• 2023-06-06

The National Central Library's “Future Makers Incubator for All－A Newly Launched Open Lab Multimedia Center of National Central Library, Taiwan” is awarded “the 2023 American Library Association (ALA) Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Project.” ALA was founded in 1876. Headquartered in Chicago, it is one of the oldest and largest library association in the world. The ALA Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Projects began as an ALA Presidential initiative of Dr. Loriene Roy, ALA President in 2007-2008 and Notable IRRT Member. Citations are awarded each year by the ALA President at the International Relations Round Table (IRRT) International Librarians Reception during the ALA Annual Conference to recognize innovative contributions to international librarianship. IRRT is a Round Table of the American Library Association with a mission to develop the interests of librarians in activities and problems in the field of international library relations.

In 2010, IRRT was invited to collaborate with future ALA Presidents in the nomination and award process. At this time, a decision was made to change the previous title, ALA Presidential Citation for International Innovation to ALA Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Projects. Two of the primary considerations are that the project can continue indefinitely and that it can be a model for other libraries. National Central Library previously received this citation in 2011, 2015, 2020 for its projects “E-Publication Platform System”, “Taiwan Centers for Chinese Studies” (set up around the globe), “Igniting the Public's Passion for Reading” respectively. This year “2023” marks the fourth time of receiving the ALA presidential citation. OPEN LAB is one of two projects to win awards this year. The award will be presented on June 26, 2023, at America's Chicago Public Library.

The features of OPEN LAB include:

(1) Open to all, regardless of age; young people, the artistic and creative or travelers, everyone can find private space for reading and learning.

(2) A practice environment and user-friendly spatial design: revitalizes old space, achieving the UN SDG's sustainable development objectives; amply utilizing circular space, guiding readers from reading space (static space) to creator space (dynamic space) by streamlined and penetrating bookshelves, accompanied by movable compartments and furniture, enabling the use of space to be adjusted flexibly in accordance with their movable character.

(3) To establish a platform that encourages cooperation, facilitates collaboration, and stimulates creativity: planning a diverse creative practice base and learning-sharing place, covering the four elements of exploration, experience, learning, and inspiration, and providing readers of different generations with space for exchanges and cross-disciplinary cooperation in exploration, learning and creation. Through the collection of books and activities in the library, the public can be inspired, and then stimulated to be creative, before, through diverse courses and practical experience with equipment, realizing multiple values, such as inspiration and creativity, and enhancing competitiveness.

Director-General Shu-hsien Tseng said that under the guidance and support of the Ministry of Education, the National Central Library's OPEN LAB would conform with the world trend and continue to improve and innovate, serving as a demonstration base for the construction of self-made creator spaces in public libraries in municipalities, counties and cities in Taiwan and becoming a new benchmark in domestic and international librarianship.

OPEN LAB official website：https://open.ncl.edu.tw/

More information about OPEN LAB activities：https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087211959494