Vatican Library, National Library sign cooperation protocol

BELGRADE - The current archivist and librarian of the Vatican Apostolic Library, Archbishop Jean-Louis Brugues, signed Monday at the National Library of Serbia (NBS) a protocol on cooperation between the two institutions, set to facilitate the exchange of publications, knowledge and experts in the field of gathering, preserving, processing and protecting the library material.

This is the first official visit to Serbia by a representative of the Vatican library, which was established in the 15th century, said Brugues, describing the visit as historical. Our holdings include not only theological works, but also some of the most significant collections illustrating the extent and diversity of the human knowledge in medicine, mathematics, astronomy, history, geography and arts such as music and painting, he told reporters upon signing the protocol.

Brugues arrived on his first visit to Serbia at the invitation of the Serbian government, which three years ago launched the initiative to establish cooperation between the two library institutions.

Along with the national libraries of London and Paris, the Vatican library holds the world's largest collection of ancient books and documents, and boasts a long tradition of expertise in the area of restoration of old manuscripts, illuminations and miniatures.

The cooperation with NBS will focus on restoration and conservation, as well as exchange of digitization experts, as both libraries intend to embark on the process of modernization.

According to acting NBS director Svetlana Jancic, the signing of the protocol on cooperation between NBS and Bibliotheca Apostolica Vaticana is one of the most significant events in the history of NBS, and an exceptional tribute to its...