Library photo exhibition with the University of Liverpool officially opens

Two libraries, two different countries, one exhibition. Those words best describe the new jointly opened photo exhibition between Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and the University of Liverpool (UoL) libraries. The opening ceremony was held on 12 May 2026 and conducted simultaneously in Suzhou and Liverpool.

Opening Ceremony Group Photo with representatives from XJTLU Library, the University of Liverpool Library, and the Design School

As part of XJTLU’s 20th anniversary celebrations, the two libraries launched their first collaboration, showcasing the library spaces at both universities. Photographs of students reading, learning and moving between different library areas in the XJTLU library are being displayed in the UoL library and vice versa.

During the ceremony, the two libraries’ representatives led each other’s staff and students on a virtual tour of the photo exhibition in their respective libraries via live video.

Students and library representatives from both universities leading the live virtual exhibition tour

The activity’s main purpose is to familiarise existing staff and students with partner institutions’ library areas. The exhibition also symbolises the deep international partnership between the two institutions.

The opening brought together dozens of key figures from both universities. Among them were Professor Richard Black, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UoL, who remarked on how the deep bond between the two universities has enabled many students to enrol in the XJTLU 2+2 programme, which allows them to study in Liverpool for two years and make full use of the library resources.

Professor Richard Black, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, delivering keynote remarks

Dr Xin Bi, Director of the Centre of Knowledge and Information at XJTLU, also said that the two libraries should further collaborate to address the future challenges of the library’s changing role in the digital age.

Dr Xin Bi, Director of the Centre of Knowledge and Information at XJTLU

Instead of waiting for changes to occur, the libraries are taking steps to initiate them. In the ceremony, the “Reimagining the Library Spaces” project was also officially launched by Dr Juan Carlos Dall’Asta, Head of the Department of Architecture. Jointly initiated by XJTLU Library and the Design School, the project aims to transform the spatial scene of the library from a static to an adaptive state. This ultimately enhances both the unity and wayfinding of the space for students through colour and material differentiation.

Dr Juan Carlos Dall’Asta presenting the “Reimagining the Library Spaces” initiative

This exhibition may be the first collaboration between the two libraries, but it will certainly not be the last. Liping Yang, University Librarian of XJTLU and the host of the opening ceremony, said that as XJTLU and UoL continue to deepen their connection there will undoubtedly be more forms of cooperation as part of their respective institutions’ innovative development.

The photo exhibition will be available for viewing from 12-24 May 2026 to all XJTLU students and staff in the library’s entrance area.

Text and images courtesy by XTLU Library
Edited by Vionna Fiducia Theja