Strengthening Library Practice: Erasmus Staff Week at the University of Algarve

From 11 to 15 May, 2026, we had the privilege of representing the University of Malta at the Erasmus Staff Week for Librarians, hosted by the University of Algarve in Portugal (UAlg). This mobility initiative brought together information and documentation professionals to share best practices, reflect on institutional realities, and explore ways to enhance library services. The primary purpose of the visit was to strengthen international cooperation and benchmark our local operations against European standards. The intensive program spanned UAlg’s Gambelas and Penha campuses, as well as the Lagos Public Library, offering a holistic view of academic and public library management.

Key Areas of Knowledge Exchange

The technical sessions and site visits focused on four strategic pillars of modern librarianship:

• Digital Services & Discovery Tools: Evaluating technology integration to optimise resource discoverability for library users.
• Repositories & Open Access: Analysing institutional approaches to Open Science, repository management, and scientific diffusion.
• User Engagement & Learning Spaces: Observing student-centred academic environments and public library community outreach.
• Library Archives: Reviewing document processing, cataloguing, and physical archive management workflows.

In addition to core library functions, the program explored cultural extension services, library communication, and how libraries directly support scientific research and development centres.

Strategic Takeaways and Action Plan

This initiative provided valuable benchmarking insights that align with the ongoing strategic development of the University of Malta Library. Moving forward, we have identified three priority follow-up actions:

• Internal Knowledge Sharing: Sharing key findings and insights with Library Management.
• Information Literacy & AI Integration: Reviewing current information literacy programs against our benchmarking insights, with a specific focus on integrating AI initiatives.
• Maintaining Partner Networks: Solidifying newly established contacts to foster future collaborations on shared digital initiatives across the SEA-EU network.

In conclusion, the Erasmus Staff Week at the University of Algarve proved to be an exceptionally rewarding experience that underscored the vital role of international collaboration in modern librarianship. By benchmarking our workflows against European standards, we have returned with actionable strategies to enhance our digital services, research support, and community spaces.