The National Science Library in Tbilisi, Georgia will host a workshop on 27-28 April 2023 emphasising the role and function of libraries in the development of science. Co-organised with the EU4Digital: Connecting Research and Education Communities (EaPConnect) project and its partner GRENA, the Georgian Research and Educational Networking Association, the event will explore how open e-infrastructures have become an important aspect of libraries. 

The history of the National Science Library of Georgia shows the evolution of libraries from repositories of books to open science forerunners. Along with 4 million printed books, this library offers a wide range of open electronic infrastructures including an open-source online catalogue, openjournals.ge, an open journals system-based platform, openlibrary.ge, an open source system repository of non-scientific resources, and openscience.ge – the first open source and open access library repository of scientific works in Georgia. Such evolution would not have been possible without the support of GRENA, which provides reliable high-bandwidth connectivity and digital services with the support of EaPConnect, geared to meet the requirements of the country’s research and education community. 

This workshop will bring together representatives of different countries who are developing or already managing e-infrastructures for their scientific community. Participants will have the opportunity to share knowledge and expertise, plan future partnerships, develop ideas and start building an international community. The programme will feature presentations from Georgian, EU and international experts from national libraries, open science, and research and education networking. 

To see details of speakers and topics and to register your interest in participating, see the event page on the EaPConnect website.