“He was a wonderful character, kind, modest, fair, without arrogance, a man of ideals and ideals. He loved what he did, he was passionate about it National Library and spent in her service, Commentary by Stavros Zumbulakis in “K” on Philippos H. Tsiboglu, President of the Electoral Board of the National Library (EBE). “For ten years we have worked together without hesitation,” he adds, and tells us with feeling of the wonderful relationship that connected him with the CEO of EBE, who passed away yesterday after a few days of illness.

The untimely loss of this dedicated public servant, who, as emphasized by those who worked with him, always promoted and emphasized the value of employees, deeply touched the staff of the Library. “Without any selfishness, he always welcomed the initiatives of others,” says Mr. Zumbulakis, highlighting the optimism that the deceased faced with adversity and challenges during his long tenure.

Philippos X. Tsiboglu was born in 1956 in Farsala. He studied at ASOEE and then completed his PhD in Library Science and Computer Science at the Department of Archiving and Library Science at the Ionian University. From 1983 to 1999 he worked at the National Documentation Center / EIE as manager of the European Structural and Development Programs. From 1999 to 2014 he served as director of the University of Cyprus Library. He assumed the duties of WBE General Director in 2014, after a long period when this position was filled by deputies, and the Library functioned mainly thanks to the efforts of its Ephorate Council and its staff.

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From the outset, he sought to modernize the library so that it would acquire an international reach and play a social role in terms of knowledge and learning.

His task was difficult from the start, as he had to not only deal with the organization’s chronic problems, but also organize the historic relocation of the EBE from Walliania Manor to the SNFCC. With a deep understanding of librarianship and a background in digital software development, he has sought from the outset to modernize the library so that it acquires an international reach and plays a social role in terms of knowledge and learning.

“The bet on the modernization of the National Library at all levels must be won. Right now, we are systematically trying to bridge decades of gap to get into the future. We work for this with our heart, mind and heart. The National Library is a hidden treasure and the bet is to make it stand out,” he said, referring to the hard work and dedication required to transition the library into a new era. The preparation of the resettlement implementation program was based on a series of extensive and specific studies. Their planning, execution, and coordination were the work of an informal group of leaders and specialist consultants set up for this purpose. Philippos Tsiboglu was the main person responsible for the details of the formation of the program and the use of donations to the SNF, as well as for the direct connection of the WBE – collections, functions, personnel – with any project, thought, perspective or decision. about the library and its future.

After the massive resettlement project was completed, the next strategic goal of EBE was to provide scholars and researchers with optimal access to the vast print and digital materials on Hellenism through modernized digital services and interconnection with other libraries at the national and international levels.

“He may not have been able to complete his work at the library,” concludes Mr. Zumbulakis, “but it requires the cooperation of many, as well as large budgets.” However, he himself, in an interview with K magazine (12.6.17), said: “I cannot help but be touched when the first book printed in Greek in 1476 is less than a meter from my desk. I am fortunate to be among those responsible for the preservation of such books.”

The memorial service will take place on Monday, February 6, at 11:30. to I.N. St. Con/number of the Zografu Municipal Cemetery. The family asks that instead of wreaths, donations be made to certain bank accounts for the Greek Lighthouse for the Blind.