How can the university library at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University become an important arena for culture, art and debate?

OsloMet acquired university status in 2018, and as a result, the Learning Centre and Library has become a University Library. An important social mission for the University Library is that it “shall contribute to the dissemination of results from Research and Development” (University and Higher Education Act §1-3). This also includes R&D in the creative and performing arts. OsloMet shall further “stimulate students and staff to participate in public debates” and “develop activities at an institutional level in order to strengthen engagement, unity and common identity among students and staff” (Strategy 2024).How can the University Library help achieve these goals? The lunch event “Lunsjpåfyll” has since 2012 been an important arrangement in our user-centered Library. Significant figures from research and professional life are invited to speak about topics of interest in the library once a month. In addition, we have our own exhibition area situated at one of our libraries, available for students, staff and others who may want to present creative work or performances related to their professional activities at our institution. This autumn, students from the Department of Art, Design and Drama have presented examination pieces in the library. Events, exhibitions and debates contribute to student and staff engagement, within – and across – professional fields and faculties. As members of the event committee for “Lunsjpåfyll” and “Exhibitions”, we wish to develop these two traditions by strengthening our cooperation within the organization. In this presentation, we will talk about our vision of the new concept, and share some of our experiences and challenges. Our goal is to make the University Library an inspiring place to be.