Open to Diplomacy? Libraries, Knowledge, and Global Challenges

As libraries continue to advocate for and facilitate open access to knowledge, many also demonstrate support for climate action as they recognise the threat that climate change poses to communities they partner with. The creation and sharing of open knowledge (in local and global contexts) provides opportunities for dialogue around inclusion, diversity, and equitable practices.It speaks to libraries supporting the SDGs, climate action, and open access in a global knowledge landscape and the potential for strengthening collaboration and policy action.

This session will explore the role of libraries in and for diplomacy, focusing on contributions to open scholarship and knowledge. It addresses the many types of diplomacy that different libraries may engage in, including knowledge, cultural science, education, and public diplomacy.

The presentation draws from preliminary doctoral research findings and theory as it explores the role of open scholarship in local and global research collaboration. The potential for libraries to contribute to strengthening international relationships is addressed and includes the need to recognise diverse partners in addressing global challenges.

Author Bio

Emilia Bell is a library practitioner, researcher, and PhD candidate. They currently lead the Evidence Based Practice library team at the University of Southern Queensland, where they contribute to developing an evidence-based culture to support service improvement, decision-making, and value and impact. Emilia’s doctoral research delves into open knowledge diplomacy, exploring the role of Australian university libraries in fostering open practices for climate scholarship. Emilia is committed to advancing inclusive and impactful initiatives within library and academic communities. They are the co-Founder of ANDPA (Association of Neurodivergent and Disabled GLAMR Professionals Australia) and serve as a member of various committees and groups, including ALIA LARK (Library Applied Research Kollektive).