Study visit to North Macedonia offered new perspectives on library services
How do university libraries use AI, information resources and support for students and researchers? During a visit to South East European University in North Macedonia, two librarians from MIUN had the opportunity to compare working methods, exchange experiences and build international contacts.
South East European University (SEEU) is one of Mid Sweden University's partner universities within ChallengeEU. SEEU was selected for the study visit because it shares several similarities with Mid Sweden University, including having campuses in two locations and several subject areas in common. At the same time, differences in conditions and working methods provided valuable opportunities for exchanging experiences.
Prior to the visit the librarians Marlene Franzén and Karl-Oskar Göransson were particularly interested in how SEEU works with information resources and AI, and support for students and researchers. As they work in different areas of the University Library, they were able to explore a broad range of topics during the visit.
AI assistant based on the university’s own sources
One area of particular interest was SEEU's work with AI. The university uses AI both in teaching and through its newly launched AI@SEEU platform. The platform provides students and staff with access to a personal AI assistant through their university account.
The assistant draws exclusively on information from the university's own sources and adapts its responses according to the user's role and access permissions. The system is managed centrally by the university and falls outside the library's area of responsibility.
Similarities and differences between the libraries
Discussion with colleagues at SEEU highlighted both similarities and clear differences between the two universities' library services. At Mid Sweden University, support for researchers is organised within the University Library, while at SEEU much of this support is provided by the Research Office, which is headed by the Vice-Rector for research.
North Macedonia's multilingual character is also reflected in the library's collection. It is common for the same book to be available in several language variations, particularly in Albanian, Macedonian and English.
The visit also provided insights into different approaches to book purchasing, access to electronic resources and lending. At SEEU, for example, loan periods vary depending on the category of the borrower.
A strong sense of community on campus
An important part of the visit was meeting colleagues at SEEU. The librarians from Mid Sweden University received a warm welcome and noted the strong sense of community among colleagues, including across different areas of the university.
The campus restaurant in Tetovo served as an important meeting place for both students and staff. Many students lived in accommodation on campus and could take part in activities outside their studies, including dance and mosaic-making together with university staff.
The study visit offered new perspectives on the librarians' own work and prompted reflections on working methods and routines that might otherwise easily be taken for granted. Meeting colleagues at SEEU also created valuable new contacts and opportunities for continued exchange within ChallengeEU.
The study visit was funded through Erasmus+