Moldova Discusses eBooks
Blog post by Mariana Harjevschi
On 29 November, Moldova hosted its first discussion on the future of eBooks and eLending in libraries, highlighting challenges and opportunities. This important event, organised by the Librarianship Council of Moldova, focused on the future of eBooks and access to digital resources in Moldovan libraries.
This discussion, supported by Knowledge Rights 21 (KR21), brought together policymakers, cultural leaders, technology and copyright experts to explore the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital literature and library services.
The future of eBooks & eLending in libraries
Andrei Chistol, State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture of Moldova, delivered a keynote emphasising the importance of adapting cultural and educational institutions to the digital age. He highlighted the government’s commitment to modernising libraries and fostering a more accessible and inclusive cultural environment for Moldovan citizens.
Stephen Wyber, Member of the Knowledge Rights 21 Management Committee, added an international perspective. He explored the role of e-books in enhancing knowledge access and linked this to KR21’s priorities for driving changes in national legislation and practices across Europe to strengthen knowledge rights.
Transforming access to books in libraries
Mariana Harjevschi, President of the Librarianship Council of Moldova and KR21 national coordinator, explored how Moldovan libraries adapt to the digital age. She highlighted initiatives from the Librarianship Council to expand access to eBooks, striving to create a more inclusive and user-friendly library environment in Moldova.
From a technology perspective, IT entrepreneur Vitalie Eșanu shared an exciting vision of transforming reading through technology, examining how new technologies and interactive eBooks reshape reader engagement.
Copyright expert Ion Tigănaș provided a pro-user lens on the legal complexities surrounding digital publishing and its impact on authors, publishers, and libraries.
Challenges & opportunities in access to eBooks
Under the expert moderation of Diana Silivestru, Head of the Department of Arts, Creative Industries, and Artistic Education at the Ministry of Culture, the event explored key digital publishing challenges. She led discussions on balancing innovation with equitable access to knowledge. During the session, stakeholders shared their perspectives:
- Elena Pintilei, President of the Association of Librarians in Moldova, underscored the need for improved digital infrastructure and librarian training.
- The Union of Publishers of Moldova called for sustainable eBook models that balance industry and reader needs.
- Teo Chiriac, President of the Union of Writers of Moldova, emphasised fair compensation for authors and robust copyright protections in the digital age.
Paving the road ahead
The event concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, allowing participants to engage with the speakers on critical issues, including copyright law, digital inclusion, and integrating emerging technologies in Moldova’s library networks.
This milestone event marks a significant step in Moldova’s journey toward a future where libraries are equipped to meet the challenges of the digital era. The future of eBooks and eLending in libraries is in our hands. Let’s continue to advocate for progress!
6 December 2024
