Libraries and culture as strong partners against right-wing extremism and disinformation

Right-wing extremism and targeted disinformation pose an increasing challenge to democratic societies. Digital platforms are accelerating the spread of manipulative content, while at the same time trust in established sources of information is coming under pressure. Against this backdrop, institutions that offer orientation, categorisation and reliable knowledge are becoming increasingly important. Libraries and cultural projects play a central role here: they are low-threshold, open places for all sections of the population. They promote information literacy, enable critical debate and create spaces for encounters and dialogue - regardless of origin, education or social status.

In addition to practical work on site, the training of future professionals also plays a key role. The Arts Management and Cultural Work and Library Sciences degree programmes at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam not only teach specialist skills, but increasingly also socio-political responsibility. The panel discussion will therefore explicitly address the question of how programme content can be further developed in order to better prepare students for current challenges. Discussions will include the development of media and information skills, how to deal with discriminatory and extremist content in everyday working life, practical teaching formats and the strengthening of interdisciplinary approaches between cultural and information work.

The event will focus on topics such as the challenges posed by right-wing extremist narratives and disinformation, existing and innovative formats in libraries and cultural projects, similarities and differences between the two fields of work, necessary skills for professionals and development potential in studies and training. In addition, perspectives for cooperation and concrete project ideas for students will be discussed.

Prof. Dr Julia Glesner, Professor of Culture and Management in the Arts Management and Cultural Work degree programme at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, Carsten Schneemann, M.A., Managing Director of the Brandenburg Specialist Unit for Archives and Public Libraries in Brandenburg, Haocheng Lu, anti-racism advisor at the umbrella organisation of migrant organisations in eastern Germany, and Sandra Düllmann, Head of Library & Archive in Kleinmachnow, will take part in the discussion. The different perspectives from academia, Administration, civil society practice and municipal Arts Management and Cultural Work provide a multifaceted view of the topic. The event will be moderated by Jhey Becker.

The event is open to the public and is aimed at all university members as well as interested parties from the fields of libraries, Arts Management and Cultural Work, education and civil society. The audience is expressly invited to actively participate, ask questions and share their own experiences. Following the panel discussion, an open networking event will provide an opportunity to deepen discussions, make contacts and initiate new collaborations. 

With this event, the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is sending a clear signal about the importance of education, culture and information in the fight against social division, extremism and disinformation. Libraries and cultural projects are understood not only as places of mediation, but also as active shapers of a resilient and open society.

When: 05 May 2026, 18:00 - 20:30
Where: Lecture hall, House D / Room 011, University of Applied Sciences Potsdam
Registration: not required, admission: free of charge.

The event is organised by the IFMB2 project (International Affairs Executive Office) in cooperation with the Alumni and Friends Association of FH Potsdam.