This seal of quality recognises libraries that demonstrate a particular commitment to collaborating with schools and supporting pupils in developing their reading, information and media literacy skills. It is awarded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts in conjunction with the Bavarian Library Association.
Bayreuth University Library has maintained close partnerships with schools in the city and the wider region for many years. The focus is on a modular teaching and learning programme for upper secondary schools, as well as vocational and technical colleges, which combines face-to-face and e-learning elements. Teachers can choose from a range of course formats and adapt these to the knowledge level and needs of their classes or seminars. Among other things, the courses teach skills in literature research, source evaluation and the critical handling of information. Increasingly, issues relating to the reflective use of artificial intelligence in the academic research process are also being addressed. In addition, the University Library offers training sessions for teachers twice a year to enable them to support the supervisors of research seminars in guiding their pupils through the process of researching and sourcing academic literature.
During the award ceremony for the quality mark, Minister for Science Markus Blume emphasised the importance of libraries for education and social participation. He described libraries as “gyms for democracy” because they empower people to evaluate information critically, distinguish facts from opinions, and form their own well-founded views. These skills are of particular importance, especially in an age of digitalisation, disinformation and an ever-increasing flood of information.
Receiving this award once again confirms the Bayreuth University Library’s long-standing commitment as an educational partner for schools in the region. At the same time, it serves as an incentive to continue this successful collaboration and to support young people on their journey towards dealing with information in a competent and reflective manner.
