Jakubik, Ntina Kakali) | Round table in the topic of AI & Information Literacy(Moderator: Konstantinos Petridis, Panelists: TBA) | Round table in Academic Library Associations(Moderator: Ioannis Daliakopoulos, Panelists Agnieszka Jakubik) |
SNSPA Open Science: From Vision to Community and Practice (Cornelia Mihaela Stanciu & Viorica Șerban, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration / Romania)
SummaryThis presentation explores SNSPA’s institutional journey toward integrating Open Science into its research and academic practices. Grounded in democratic values and strengthened through SNSPA’s participation in CIVICA European Alliance, this transformation reflects a coherent institutional vision supported by strategic initiatives, capacity-building activities, and community engagement. The SNSPA Library plays a central role in awareness-raising, training, and researcher support across the research lifecycle. The presentation highlights three library-coordinated projects—SUCCES@SNSPA (2024), CONCERT@SNSPA (2025), and ECOS_AI@SNSPA (2026)—which illustrate how collaboration and targeted services foster an emerging Open Science culture. It concludes with lessons learned and future directions for sustainable institutional change.
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Law Library - University of Rome Tor Vergata (Marta Sponsiello, Law Library - University of Rome Tor Vergata / Italy) |
| 15:30 - 17:00 | Campus Tour within the HMU Campus(Dr Gareth Owens) |
Supercharged by AI: an IFLA exhibition - intervention at Greek libraries (Katerina Voutiraki, Hellenic Mediterranean University / Greece)
AbstractThis presentation refers to the recent IFLA project entitled "Supercharged by AI", which was implemented by six libraries in different regions of the country with the support of AGLIS. Specifically, IFLA in collaboration with the Polytechnico di Milano designed a creative intervention about the impact of Artificial Intelligence on several daily activities, ranging from social networks and public participation to more serious cases of financial and sexual harassment. The exhibition, which was accompanied by various actions and events, took place in the following libraries: Municipal Library of Piraeus, Library of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, Municipal Library of Thessaloniki, Library of the University of Macedonia, Koraes Central Historical Public Library of Chios and Kalambaka Library. The paper presents the collaborative processes and best practices followed during the selection of libraries and the team that dealt with the preparation-processing of the material, as well as the final realization of the exhibitions. It also highlights the added value of cooperation and re-use of resources between Library Associations, as well as between libraries in the country on very important issues that concern modern society, such as Artificial Intelligence. Finally, the contribution of libraries to the empowerment of citizens and the strengthening of social resilience is highlighted.
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| 17:00 - 18:00 | Knossos Minoan Palace Visit(Dr G. Owens) | Candia Venetian Walls Tour(Kallia Nikolidaki) | |||
| 20:00 - 23:00 | Farewell Dinner @Petousis | ||||
The Venue
Address: Central Library, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), Estavromenos, 71410 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
View HMU on Google Maps
The International Week will take place at the Central Library of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), located on the University’s main campus in Heraklion, Crete.
Getting to HMU from Heraklion city centre
The most convenient bus stop for participants staying in the city centre is “Platia Eleftherias – Astoria” (Liberty Square – Astoria), located at Eleftherias Square in the heart of Heraklion.
View Liberty Square – Astoria on Google Maps
From there, take Bus Line No. 12 in the direction of EL.ME.PA. (Hellenic Mediterranean University). The bus stops at the HMU campus and the journey from the city centre takes approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Line 12 connects Heraklion Airport with HMU, passing through the city centre. Participants staying in the centre can therefore board the bus directly at the Liberty Square – Astoria stop.
Google Maps directions from Liberty Square to HMU by public transport
Bus schedules may vary during the year. Participants are advised to check the latest timetable before travelling.
Bus information:
- Heraklion Urban Bus – Official Timetables
- Live Bus Arrivals / Telematics
- Heraklion Urban Bus official website and mobile app information
For trips within Zone A, which includes HMU, the regular ticket currently costs €1.30 when purchased before boarding and €2.30 when purchased on the bus.
By taxi
A convenient taxi rank for participants staying in the city centre is located in the Eleftherias Square – Astoria area, close to the main bus stop.
View taxis near Eleftherias Square – Astoria on Google Maps
Another taxi rank is available at Kornarou Square, also within easy walking distance of many hotels in the city centre.
View Kornarou Square taxi rank on Google Maps
A taxi ride from Heraklion city centre to HMU usually takes approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact pick-up location.
Taxis can also be booked through mobile applications. FREENOW operates in Heraklion and allows passengers to request and track a taxi directly through the app. Participants may also use Knossos Taxi, a local taxi-booking service operating in Heraklion.
Organising Committee
Katerina Voutiraki
Head of Library and Information Centre, Directorate of Informatics and Library, Hellenic Mediterranean University.
Dr. Ioannis Daliakopoulos
Assistant Professor, Academic Coordinator of the IRO of the HMU
Prof. Kostas Petridis
Vice Rector of Internationalization and Extroversion, HMU
Applications
To take part, you need to register here.
The maximum number of participants is 40, while there are no registration or participation fees. However, participants should make arrangements on their own regarding travel, accommodation and living, the cost of which should be covered by Erasmus+ mobility grants from their home institutions.
The working language of the training week will be English.
The application deadline is Friday June 19th, 2025. Applications will be evaluated on a first come first served basis, while relative replies will be sent immediately after evaluating each application.
Erasmus participants from EU countries:
Dr. Gareth Owens, International Relations Office Director
E-mail: ogareth@hmu.gr
Telephone: +302810379312
International participants from non-European countries:
Ms Christina Giatsina, IRO Administrative Staff
Email: kristinag@hmu.gr
Telephone: +302810-379174
Past events
