On 12th and 13th of May 2025 the Europe Regional Division Committee organised its mid-term meeting focusing on collaboration opportunities under the theme “Regional Cooperation in the Library Field in Europe”. The meeting, which was attended by librarians from across Europe, took place in the beautiful MEF University and Library in Istanbul, thanks to the MEF University Library director and the EURDC’s chair, Ertuğrul Çimen.

The opening speech was delivered by Sharon Memis, Secretary General of IFLA, who presented IFLA’s history and stressed its role in supporting libraries and democracy over the years. The four following sessions focused on different topics particulary engaging European libraries today: regional collaboration, building stronger library communities, democracy and advocacy for libraries. Speakers included not only EURDC members, but also invited guests, including Loida Garcia Febo Chair of the IFLA Management of Library Associations Section, Anthi Katsirikou Chair of the Association of Greek Librarians and Information Scientists, Erol Gökduman Vice President of the Turkish Librarians Association, Jonathan Hernández Pérez Chair of the IFLA Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression, Jane Cowell Chair of the IFLA Public Libraries Section, Prof. Dr. Ekrem Kurt from the Faculty of Law at MEF University and Kate Robinson Chair of CILIP’s Board of Trustees, President of IATUL and University Librarian University of Bath, UK.

During the meeting EURDC’s working groups were also able to present the results of their work, including the outcomes of concluded interviews and surveys concerning the impact of library advocacy initiatives and the evaluation of needs for library professional development.

The mid-term meeting was concluded with a session for all IFLA Regional Divisions, which was attended by Alejandro Lorenzo César Santa, chair of IFLA Regional Council and chairs of all regional divisions.

The two days were full of interesting and inspiring presentations, talks, meetings and the exchange of thoughts and experiences. The meeting was particularly enjoyed by EURDC members for whom this was one of the last meetings before the end of their term.