National Lithuanian Library Week: European values and their implementation in the modern world

April 23, 2024
European values, including democracy, human rights, freedom, equality, the rule of law, sustainability, and cultural diversity, are central to the identity and cohesion of the European Union. However, these values face challenges in the modern world.

Democracy, characterized by free and fair elections where power belongs to the people, is fundamental to Europe's stability and prosperity. Similarly, the EU is committed to upholding human rights, such as the right to life, freedom of expression, and equality before the law.

Promoting cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue is also integral to European values, fostering understanding and peace among citizens. Yet, globalization, migration, and technological advancements pose threats to these values.

Populism, authoritarianism, cyber-attacks, and corruption undermine democracy and human rights. Despite efforts to combat these issues, they persist in some EU Member States.

Therefore, the EU and its members must defend and uphold these values, ensuring security, stability, and prosperity both within the Union and globally.

We are pleased to inform you that there is a wide selection of literature on these topics available at the VILNIUS TECH library. We offer the following for your consideration:

 

   
Fücks, R. (2023). Apginti laisvę: kaip mes laimėsime kovą už atvirą visuomenę. Naujasis Židinys-Aidai.

"Defending Freedom: How We Will Win the Fight for an Open Society" is a book that examines the challenges facing free and open societies in the modern world. The author explores what steps can be taken to preserve and defend democratic values such as freedom of speech, human rights, and equality, in the context of contemporary political, economic, and social challenges. The book offers analysis and recommendations to contribute to the strengthening and support of an open society.

Wolf, M. H. (2023). The crisis of democratic capitalism. Penguin Press. 

"The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism" is a book that delves into the challenges and shortcomings of the democratic capitalist system. The author examines various aspects of contemporary capitalism, including income inequality, political polarization, and environmental degradation, and argues that these issues pose a threat to the stability and legitimacy of democratic societies. The book offers insights into potential solutions and reforms to address these crises and ensure the continued viability of democratic capitalism. It provides a critical analysis of the current state of affairs and proposes pathways toward a more sustainable and equitable economic system. The book contributes to ongoing debates about the future of capitalism and democracy in the 21st century.

HBR's 10 must reads on managing across cultures. (2016). Harvard Business Review Press. 

"HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Across Cultures" is a collection of articles curated by Harvard Business Review Press, aimed at helping managers navigate the challenges of working in diverse cultural environments. Published in 2016, the book offers insights and strategies for understanding and effectively managing cultural differences in the workplace. It covers topics such as cross-cultural communication, leadership styles across cultures, building multicultural teams, and adapting management practices to different cultural contexts. This compilation provides valuable perspectives and practical advice for leaders and managers operating in globalized business environments.

Key controversies in European integration (2nd ed.). (2016). Palgrave.

"Key Controversies in European Integration" is a book that explores the major debates and contentious issues surrounding the process of European integration. The book provides an overview of the key controversies that have shaped the European Union and its member states. It covers a range of topics, including the enlargement of the EU, the role of supranational institutions like the European Commission and the European Parliament, the impact of the euro currency, immigration and free movement of people, as well as challenges related to sovereignty and democratic deficit. The book offers insights from various perspectives and scholarly analyses, making it a valuable resource for students, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding the complexities of European integration.

Routledge handbook of European welfare systems (Second edition.). (2020). Routledge.  

"The Routledge Handbook of European Welfare Systems" is a comprehensive reference book that provides an in-depth analysis of welfare systems across Europe. This handbook offers a thorough examination of the various models, policies, and challenges within European welfare states. It covers topics such as the historical development of welfare systems in different European countries, the role of government and social actors in welfare provision, the impact of globalization and demographic changes on welfare policies, and current debates and reforms in the field of social policy. With contributions from leading scholars in the field, the handbook serves as a valuable resource for academics, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding and comparing welfare systems across Europe.

Savin A.(2020). EU Internet law (Third edition.). Edward Elgar Publishing.

"EU Internet law" – this extensively revised and updated third edition of EU Internet Law offers a state of the art overview of the key areas of EU Internet regulation, as well as a critical evaluation of EU policy-making and governance in the field. It provides an in-depth analysis of the ways in which relevant legal instruments interact, as well as comparative discussions contrasting EU and US solutions.

 

Lietuvos narystė Europos Sąjungoje: patirtys, tendencijos, refleksijos. (2021). Vilniaus universiteto leidykla.

"Lietuvos narystė Europos Sąjungoje: patirtys, tendencijos, refleksijos" is a book, that features scholarly works from researchers at Vilnius University's Institute of International Relations and Political Science (VU TSPMI) European Studies Center, along with colleagues from other institutions. The book offers reflections on European Union membership, examining its impact on Lithuania's national concerns and assessing the EU's stability and effectiveness. Intended for colleagues, students, decision-makers, and the general public, it contributes to discussions about the future of the European Union, drawing on over a decade and a half of Lithuania's membership experience.
 

Stepka, M. (2022). Identifying Security Logics in the EU Policy Discourse: The "Migration Crisis" and the EU (1st ed. 2022.). Springer Nature

"Identifying Security Logics in the EU Policy Discourse: The 'Migration Crisis' and the EU" examines the security logics present in the European Union's policy discourse, focusing on the "migration crisis." This book explores how the EU frames and addresses migration issues from a security perspective. It sheds light on the complexities of EU policymaking regarding migration and contributes to the understanding of security dynamics within the EU.

