RMIT Vietnam hosts pioneering seminar to strengthen library collaboration

RMIT Vietnam hosts pioneering seminar to strengthen library collaboration

RMIT Vietnam has successfully hosted its annual Library seminar, themed ‘Collaborative libraries: Finding solutions together’.

The event brought together nearly 150 library directors, senior librarians, and academic leaders. Speakers from Thailand, Singapore, Australia, and Vietnam offered valuable perspectives on global best practices and innovation in academic libraries. 

Opening the seminar, Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside, Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director of RMIT Vietnam emphasised the power of collaboration.

“It allows us to focus on shared experiences and explore ideas for potential partnerships,” he said.

Ms Nguyen Thi Kim Uyen from RMIT Vietnam highlighted the evolving role of libraries in Vietnam. 

“Libraries are no longer just about preserving heritage – they are creative, cultural spaces that support learning, communities, and national development,” she said.

“By working together, libraries can stretch resources, reduce costs, provide better access to information, and serve their communities more effectively.”

Advisor for Learning Programmes and Global Relations at Singapore Management University Libraries, Mr Rajendra Munoo said the Singapore Alliance of University Libraries (SAUL) brings together libraries from eight higher education institutes in Singapore, with Chief Librarians establishing seven cross-institutional taskforces. 

“Each taskforce is guided by clear terms of reference and a specific service area, showcasing how coordinated efforts can improve library services,” he said. 

He also outlined the “5 Cs” of effective partnerships: Charter, Commitment, Cooperation, Communication, and Co-creation for Co-consumption. Among these, he emphasised communication as the cornerstone.

“Communication is the foundation of successful collaboration. It’s not just about signing an MOU, but about what we do and learn together,” he said.

The event brought together nearly 150 library directors, senior librarians, and academic leaders. The event brought together nearly 150 library directors, senior librarians, and academic leaders.

Mr Jack Dustan, Associate Director of Quality and Engagement at RMIT University, highlighted the strength of collaboration through partnerships such as CAVAL (Cooperative Action by Victorian Academic Libraries), a consortium owned by eight Victorian universities, including RMIT.

“Together we offer value for almost half a million students, and tens of thousands of educators. By acting as a single legal entity, those members unlock the buying-power and shared infrastructure that individual institutions couldn't do alone,” he said. 

The initiative embraces open standards and empowers staff and students to contribute meaningfully, fostering inclusive and accessible learning resources that reach a broader community.

Continuing the theme of collaboration, Dr Tieu Thanh Thuy, Director of Center of Excellence in Learning Resources and Innovation, Tra Vinh University, shared her experience of leading joint research projects with Central Philippine University. 

“Effective communication, cultural understanding, and mutual learning have helped us overcome language and logistical barriers,” she said.

Associate Professor Songphan Choemprayong, Department of Library Science and Associate Director at the Office of Academic Resources at Chulalongkorn University, said libraries function through collaboration rooted in shared standards and accountability. 

“We must comply with standards that enables libraries to cooperate globally through inclusive cataloguing and metadata practices.”

Highlighting the challenges of managing multilingual collections and cultural diversity, he stressed the need for more inclusive cataloguing that empowers libraries to voice their unique needs and contribute to evolving standards. 

From left to right: Associate Professor Songphan Choemprayong (Chulalongkorn University), Mr Rajendra Munoo (Singapore Management University), Mr Jack Dustan (RMIT University), Mr Rex Steiner (RMIT Vietnam) From left to right: Associate Professor Songphan Choemprayong (Chulalongkorn University), Mr Rajendra Munoo (Singapore Management University), Mr Jack Dustan (RMIT University), Mr Rex Steiner (RMIT Vietnam)

Ms Tran Ngoc Anh Thy and Mr Trinh Minh Phuc, both from RMIT Vietnam, shared their experiences on the role of joint training initiatives in enhancing academic library partnerships. 

"Different training formats offer flexibility and cater to different learning styles and needs." Thy said.

Phuc added: "To make libraries more welcoming for all, we can work together, and joint training is one way to do that.

“If we want to move forward together, shared learning is where it starts.” 

All speakers emphasised the importance of partnerships between institutions, with students and other university departments and how meaningful collaboration don’t require large budgets. Small, focused initiatives, such as sharing print resources, co-creating digital literacy frameworks, and engaging students as partners in design, can drive impact when built on shared values and mutual benefit. 

"Successful collaboration requires clear goals, shared effort, and a mindset of working together rather than competing,” experts said.

Ms Pham Thi Tra from Ho Chi Minh City University of Pedagogy praised the quality of the speakers and the relevance of the seminar’s theme.

“The focus on library collaboration is especially timely and significant. I believe this is a crucial topic with strong potential for practical application soon,” she said.

Story: June Pham 

03 September 2025

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