2nd International Symposium on Information/ Documentation Management and Cooperation among the Libraries in the Balkan Countries was hosted by Trakya University, Edirne on May 9-11, 2024. The symposium included a discussion on the formation of the Balkan Universities Association (BUA) and the state of libraries in member universities in the panel titled “BUA Experience and Future Vision”
In the panel moderated by Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan Tabakoğlu, the speakers included former Rector of Trakya University Prof. Dr. Yener Yörük, former Rector of Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’ Prof. Dr. İvan Ilchev, President of the Senate of Tetovo University Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, and Rector of Tuzla University Prof. Dr. Nermina Hadzigrahic.
Referring the founding BUA in the beginning of his speech, Prof. Dr. Tabakoğlu mentioned the increase in the number of member universities since 2014 and the meetings that have been held.
On the other hand, Prof. Dr. Yörük stated his great pleasure to see that his journey, which began in 2014 with 32 universities, has continued today with over 90 universities.
Stating the Library of St. Kliment Ohridski University has the richest collection of scientific books in Bulgaria; Prof. Dr. Illchev also remarked that the library has more than 20.000 registered users. Mentioning “Heritage Bg” which is a consortium created by researchers from 5 biggest universities in the country, 7 institutes of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the National Library and Regional History Museum, Illchev shared information about the consortium’s contribution to the library.
Prof. Dr. Ameti stated that since its formation, the main objective of the BUA has been to define a pioneering vision for the future based on shared global values through the universities, libraries, and research centers in the Balkans.
Moreover, Prof. Dr. Hadžigrahić emphasized that the BUA is an opportunity to create an environment that promotes excellence and innovation through cooperation among universities, enabling young people to realize their ideas and scientific potential. She stated that upon the suggestion of Tuzla University, three more universities would apply for membership in the BUA this year: the University of Pécs in Hungary, the University of Slavonski Brod in Croatia, and the University of Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Translated by: Ronahi Bedirhan (Department of English Translation and Interpreting)