Braun, S., Zubert, C., Argyropoulos, D., & Casado Hebrard, F. J. (2020). Nutritional and health aspects of food in Western Europe. Academic Press.

"Nutritional and Health Aspects of Food in Western Europe" – this comprehensive volume explores the nutritional and health aspects of food consumption in Western Europe. Written by experts in the field, the book covers various topics related to diet, nutrition, and health, with a focus on the dietary patterns and habits prevalent in Western European countries. It provides insights into the relationship between diet and health outcomes, as well as the cultural, social, and economic factors influencing food choices and dietary behaviors in the region. This book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and professionals interested in understanding and promoting healthy eating habits in Western Europe.

Snyder, T. (2011). Kruvinos žemės: Europa tarp Hitlerio ir Stalino. Tyto alba.

"Kruvinos žemės: Europa tarp Hitlerio ir Stalino" -In this book, Snyder examines and analyzes the tragic events that occurred in Europe between the two World Wars and during World War II. He explores how the influences of Nazism and Stalinism shaped the contemporary political landscape of Europe, as well as the mass killings, genocide, and other crimes against humanity that characterized this period. The book is an important contribution to the historiography and understanding of Stalinist and Nazi totalitarianism, and it is significant for comprehending contemporary political and social processes in Europe.
Furthermore, the book serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, and protecting human rights. By studying the past, the European Union can learn valuable lessons about the dangers of authoritarianism, nationalism, and intolerance, and strive to build a more inclusive, just, and peaceful future for all its citizens.

* Access is provided through the VILNIUS TECH computer network and remotely through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. For added security, the VPN connection requires two-factor authentication, either through a mobile device application or through a confirmation call.
 

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When ideas become virtual worlds: the synergy of creativity and technology at the BLON festival
When ideas become virtual worlds: the synergy of creativity and technology at the BLON festival
This year at the festival, lecturers and students from the Department of Graphical Systems represented the university with an interactive exhibition titled "VILNIUS TECH: Synergy of Creativity and Technology." Additionally, Bachelor's students in Multimedia and Computer Design and Master's students in Digital Animation Technologies presented their work to visitors and creative industry professionals. Some of them even became speakers in the official BLON educational programme. "In the Multimedia and Computer Design study programme, we follow a simple principle: students' practical assignments must be created not just for grading, but in a way that allows them to be showcased publicly. At the BLON Festival, students present their projects to a real audience, answer questions from visitors and industry professionals, and receive direct feedback. This develops not only their professional skills but also their communication abilities, helping them integrate into the industry more smoothly. For the industry, meanwhile, it is an opportunity to evaluate the students' practical abilities and determine if their skills align with company needs," says Assoc. Prof. Dr. R. Semėnas, Technical Artist and Vice-Dean for Alumni and Partnerships at the VILNIUS TECH Faculty of Fundamental Sciences. Technologies Could Not Only Be Seen but Also Experienced Running for four days at the Klaipėda Culture Factory, the VILNIUS TECH interactive exhibition became a space where visitors could not only see the works created by students but also try out modern creative technologies themselves. Virtual reality, video mapping, 3D graphics, and interactive projects provided a closer look at how technology is used in creating animation, video games, and virtual reality content. The exhibition featured course projects and final theses by Bachelor's students in Multimedia and Computer Design and Master's students in Digital Animation Technologies. To showcase them, virtual reality workstations were set up using Meta Quest headsets, a video mapping system, and other technical equipment dedicated to creative projects. This allowed visitors not only to observe the final results but also to gain a better understanding of the technological side of creating these projects.   Students: Not Just Festival Participants, but Also Speakers One of the most important highlights of VILNIUS TECH's participation in the BLON Festival was the students' involvement in its official programme. Elžbieta Poliakova spoke about the possibilities of stylized lighting in CGI animation; Sabina Mamedova presented the application of woodcut-style animation in a VR 360 project; Jovilė Gečaitė examined the rotoscoping method in animation; and Anastasija Aušra Simaškaitė shared her experience in applying hybrid animation techniques. The educational programme was also enriched by presentations from VILNIUS TECH lecturers and specialists: Dr. Tomas Mitkus presented the map of the Lithuanian animation industry in 2026 and examined the role of generative AI in European animation, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rokas Semėnas spoke about the training of technical artists at VILNIUS TECH.   Creative Technologies: From Study Projects to Professional Careers Participation in BLON also reveals the broader direction of training technical artists: when animation, sound, graphics, and interactive content merge into a single project, a creator can no longer rely on knowledge from just one field. Alongside artistic and creative skills, technological proficiency—the ability to understand the project's platform and technical limitations—is becoming increasingly important. Soft skills, especially the ability to present one's work to different audiences, are equally crucial. "During the event, students have to briefly pitch their work multiple times and communicate clearly with various people who ask different questions and have different communication styles. This process significantly contributes to the development of students' soft skills and a smoother transition into the industry," emphasizes R. Semėnas. The VILNIUS TECH exhibition was visited by over 400 people, including schoolchildren, their parents, teachers, lecturers, and professionals from the Lithuanian and international animation and gaming industries. Conversations went beyond just presenting study programmes: visitors were interested in the VILNIUS TECH students' projects, their creation process, the technologies used, and professional opportunities in the animation and video game sectors.
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