Adult Education and Lifelong Learning: A Possible Match

Abstract

This paper presents the outcomes of a workshop focused on education within the frameworks of lifelong learning and professional development. Participants—including librarians and educators from Italian universities, public libraries nationwide, and a Swiss library—engaged in a peer-to-peer exchange of ideas, comparing diverse and sometimes contrasting experiences. Particular attention was given to institutional training programs and the growing role of e-learning, exemplified by the updated Trio Portal of the Tuscany Region, which now offers over a thousand courses and customizable webinars accessible even beyond the regional territory. This contribution raises a central question: What competencies should librarians develop as educators to effectively engage their communities and sustain a library - as a community - model rooted in inclusion and participation—both socially and technologically? Drawing from workshop insights, we reflect on the librarian’s evolving educational role and outline key skill sets required to support libraries as inclusive and dynamic learning environments.