From the 6-11^th October, 2021, Dr. Ismet Ovčina, Director of the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina visited the National and University Library „Đurđe Crnojević“ Cetinje – Montenegro and International Book Fair Podgorica.

The objectives of the exchange were

• Visit to the National Library of Montenegro “Đurđe Crnojević” – to make updates to the cooperation agreement between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to ensure it is viable and legal and to meet the new director of Library.
• To exchange books, magazines, newspapers, electronic publications and other library material published in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the interest of cultural heritage.
• To represent National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bosnia and Herzegovina at International Book Fair Podgorica.
• To discuss potential future exhibitions featuring manuscripts from Montenegro and the Bosnia and Herzegovina from some historical periods meaningful for the Balkans.
• To exchange of professional, scientific, bibliographic and other personal publications, and to discuss collaboration in mutual projects.
• To exchange news in the field of librarianship and exchange of experience in professional processes.

Summary of the Exchange

At the invitation of new Director Ms. Dragica Lompar, and with the financial support of CENL, Dr. Ismet Ovčina visited the National Library of Montenegro “Đurđe Crnojević. On this occasion, Dr. Ovčina and Director, Ms. Lompar discussed about cooperation between the two national libraries, the importance of reviving international cooperation on new projects in the near future, and possible cooperation with national libraries in the region and the implementation of the provisions of the Memorandum, which relate to the exchange of librarians, exchange of library materials and projects and applications for cross-border cooperation projects and European funds.

On this occasion, Dr. Ismet Ovčina also met Ms. Vjenceslava Ševaljević, member of the international editorial board of the journal Bosniaca, with whom he talked about Bosniaca and further engagement in the Editorial board of this important professional journal published by NUBBiH, which is indexed in many international databases.

During his stay in Montenegro, Dr. Ismet Ovčina also participated in the International Book Fair in Podgorica where the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina presented its very important publishing production.

Outcomes of the Exchange

A cooperation agreement was signed between the two national libraries:

• To exchange of books, magazines, newspapers, electronic publications and other library material published in the Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the interest of cultural heritage. The scope and selection will be agreed upon by the respective services of the two libraries.
• To exchange of professional, scientific, bibliographic and other personal publications, with the updating of reports on newly published publications. Interlibrary lending of library material in accordance with the Universal Availability of Publications (UAP) Program as recommended by IFLA, with payment terms facilitated.
• To exchange of experts in the field of librarianship and exchange of experience in professional processes and to make available of bibliographic records, regardless of the software on which they are created. Joint projects; exhibitions, seminars, conservation and restoration, digitization, etc.

Presentation of National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina publications and publishing production and International Fair in Podgorica has been very successful. Agreement on future exhibitions featuring manuscripts from Montenegro and the Bosnia and Herzegovina from some historical periods meaningful for the Balkans has been made.

Quotes from participants

Dr. Ovčina: It was my pleasure to be a guest for a while in the National and University Library „Đurđe Crnojević“ Cetinje

Also, it was worth sharing our knowledge and experience with colleagues from Montenegro and it is important to continue with our professional ties as well with our friendly relations. We are happy and proud to have these kinds of relations with all colleagues in our Region and beyond, due to help of CENL.

Ms. Lompar: On this occasion we have discussed the ways and possibilities of extending the cooperation between national libraries of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was nice opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices in certain processes from the field of library and information sciences, so I am happy to be part of it.

Expense Details

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