The University of Kansas Libraries will launch "Global Conversations in Librarianship," a new speaker series highlighting international perspectives on libraries and information work, with Ukrainian library leader Dr. Tetyana Yaroshenko as its inaugural speaker on Feb. 26. 

Yaroshenko, deputy director for research and international affairs at the State Scientific and Technical Library of Ukraine, will present "Ukrainian Libraries in the Time of Russia's War Against Ukraine" via zoom webinar at 10 a.m. CST. A group watch party will be held in Watson Library’s 455 conference room. 

The presentation, which comes two days after the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, will examine the systematic destruction of Ukrainian cultural institutions—libraries, archives and museums—during the ongoing war. In addition to offering thoughts on wartime resilience, preservation initiatives, and future reconstruction efforts, Yaroshenko will analyze how the deliberate targeting of cultural heritage constitutes what she terms cultural genocide, aimed at erasing Ukrainian culture, history and national identity.  

Presented by KU Libraries' Institute for Globally Engaged Librarianship (IGEL), the series of public talks and dialogues highlight international perspectives on libraries and information work. Speakers share current projects, institutional innovations, or emerging themes that shape the global library community. Primarily held virtually throughout the year, the series will foster dialogue, connection, and collaboration. KU Libraries’ IGEL promotes international partnerships and cross-cultural understanding in library and information science. 

Zoom registration is available online at rockcha.lk/igel-speaker with more information about IGEL and eventual future speakers to be posted at lib.ku.edu/igel.