TRAINEES STORIES: Daniele Ciocci – WBL BIBLIO PROJECT

1. Why did you decide to take part in the BIBLIO course?

I took part in the BIBLIO course in order to refine and expand the skills and knowledge acquired during university courses and introduce myself to the work environment with extensive and, at the same time, specialist knowledge, to better face the changes that are affecting the libraries in every aspect, from cultural to technological.

2. What change do you wnt to make in your library?

The change I would like to make in the library I am collaborating with is mainly focused on improving the ways in which communication with the outside takes place. To date, communication represents one of the most important tools for attracting and involving users and allowing cultural institutions to return to assume a central role in the dissemination of knowledge.

3. Tell us more about the work-based learning – how does it work, what do you expect from it, how do you work with your mentor?

Work-based learning focuses on the ways in which the library communicates with the outside world and, first of all, with the university community to which the cultural institution belongs. The activities I am carrying out mainly concern the analysis of users and the development of adequate tools and methods through which the library can convey messages and information relating to the services it offers, from the opening hours to the archive and book collections in possession. always paying particular attention to requests from users.

From this experience I expect to acquire a high cultural and professional background, which has a direct implication in the practice of managing a library and which, therefore, allows me to be able to manage with awareness and competence a cultural institution dedicated to dissemination and knowledge enhancement.

In carrying out the tasks deriving from work-based learning, I am followed and supported by the librarians of the cultural institute, who while supporting me in daily activities, grant me ample decision-making and executive autonomy on the initiatives I am implementing for the project, allowing me to develop an equal and horizontal comparison in the management of the library.

4. What is, in your view, the future role of libraries?
   

In the digital age and what has been defined as “horizontal culture”, libraries perform an important role as a bastion in defence of correct and aware information. They represent meeting places between individuals and communities and for the development of transversal knowledge that allow the formation of consciences open to change and free from prejudices and preconceptions.

To fulfil these functions, libraries must necessarily evolve and change their relationship with users, differentiating services and updating their communication tools.

5. If you have to explain to people in one sentence why they should come to the library and what they will find there, what would you say?

Libraries are a bastion in defence of free and aware knowledge.