The Inclusive Library Internships have officially started! Across five countries, we are creating career opportunities for people with disabilities through 10 internships, librarian training, and an e-portfolio. Expert tutors and technological tools are supporting and monitoring the experience. Stay tuned for more updates!

The Byblios Project shares two important updates. First, IFLA is developing Green Library Guidelines, and you can contribute by submitting suggestions by March 9, 2025. Second, in Portugal, the School Library Network highlights libraries as inclusive and inspiring spaces that promote reading, creativity, and critical thinking through activities like book clubs, debates, and author meetings. Investing in libraries means shaping a more informed and engaged society!

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Today, the Byblios Project team attended an inspiring event hosted by our partner, the University "Gabriele d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara. With many students and institutions present, the event celebrated Olympic and Paralympic athletes and their journeys. It was also an opportunity for Byblios to share its mission of promoting inclusive learning.

At Byblios, we celebrate Readers' Day as a reminder of the transformative power of books. Portugal’s dedication to promoting literacy shines through initiatives like the National Program for the Promotion of Reading and the National Reading Plan. Libraries, especially school libraries, play a crucial role in nurturing the love of reading, fostering habits that empower individuals and enrich society.

Let’s remember: there’s a book for everyone, waiting to inspire and connect us. Happy reading, every day!

E-portfolios are digital collections of artifacts—such as demonstrations, resources, and accomplishments—that represent an individual, group, or institution. They serve multiple purposes, including learning, professional development, and assessment.

On November 29, 2024, the BYBLIOS team attended Handimatica, a prominent exhibition and conference in Bologna focused on digital technologies for an inclusive society. Organized by the ASPHI Foundation Onlus, this event provided a platform to engage with experts, explore innovative solutions, and share best practices at both national and European levels.

The Byblios Project is developing tools to support the inclusion of people with cognitive disabilities in library work. This includes a Protocol for Professional Inclusion, a digital Career e-Portfolio, and guidelines based on expert interviews and research. The goal is to make libraries inclusive and empowering workplaces.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), developed by the World Health Organization, offers a comprehensive framework for understanding health beyond mere diagnoses. It facilitates effective communication among stakeholders, enables monitoring of intervention impacts, and serves as an international standard for data comparability. The ICF is applied in public policy, health statistics, clinical practice, and social services, promoting a holistic and inclusive approach to health and disability.

October is International School Library Month (ISLM), an annual event celebrating school libraries worldwide. Organized by the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL), ISLM highlights the crucial role libraries play as central hubs in educational institutions. In Portugal, School Library Day is observed on the fourth Monday of October, which falls on the 28th in 2024. This year's theme is "School Libraries: connecting communities!"

The BYBLiOS Project conducted four focus groups in Romania to explore the evolving role of libraries and the integration of individuals with mental disabilities into library staff. Key discussions highlighted the need for libraries to adapt to digital advancements, requiring future librarians to possess skills in digital literacy, communication, and empathy. Challenges in employing staff with mental disabilities were also addressed, emphasizing the importance of support strategies, such as pre-hiring volunteer opportunities and specialist guidance, to foster an inclusive and effective work environment.

The BYBLiOS project was showcased on the big screen during the G7 event in Pescara, held from October 22 to 27. The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that development cooperation is a key tool for peace, growth, and stability, core themes of Italy's G7 Presidency. Over 10,000 attendees, including policymakers, parliamentarians, local and international stakeholders, students, and teachers, viewed the project’s video presentation.

The BYBLIOS project, in partnership with the University of Chieti-Pescara, held focus groups in Italy to explore including individuals with disabilities as library assistants. Discussions emphasized libraries as inclusive spaces, highlighting challenges like staff training, leadership support, and technological updates. The project aims to promote accessibility and workforce inclusion in libraries.

The BYBLIOS project is conducting surveys to gather insights from librarians and stakeholders on their roles, training needs, and career development. These surveys aim to inform the development of an innovative program for internships for young adults with cognitive disabilities as assistant librarians in school and public libraries. Your participation is highly valued.

The BYBLIOS project conducted focus groups in Portugal to explore the future of libraries, accessibility, and inclusion. Discussions emphasized the need for libraries to evolve into inclusive, accessible spaces that embrace digital technologies and diversity in their workforce. Participants highlighted the importance of continuous training, leadership support, and the use of technology in making libraries more inclusive and effective community hubs. The BYBLIOS project was recognized as a key driver in achieving these goals.

In Italy, the BYBLiOS project was introduced to 97 students and teachers at IIS De Nobili in Catanzaro. This event highlighted the university's role in the research and emphasized the importance of active participation from the educational community in fostering change.

The Byblios project has initiated participatory research to develop guidelines for focus groups across participating countries. These groups will explore the future of libraries, accessibility, inclusion, and the employment of staff with disabilities or other challenges. The research aims to identify strategies and resources to support the integration of such staff, enhancing the overall user experience in libraries.

The Byblios project was created by Laura Caronna, an Epale ambassador, to address the lack of opportunities for young adults with cognitive disabilities. Inspired by her daughter with Down syndrome, Caronna aimed to help individuals gain work experience and develop skills. Libraries were chosen as ideal spaces for this initiative, promoting inclusion and learning. The project seeks to challenge societal perceptions and influence policies on disability and employment.

The Byblios project involves five partners from across Europe: Bene Futuro (Italy), Università D'Annunzio (Italy), CJRAE (Romania), Desincoop (Portugal), and weltgewandt (Germany). Together, they explore the role of libraries as inclusive community spaces. The project aims to develop new ideas for libraries and share insights through blogs, events, and activities.

The Byblios Project has launched to promote inclusion in libraries, focusing on creating inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities. The project aims to engage in research, develop an inclusion protocol, offer internships, and train librarians. It also seeks to explore new library concepts as community hubs. This blog will share updates, activities, and opportunities throughout the project.