Coffee with Miriam – a new forum for dialogue
Recently, the University Library (KIB) has undergone several changes. On January 1, 2025, the History and Cultural Heritage of Medicine (MHK) was integrated into KIB, and as of January 1, 2026, KIB is part of the Administrative support (GVS). To be responsive to employees’ perspectives, a new forum for dialogue, Coffee with Miriam, was introduced internally at KIB in the fall of 2025.
Once a month, all employees are invited to an informal discussion about current issues within the organization over a breakfast sandwich. The forum has evolved into a valuable hour of two-way communication. Employees are given the opportunity to ask questions, while Library Director Miriam and other managers at KIB have the chance to listen to feedback, experiences, and thoughts.
The initiative has been well received by both managers and employees. Initially, the format was intended to last for one semester, but due to the positive response, KIB is continuing with the format during the spring semester as well. In addition, more and more people have been showing up to recent sessions, which is interpreted as a sign that there is demand and a need for this.
A forum for questions, ideas, and reflection
Both Miriam Nauri and David Hahne, staff member/librarian, highlight the value of this informal discussion format.
Miriam:
– A more informal format without a fixed agenda provides an opportunity to raise and draw out important questions that might not be asked at other meetings. Coffee with Miriam is a sort of hybrid between a regular coffee break and a workplace meeting. Usually, there’s one or two loosely announced themes for the gathering to get the conversation going, but people are free to bring up whatever they want. I think this meeting format can serve as both an outlet and a unifying force.
David:
– Getting together over coffee and a breakfast sandwich has been a great way to discuss various issues and perspectives. It’s felt successful the times I’ve participated. It’s also generated plenty of good ideas and important feedback that can be put to good use.
Multi-way communication in practice
A key aim of the forum is to strengthen dialogue within the organization.
David:
– Compared to other forums where we’ve discussed similar topics, there’s been a more direct focus on dialogue and open discussion. It’s been possible to ask questions and share thoughts on other occasions as well, but of course it’s not quite the same as meeting face-to-face like this.
Miriam:
– Two-way and multi-way communication are crucial in a workplace. Even though the meeting is called Coffee with Miriam, other managers usually join the conversation and answer questions. Just as important is the opportunity for managers to ask questions. In this way, we cultivate and strengthen the collegial work culture that binds us together regardless of role and level of responsibility.
A complement to other meetings
Coffee with Miriam serves a specific purpose in relation to other forums at KIB.
Miriam:
– I think Coffee with Miriam is an important complement to other meetings that we have here at the library. About every other week, we have a digital “LG-info.” As the name suggests, the meeting is primarily an informational session about what’s happening at KI/KIB and about major projects within KIB’s units/areas. In addition to this, we meet once per semester for longer sessions focused on co-creation. Coffee with Miriam provides an opportunity to discuss things that you’ve either been thinking about since a previous informational meeting or that you’ve picked up on in other ways.
David:
– I’ve attended Coffee with Miriam on three different occasions. It feels like a priority for me, given that many different things have happened that affect us at KIB.
Explore the possibilities
In closing, Miriam encourages everyone to continue exploring the format.
Miriam:
– Dare to try! If you sense there’s energy: keep exploring.