The BETH Conference in Sarajevo 2024

From 18 to 21 September, Raul Cervantes, Head of Friedensau University Library, took part in the BETH conference in Sarajevo. The ‘Bibliothèques Européennes de Théologie’ (BETH) is an association of European library networks and individual libraries with theology as their main collection. Its members represent around 1,500 European libraries. Raul Cervantes was very impressed by the conference; here is an extract from his report:

What does the BETH stand for? It builds networks and establishes contacts, supports and promotes cooperation and library development, represents the interests of European theological libraries and works to preserve the cultural heritage to be found in Europe's theological and church libraries.

‘The conference focussed on the topic of ‘sustainability’. The conference venue was the Gazi-Husrev-Begova Mosque in Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina). I took the opportunity to explain the basic principles of our Adventist identity as an introduction to the actual presentation. My thematic contribution was entitled: ‘Dignity and Sustainability’; I related it to Goal 12 ‘Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns’ of the United Nations. In my presentation, I was able to present a practical example of how the Friedensau University Library deals with its collections and the book donations it receives. I presented the ‘12 Principles of Shelfreading’ concept developed by a group of student employees at Friedensau University Library, which is primarily concerned with the care of library collections. To conclude, I quoted a Jewish poem that is read out when sacred books are buried: I come today | to say goodbye | to words | that used to speak to me. | Ort hat spoke to G-d | through me, | or that spoke to me | through G-d. | However, at this moment, | you lie cold | and silent | and so I too now Lack | words. ...’ (https://opensiddur.org/prayers/life-cycle/death/mourning/prayer-for-the-interment-of-shemot-in-a-geniza/ – accessed: 28 August 2024).

The next librarians' conference will take place in Norway in 2025. The university library plans to report on a concept to be implemented in 2025 entitled ‘NEWSTART: A holistic health approach in Seventh-day Adventist libraries’ | https://beth.eu.

Text: Raul Cervantes | Editing: Andrea Cramer