Discover how modern repositories are evolving beyond storage into intelligent, integrated research ecosystems. During LIBER 2026, the PCG Academia team invites conference participants to a dedicated series of short expert sessions, live demos, and interactive discussions in Room R20.

Across three days, we will explore the future of DSpace, repository strategy, AI-powered services, CRIS integration, accessibility, workflow automation, and modern user experience design. The programme combines practical implementation insights with strategic perspectives drawn from real projects delivered for universities and research institutions across Europe.

Join us for lightning talks, live demonstrations, client conversations, and open-format roundtables focused on the real challenges facing repositories today — and the technologies shaping their future.

Where?

Room R20 — throughout the entire LIBER 2026 conference.

Who should attend?

Repository managers, librarians, open science teams, IT specialists, research office professionals, and everyone interested in the future of scholarly infrastructure.

Explore the full session agenda below and meet the PCG Academia team during LIBER 2026.

Day 1 (Wednesday, 1 July 2026)

10:40 – Opening Lightning
Talk Four Things Every Repository Should Do in 2026
A short opening session framing four key priorities for modern repositories: user experience, responsible AI, CRIS integration, and workflow automation.

13:00 – Lunch Session
The State of the European Repository: Trends, Gaps, and What Comes Next
A thought-leadership session exploring current trends in repository development, drawing on insights from European implementations, the DSpace community, OpenAIRE-related developments, and broader sector observations.

15:30 – Live Demo
Beautiful DSpace: A UX Walkthrough
A practical walkthrough of a modernised DSpace interface, focused on usability, accessibility, discoverability, and the overall user journey.

Day 2 (Thursday, 2 July 2026)

10:30 – Lightning Talk
AI in the Repository: Hype vs. What Actually Works
A practical session separating realistic AI use cases from common misconceptions, with examples related to metadata, accessibility, search, and responsible implementation.

13:00 – Client Panel Lunch
Candid Conversations: Modernising Repository Services in Practice
A moderated discussion with repository leaders on the practical challenges, decisions, and lessons learned from repository modernisation projects.

15:30 – Live Demo
From Funding Call to Research Output: The Research Project Workflow, End-to-End
A live demonstration of an end-to-end process that takes a research project from the moment a funding opportunity appears, through approvals and execution, to final reportin..

Day 3 (Friday, 3 July 2026)

10:30 – Lightning Talk
The Workflow Dividend: What Your Library Could Do With 20% More Staff Time
A short session focused on how better workflows can reduce repetitive work, improve service quality, and free teams to focus on higher-value activities.

14:00 – Lunch Session
Ask-Me-Anything Roundtable – Strategy, Technology, AI, and Everything in Between
An open-format roundtable with the PCG Academia team. Topics may include repository strategy, implementation models, AI ethics, and future development priorities.