We need libraries more than ever

Not everybody would expect that I, the one working on modern e-solutions, would pay a tribute to libraries and librarians… But, yes, I do love libraries, and especially our DEVCO library.

With around 300-400 email turnover per day our work often becomes "treating the mail box", reading, responding, and filing emails.

In fact when the Commission or any other EU institution are accused of not bringing up any new ideas, it's probably because we have no more time to work on those new ideas.

Library is this actual place where we can sit in peace, break away from our screens, and read a book or magazine with ideas and analysis of scholars and outside annalists. This is the place where our phone is not ringing, no email alerts are reaching and where the actual analytical work can take place.

Have you ever used our DEVCO library service? Whenever a new book or a magazine review reaches the library, our colleagues call us inviting to take a look or ordering books upon our request.

Our librarians help as to keep up-to-date and manage the information flow in publishing marketing for us. It saves our time, right?

In fact the best briefing files, those most appreciated by our TOP management, are done by colleagues who frequently order books and latest reviews from the library.

And so my best articles were done after reading a bunch of external reviews and different opinions, suggested by various colleagues as well as our librarians.

I do hope Elvyra and Idalia will restore a nice page on this group allowing us to brows e-library as well as providing tips and news on the most recent reviews and books on development issues available just on the ground floor next to us.