The iConference 2021, also the16^thannual conference of iSchool - an international alliance of top-level information schools, colleges and departments-was convenedonlinefrom 29^th-31^stMarch 2021. The conference washosted by the School of Information Resource Management of Renmin University of China,under the theme of “Diversity·Divergence·Dialogue”. Itaimed toprovide an international platform for experts, scholars,and participants aroundthe world to discussthelatest research outcomes and current challengesinlibrary and information science and archive managementamongother information-relatedfieldsfrom social, economic and technological perspectives, to push forward exchanges of academicviewpointsand educational experience.

Dean Li Beiwei attended the Asia Pacific Regional Meetingof iConference 2021andtheAll Heads Meeting ofthe annual conference ofiSchool on 29^thand 30^thMarch on invitation. Vice Dean Ma Jie, Deputy Director Deng Jun, Prof. Song Xueyan and Associate Prof. Huang Xinping were also present at the meetings. Even though the attendeeswerefar apart from each other geographically in different time zones, new and old friends from all over the world gathered online with great enthusiasm, to contribute their wisdom tothedevelopment of disciplines of library and information science and archive management.The meetings have witnessed extensive and passionate exchange of ideas among s participants all from over the world.

This iConference 2021hasnot only enhancedinteractions and communications among scholars and expertsaround the worldand encouragedthemto brainstorm their academic thoughts and theoretical breakthroughs, but alsobroughtmore opportunitiesof international cooperationfor our Schoolin thedisciplines of library and information science and archives management. Going forward, School of Management of JLU will continue its “human-centered, harmony-oriented, truth-seeking and innovation-driven” philosophy, bear its original aspiration for education in mind, firmly uphold its mission of talent development, and cement its fundamentals for future growth. While giving full play to its traditional and unique advantages inthedisciplines of library, information and archive sciences, the School will shoulder its mission as “an inheritor”and assume its responsibility asa practitioner of information science tograsp opportunities brought bytheconstruction of new liberal arts, focus on academic hot spots, broaden its global vision, consolidate international exchanges, and further promote disciplinary integration and innovation for a more brilliant future.