Meet the new Director of EBLIDA
12 December 2018
We are pleased to introduce to you, the new EBLIDA Director, Giuseppe Vitiello.
>>> Curriculum Vitae of Giuseppe Vitiello <<<
On his appointment Giuseppe said:
"I am extremely happy to join the EBLIDA community and, as from January 2019, to be actively involved in its undertakings. My love story with EBLIDA started several years ago when I was working for the Council of Europe.
At that time, one of the CoE priorities was legislation in the book sector. In collaboration with various EBLIDA Directors, the CoE was able to produce an array of recommendations and other provisions in the interests of libraries. Co-operation reached its peak with the approval of the 2000 Council of Europe – EBLIDA Guidelines on library legislation and policy in Europe. This love story continues now and my life seems to turn full circle: as I feel it, to work for EBLIDA is like coming back home.
These are both exciting and daunting times - for libraries as well as for Europe. On the one hand, technologies and an increasing number of users have given libraries a special place in society as hubs of knowledge and of civilizing values. On the other hand, the traditional role of libraries is being challenged by a wide array of actors and factors, including technology providers, publishing aggregators and improper legislation. Concerning Europe, there is no doubt of the necessity and advantages of having a European community and yet, it seems that building Europe is an exercise requiring justification every day.
2019 is going to be a crucial year both for libraries and for Europe. A Copyright directive may radically change legislation approved in 2001, and later. After the European elections in May 2019, a renewed European Parliament will convene and new Commissioners in portfolios that are relevant for libraries will be elected. The task of the EBLIDA Secretariat may seem daunting but is simple in its nature. It consists of a) listening carefully and perceptively to EBLIDA Members, interpreting their needs and expectations; b) transforming Members’ requests into an effective and transparent strategy; c) implementing this strategy with activities implying strong lobbying at institutional level and hard work with partners, within and around the European House. I am very much looking forward to putting my experience, skills and enthusiasm at the service of European public libraries!"
The president of EBLIDA, Ton van Vlimmeren, commented:
"We are thrilled to have Giuseppe on board. The experience he brings with him will be invaluable to EBLIDA. We believe that Giuseppe has the essential skills and the background to carry out EBLIDA's important work for libraries, archives and information providers in Europe. The EBLIDA Executive Committee and I very much look forward to working with Giuseppe".
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