On 29 September, Sumy State University brought together more than 200 representatives of the region’s library sector for the regional forum “Libraries of Sumy Region: Strong in Content, United by Values.” The event was held on the eve of All-Ukrainian Library Day. The forum programme included two thematic sessions, a round-table discussion, and a practical workshop.
During the first session, “Libraries in Times of Uncertainty: Roles and Priorities,” particular attention was paid to international partnerships, including cooperation between the Sumy State University Library and the University of Liverpool Library. At the round table “The Power of Leadership: People Who Transform Libraries,” heads of libraries and other institutions from across Sumy region discussed the transformation of management approaches and the role of leadership in the development of the library sector.
The second session, “Innovation in Action: Library Cases Without Theory,” focused on practical examples and successful experiences. Speakers shared their experience of cooperation with community organisations, developing libraries as “third places” within communities, implementing projects as part of the Alliance of Ukrainian Universities, managing social media and communications (SMM), and supporting relocated institutions.
The programme concluded with a psychological workshop. The invited speaker, clinical psychologist Viktoriia Harbuzova, Head of the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology with a course in Medical Biology at the Educational and Research Medical Institute of Sumy State University, conducted a practical workshop for the library community entitled “I Can’t Cope the Way I Used To. And It’s Time to Stop Pretending Otherwise.”
The workshop addressed one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – “Good Health and Well-Being.” Viktoriia Harbuzova spoke about how to support ourselves in difficult circumstances and where to begin. She also introduced the forum participants to practical tools that can help maintain inner balance and manage stress in challenging situations.
The meeting was not about time-management skills. Instead, it focused on recognising that it is also normal not to be able to cope with everything. Ms Harbuzova emphasised the importance of “legitimising our right to feel tired,” stopping self-criticism, and reviewing our priorities on a daily basis. She encouraged participants to focus on one task at a time in order to reduce the risk of burnout.
At the end of the workshop, Ms Harbuzova organised a small prize draw for the participants, creating a warm and memorable ending to the meeting.
We sincerely thank Viktoriia Harbuzova for this meaningful and important conversation, for encouraging reflection, and for reminding us that self-care is not an optional extra, but an essential condition for preserving our personal resources and well-being.
