Sofia 2002
Conference Notes
Libraries, Civil Society and Social Development
Prof. Alexander Dimchev welcomed the conference attendees, noting the many representatives from many countries at the conference. He also welcomed the students, who will take up the profession in the future. He expressed wishes for productive work, cooperation, and meeting new contacts. He also thanked Prof. Achleitner and Emporia State University for their support of the conference. He then introduced the President of Bulgaria, Mr. Georgi Parvanov.President G. Parvanov (6.5MB) (Quicktime) Video
The President welcomed everyone to theconference, thanking the sponsorship of the University of Sofia’s department of library science, Emporia State University, and the ULISO of Bulgaria. He noted that this is the second time Sofia has hosted “this influential forum of 23 countries united behind the idea of improving the quality of life.” The President’s speech emphasized that the era of enlightenment and the beginning of libraries is not an accident. Whether delivery is through electronic formats or clay tablets, the intent is always the same – to inform. Contemporary society and global society is growing immensely today. The initiators of the conference are to be congratulated for establishing means of encouraging clear government policy, management activity, funding, and the linking of government and non-government organizations. The presence of the conference shows work and commitment for success and energy to implement initiatives.
Mrs. Slavova, Minister of Culture, offered her welcome on behalf of the Ministry of Culture. Mrs. Slavova discussed the role of libraries in civil society, the relevance to democratic society and culture open to European values. Mrs. Slavova noted that the sharing of information and administration of libraries is important; especially in Balkan libraries as part of global society. Mrs. Slavova closed with wishes for success and productive results today.
Prof. S. Hristova. Director, National Library. Sofia, Bulgaria (2.96MB) (Quicktime)Video
Prof. Boriana Hristova, the Director of the Bulgarian National Library, welcomed conference attendees on behalf of the National Library. Prof. Hristova noted the importance of the topic of civil society and of libraries to the Balkan countries. Prof. Hristova invited the attendees to visit and view the many rare manuscripts on display at the National Library.
Prof. Herbert Achleitner from Emporia State
University welcomed attendees, and read a letter of welcome from Dr. Kay Schallenkamp, President of Emporia State University. Prof. Achleitner noted the valued partnership between Emporia State University and the University of Sofia. Prof. Achleitner presented a gift to the President of Bulgaria on behalf of Emporia State University. He also thanked Prof. Dimchev, Mrs. Slavova, and Prof. Hristova for their leadership in the advancement of Balkan librarianship. In particular, the presence of 23 countries strengthen collaboration between countries, and a resolution by the Directors of National Libraries of the Balkan countries will formally recognize the regional collaboration.
Assoc. Prof. V. Stefanov Dean, Philosophy Dept. University of Sofia (3.39MB )(Quicktime) Video
Prof. Vitan Stefanov, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, welcomed attendees, calling them to be the ambassadors of the future. He noted it was an honor to welcome everyone on behalf of the President of the University of Sofia and the deanship of the Departments of Philosophy and Library Science. The issues to be discussed are proven by each term in name of conference. Such a conference is importance because the level of human society is the development of the brain expressed in books and cognitive ability. The industrial and information revolutions penetrate all spheres of society, eliminating boundaries of countries and social groups. The preservation and transfer of knowledge is done through information technology and libraries. Only an informed society can be a civil society.
Prof. V. Grashkina President, Union of Librarian and Information Service Officers (3.03MB)((Quicktime)Video
Prof. Vania Grashkina of the Union of Library and Information Service Officers, Bulgaria, extended her welcome to the attendees, and expressed her confidence that new ideas will be born and lead to new international cooperation. She noted that an exceptionally important act of respect for the dignity of librarians’ professional work is the presence of the President.
B Josifova. Bulgarian Ministry of Culture (3.6MB) (Quicktime) Video
Prof. A. Dimchev. Closing Remarks (1MB) (Quicktime) Video
Prof. Dimchev again took the floor and declared the conference open, with best wishes for success.
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