Sowing the future: the vision of community libraries at Amawtay Wasi University, Ecuador.
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Date
2026
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Journal Title
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Publisher
Sage
Abstract
The Intercultural University of Indigenous Nationalities and Peoples Amawtay Wasi has established an innovative community library management model based on ancestral wisdom and intercultural dialogue. This model adopts the Andean Chakana as a conceptual framework to guide library services, emphasising cultural preservation, equitable access to resources and sustainable development. These libraries transcend traditional roles and become centres of cultural preservation, intercultural dialogue and community empowerment. Through initiatives such as the digitisation of resources, education in indigenous languages and sustainable projects, they contribute to the revitalisation of indigenous identities and knowledge while promoting social cohesion and economic opportunities. The Intercultural University of Indigenous Nationalities and Peoples Amawtay Wasi’s libraries serve as a compelling example of a transformative approach to higher education that combines ancestral knowledge with modern methodologies.
Keywords
Community libraries, interculturality, ancestral knowledge, Ecuador, indigenous communities, cultural preservation, Andean Chakana
Description
IFLA Journal article
Keywords
Citation
Guandinango, A. (2026). Sowing the future: the vision of community libraries at Amawtay Wasi University, Ecuador. Sage.