Bulgaria: keeping up with the web-savvy generation

Librarians around the world know one thing for sure: new technologies have had a great impact on the way that libraries work, as well on the types of services that libraries can provide to clients. Traditional job titles have changed beyond recognition. A librarian can be called a metadata specialist, a knowledge manager or a lifelong learning co-ordinator, or perhaps an information broker, digital services manager or cybrarian.

Libraries have long utilised technology for back-room operations, such as the purchase of bibliographic records in MARC format (MAchine-Readable Cataloging record) or for the streamlining of library functions e.g. book loans to patrons. The latest technologies are notable for facilitating new and improved front-end services. Features expected by web-savvy users of today such as federated searching, the "did you mean?" feature and RSS are fast becoming part of next-generation library catalogues.

“That’s why it is so critically important for librarians in Bulgaria to be at the leading edge”, said Nadya Terzieva, eIFL Country Co-ordinator for the Bulgarian Information Consortium (BIC). „We recognise that technologies are changing quickly, especially digital technologies, and that we must know about the latest database trends, preservation techniques and the mobile web in order to provide the best possible services to our users“.

Each year, BIC organises two popular events to keep track of developments and to provide a forum to share experiences. „Good Library Practice“ enables BIC members to exchange ideas on a core, contemporary theme. The first seminar of 2008 took place at the library of the Technical University Gabrovo on “Modern Technologies for Information Services”. Topics included RFID, Web 2.0, and statistical publications in digital formats. Previous seminar topics are modern library architecture, digital collections for education and research, and copyright and access in the digital world.

“Technology Days” are open to all librarians who want to learn about the latest library technologies, including automation systems, new publisher databases, technical products and services from local library suppliers. Usually attended by over sixty librarians, Technology Days have featured union catalogues, new applications of open source software and locally developed resolvers, and changing interactions with students.

A presentation in 2007 on social software by Toshka Borisova, Head of Access Services and Reference at the American University in Bulgaria, inspired BIC to recently start its own blog. Local librarians like the mix of practical information and news contained in the blog, such as announcements for library exhibitions and trial access to electronic journals, a library slide show and open access resources.

Touring cities throughout Bulgaria and attracting over 1,600 participants, the seminars have had a broad regional impact. A nice feature is that librarians who have attended international events, such as the eIFL General Assembly, pass on their knowledge to local librarians at the seminars.

“BIC actively seeks to popularise the use of electronic resources and to use new technologies to distribute knowledge and research results”, said Nadya Terzieva. “We have consciously adopted the model of resource and knowledge sharing to achieve this.” After only five years, BIC has established itself as the leader in technology and best practices for the library community in Bulgaria. The library community is stronger and services to users are improved – everyone is a winner!

About BIC

The Bulgarian Information Consortium (BIC) was founded in 2002, with encouragement and a start-up grant from eIFL.net, by enthusiastic library managers from the New Bulgarian University, American University, Technical University Sofia and the Academy of Economics in Svishtov. BIC funds its activities through membership fees from its 38 members, services to members and external clients and sponsorship. BIC is a legally registered, independent organisation with working groups for public relations and fund-raising, electronic resources and training, subscriptions and the website.

May 2008