Libraries Navigating the Digital Shift
Under the theme “Libraries and the Challenges of the Digital World. Impact – Adaptability – Sustainability”, the four-day event (2–5 September 2025) brought together library professionals from across Romania and internationally. With a program of plenary sessions, workshops, and working groups, attendees engaged in timely discussions about the future of knowledge management and information services.
The conversations were both future-focused and grounded in real-world application.
Sarah Thompson, General Manager of Softlink Information Centres, spoke at the conference which reflected upon the unique collaboration between Softlink’s global team and its trusted local partner, Softlink Central Europe.
“It’s a great privilege to work with such an experienced team here in Romania,” she said. “Together, we’re not just providing technology - we’re delivering local expertise, long-term support, and real results for libraries.”
Sarah also extended her congratulations to the Bihor County Council and the Gheorghe Șincai Library team:
“Being in software, we don’t often see the visual impact of our work. But standing in this space and seeing the transformation firsthand is incredibly rewarding. This new model has the potential to inspire other counties in Romania.”
Global Perspective, Local Impact
Throughout the conference, Sarah delivered three presentations designed to offer practical insights for libraries at different stages of digital transformation:
- In the opening keynote, she addressed the need for resilient digital infrastructure and celebrated how local partnerships can deliver long-term success – highlighting the Bihor project as a potential blueprint for other regions.
- During a session on project management, Sarah explored the power of collaboration through user groups, illustrating how community-driven feedback can strengthen implementations and ongoing innovation.
- In the final presentation, we showcased ways to boost user engagement through Liberty Digital, with a focus on AI-assisted metadata, mobile discovery, and hybrid access. While originally planned as a live demo, the session was pivoted into a slide presentation, still sparking valuable conversations with attendees across sectors.
“This conference was a powerful reminder of the resilience and adaptability of the library community. The shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and access will shape the future of libraries in Romania. Congratulations to Bihor County on the opening of their new library! It’s a promising model for others to explore, and we’re open to supporting similar initiatives where we can,” said Sarah Thompson.
Sarah Thompson, Softlink IC’s General Manager speaking at the ABR, 2025
Takeaways from ABR 2025
The conference delivered a clear message to delegates: libraries aren’t just keeping pace – they’re leading the charge. Key takeaways included:
- Technology is central to transformation. From AI to mobile-ready systems, digital tools are helping libraries meet modern demands.
- Hybrid collections require unified solutions. Managing physical and digital resources separately is no longer viable.
- Collaboration across library sectors creates better outcomes. School, academic, public, and special libraries all benefit from shared ideas.
- Sustainability and strategic planning are essential. Romanian libraries are future-focused, investing in long-term solutions.
A Regional Model for Progress
The event also marked the showcase of a standout achievement: the reopening of the Gheorghe Șincai County Library following extensive modernization. With 24/7 access, digitized services, and Liberty powering library management across 26 libraries in Bihor County, the region has become a beacon for digital library innovation. This model may well inspire other counties in Romania to follow suit.
Inside the “Gheorghe Șincai” Bihor County Library for the ABR, 2025
A Note of Thanks
We’d like to thank the Romanian Library Association, the hosts at University of Oradea, and our valued partner Softlink Central Europe for their role in making ABR 2025 such a success. And of course, thank you to all the attendees for welcoming us so warmly.
ABR 2025 Attendees
We’re proud to support libraries around the world as they lead the way into the digital future and we look forward to connecting with more of you at upcoming conferences across Europe and beyond.
References
More about the conference: ABR 2025 Official Site
Reopening of Gheorghe Șincai Library: Romania Insider| Bihor County Council
Softlink Central Europe: Visit their website