Date: August 13th to 15th, 2011
Locations: Auditorium of the School of Information Science and Session Room of the Rectory of UFMG
The University of the Future Seminars, promoted by the Rectorate of UFMG, in partnership with IEAT, aim to create in our environments an environment favorable to the implementation of strategic planning in the medium and long term. More than thinking about the future of UFMG, the Seminars aim to discuss the future of the University on a broader scope, taking into account diverse and significant experiences, situations and perspectives – from the Americas, Europe, Asia. It is about thinking about the challenges and emergencies, as well as the strategies and responses, aiming to prospect an uncertain future, but already virtually among us, depending on our decisions, with repercussions on the daily lives of the next generations. Throughout the Cycle, priority will be given to discussing the opportunity to link planning actions to the development of the neo-Humboldtian model of university, as opposed to the university-company model. This is a university focused on the association between teaching and research, as in the traditional model, as well as – hence the prefix “neo” – for the incorporation of new tasks in the university’s actions: thus, technological innovation, training of cadres for the State and professionals for society, openness to culture – from high demonstrations, as Humboldt wanted, to popular demonstrations that give identity to groups and the nation. The challenge: to integrate and better outline these actions, already underway in Brazilian public universities, and based on the proposed model.
The Seminar Cycle “The University of the Future: the Libraries” held a series of lectures and debates on the role of Libraries within the University. The event was attended by Fred Heath, Director of Libraries at the University of Texas at Austin (USA), and among its activities included two Working Meetings (the first meeting with the participation of the Rector’s team and the second with technicians libraries) with the aim of discussing strategies for the UFMG Library.