The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth will join other organisations across the UK to celebrate Libraries Week from October 7 – 12.
This year’s theme is ‘Libraries in the Digital World’ and a series of exciting events will be held at the library as part of the celebrations, including an amazing guided tour.
Visitors will be given the opportunity to go behind the scenes of the library in the form of virtual reality headsets and explore areas such as the book stacks, hidden cells, conservation unit, digitisation section and much more.
The library is now integrating the use of the Smartify App into its exhibitions, which enables users to engage with its collections in new and exciting ways. Smartify is a global app that produces comprehensive information about items and collections when they are scanned with smart devices, such as mobile phones.
For Libraries Week 2019, the library has expanded its use of the app and visitors are encouraged to pop into the building to experience the technology for themselves.
Libraries Week 2019 is also an opportunity to celebrate the library’s digital engagement work, which includes a Translatathon by the National Wikimedian at Aberystwyth University.
The library, in partnership with Menter Iaith Môn, is working on a ‘WiciLlên’ (Wici-Literature) project that aims to improve the quality of content and data on Wikipedia about Welsh literature. As part of the project, funded by the Welsh Government, a series of workshops will be held across the country focusing on Welsh literature.
During the week, remember to keep an eye on the library’s social media account where visitors will get a taste of the library’s digital resources, services and collections along with some interesting facts and quizzes.
There will also be an opportunity for people to have their say on the role of libraries in today’s world on these social channels.
Pedr ap Llwyd, the national library’s chief executive and librarian, said:
“We look forward to marking Libraries Week 2019, which this year celebrates the vital role of libraries in the digital age.
“At the national library, we welcome every opportunity to embrace new technologies to enable deeper engagement with our collections and expand online access, not only to more people across Wales, but globally.
“Widening access to information and supporting individuals and communities in their interpretation and engagement with our collection are among our top priorities.”
Dafydd Tudur, head of digital access, said: “Libraries Week 2019 is a great opportunity for us to draw attention to the variety of ways we use digital technology as a way to enable people to search and find information, and enhance their use and experience of our collections.
“With digital media now a vital part of everyday life for most people, the national library’s collections and services are also becoming part of people’s daily lives across Wales and beyond.”
