At the 42nd Annual Conference of the International Association of University Libraries (IATUL) on 14 June 2022 in Miami, Dr Reiner Kallenborn, University Librarian of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), was honoured for his outstanding and pioneering commitment.
From 2005 to 2011, Kallenborn was first appointed Treasurer and from 2013 for more than six years President of IATUL. His active time at IATUL shaped the vision of a global, membership-based network of international university and research libraries. "I always saw a lot of potential in IATUL”, Reiner Kallenborn emphasises. Under the maxim of a lively, worldwide cooperation, he introduced structures that promote the constant exchange of knowledge and information.
Among others, the following innovations in his presidency are characteristic of IATUL's sustainable development:
- Paradigm shift of IATUL
In 2014, the association opened up to all university libraries by shedding its focus on scientific and technical universities.
- Founding IATUL Office
The association's administration and communication were centralised in 2014. From then until 2021, the office was located at the TUM University Library.
- Establishment of Special Interest Groups
Internationally staffed project groups deal with global and structural challenges in the library sector, e.g. "Advancement of Library Services in Emerging Countries" (ALICE) or "Metrics and Research Impact" (MaRi).
- Constitution of the Directors' Summit and the Leadership Academy
Regular conference formats to promote knowledge transfer and training for senior library managers.
- International workshops
Expert discourses on relevant issues concerning challenges of contemporary library management.
Kallenborn’s work as president sustainably strengthened the structures and visibility of the organisation. TUM also benefited from the dialogue-oriented IATUL philosophy. The constructive exchange with colleagues worldwide led to further development of the University Library's service portfolio, e.g. in the areas of multimedia teaching of information literacy or research-related services.
In his vote of thanks, Dr Reiner Kallenborn thanked his wife, his colleagues on the Board and all the staff for their dedicated support and commitment. In line with his collaborative leadership vision, he affirms that what has been achieved has been a joint effort.
With more than 260 members, IATUL is an association that aims to promote cooperation among the global community of university libraries at leadership level. IATUL aims to facilitate cooperation, create synergies and drive innovation in university libraries, especially networking between emerging, developing and developed countries.
Further Information
University Library Profile
Website of IATUL
