Libraries, Information and History in Lisbon
About the tour
Lisbon is a city that effortlessly blends traditional heritage with striking modernism and progressive thinking - it boasts a literary heritage matched by few other capitals in Europe. The city`s setting is unparalleled and extremely photogenic, sprawling across steep hills overlooking the River Tagus. Bohemian in character, Lisbon is home to Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries, fascinating museums, palaces and libraries. Besides its glorious landmarks the city is also home to Bertrand's – the world`s oldest bookshop. It first opened in 1732, was destroyed by the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 and rebuilt a short time later in the spot where it can be found today.
The combination of rich history and culture, beautiful architecture, vibrant social scene and a long literary heritage, as well as a glorious year-round climate, makes Lisbon an enriching city for a CILIP tour.
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Your tour leader
Liz McGettigan
Liz McGettigan is Director of Digital Library and Cultural Experiences SOLUS UK and the past President of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland. She is an award-winning Library and Information Specialist and recognised for integrating technology, people, social and business strategies into effective new business models.
Liz was named as one of Scotland’s Top Tech 100 2017 driving the digital agenda in Scotland - putting libraries, information and innovative technology on the map - and is recognised as one of the Scotsman’s top 10 Digital Disruptors 2016.
Previously as Head of Libraries and Information Service for the City of Edinburgh, Liz led a team to deliver Edinburgh’s first fully-online council service, social media suite and 24/7 interactive portals and apps taking the service from very poor to best in the UK.
Passionate about digital and social inclusion and creating physical and virtual space for sharing, learning and collaborating, Liz also initiated Edinburgh’s innovative digital participation project.
This year on International Women’s Day, Liz was honoured to be named as one of Scotland’s Women of Inspiration. She is Advisory Board member for Internet Librarian International and a former Member of the Institute of Informatics and Digital Innovation Advisory Board at Edinburgh Napier University.
Liz has presented her work around the world, including in Australia, US, Singapore, Buenos Aires, Paris and Amsterdam. She is passionate about leadership, learning and inclusion and especially the future and potential of libraries in their communities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizmcgettigan/
Need more information?
- Tel: (Toll Free) 1-8777-398-764
- Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Itinerary at a glance
- 8 Nov (Thur) London / Lisbon: Arrive in Lisbon and transfer to My Story hotel. In the afternoon take a guided tour of the National Library of Portugal, created by decree in 1796. Afterwards you will visit the Science Academy of Lisbon, housing one of the three most valuable libraries in the country with over one million pieces. Welcome dinner
- 9 Nov (Fri) Lisbon: Visit The Lisbon Archives of Torre do Tombo, another important institution of Portugal whose`chronological corpus` collection of manuscripts were inscribed on UNESCO`s Memory of the World register in 2007, in recognition of its historical value for acquiring knowledge. Afterwards continue to Ajuda Palace and take a tour around its magnificent Royal Library. Take a literature walking tour of Lisbon, covering the perspectives of Portuguese and international writers. The evening is either at leisure of there is an optional `dinner and fado show`.
- 10 Nov (Sat) Lisbon: Drive to Mafra and tour the incredible Rococo Mafra Library, famously known for using a colony of bats to act as a natural pest control against book-damaging insects. After the highlight of the tour you will drive to the magical village of Sintra for a guided tour before returning to Lisbon. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
- 11 Nov (Sun) Lisbon/London:Transfer to the airport for flight home.