10 Association of Research Libraries Research Library Issues 300 — 2020 The last conclusion from the December 2016 Summit that is worthy of being shared is about the role of memory institutions in the creative ecosystem. During the summit, it was made clear that this role could not be reduced to the simple function of collecting and preserving works. GLAMs have an important role to play at the very beginning of the creative chain, providing inspiration and material to artists of all disciplines—not just to authors and poets, but also to digital artists, musicians, painters, and directors. This is an area of rapid growth for memory institutions, until recently often seen as the final resting place for creative work, as opposed to a source of inspiration at the start of the creative process. Participants were surprised to learn just how much artists and creators rely on GLAMs. They were shown how material from GLAMs’ collections takes on a second life through the creative interpretation of artists from all disciplines. Indeed, thanks to the summit, GLAMs were revealed as sources of inspiration, places where connections can be made, where collaboration can take place, where history can be understood, and where the future can be imagined. 3. The Ottawa Declaration At the end of the December 2016 GLAM Summit, the participants collectively adopted “The Ottawa Declaration,” a commitment to moving forward, based on a shared recognition of how much they had in common, and how great it would be to work together. They agreed to: Increase collaboration between our institutions…to catalyze new partnerships that spark creativity and enhance engagement Develop innovative programs and services…that empower us to engage our publics and GLAMs were revealed as sources of inspiration, places where connections can be made, where collaboration can take place, where history can be understood, and where the future can be imagined.