The Living Knowledge Network shares ideas through a collaborative program of network activities, including skill sharing events, international partnerships, leadership training days and mentoring schemes.

Skills sharing

‘It is a great way of sparking connections between libraries across the UK, celebrating and spreading best practice.’ Mandy Bryson, Assistant Director, Libraries NI

The Network draws on its collective strengths and actively engages in knowledge exchange via skill-sharing days. Partners explore sector-relevant topics, and create space for discussing new ideas and approaches to engaging with audiences. 

China network-to-network 

In March 2019 the British Library funded 10 Living Knowledge Network partners to visit China to explore local libraries and engage in a conference with Chinese counterparts. The project aimed to:

• Bring together senior library professionals in both countries to think together about shared professional challenges, and identify opportunities for future collaboration 
• Contribute to an ongoing ambitious cultural exchange programme with China funded by the UK Government. The British Library has been developing exhibitions, online learning resources and a knowledge exchange programme with China since 2015.

Collaboration with Clore Leadership

Clore Leadership is a dynamic and inclusive resource for leaders and aspiring leaders in the arts, culture and creative sectors. The Living Knowledge Network has partnered with Clore to produce bespoke development days for library sector staff in the network.

National mentoring scheme

Following on from the publication of the Public Library Skills Strategy, Libraries Connected and the British Library are now working in partnership to deliver a national mentoring programme to nurture talent and support the development of leaders within the public library sector.