April 25, 2008
Margaret Shakarashvili
Georgia Today

Current members of the British Council Library in Tbilisi have received the letter inviting them to transfer their membership to the Tbilisi State University (TSU) British Library, as it is to be relocated to the second historical building of TSU from October 2008.

About 6000 of the British Council’s contemporary British books and multimedia items will be transferred to the new British Library at TSU that will serve as a cultural and information centre for students, academics, young professionals and all people interested in British culture and education. TSU British Library will offer more in-depth coverage of a range of professional subjects, including English Language Teaching, management, law, political science, economics and media studies.

“It is a continuation of our partnership with TSU. I am extremely pleased and very much look forward to cutting the ribbon of TSU British library in October with TSU rector Giorgi Khubua,” commented Lena Milosevic, British Council Director.

Hence, from October, the British Council is to provide information and learning services to new and wider audiences, in Tbilisi and in the regions, by working in partnership with the Tbilisi State University. This partnership will also involve on-going collaboration with the British Library to influence policy, strengthen infrastructure and build the skills and competence of staff.

“This is a significant occasion,” emphasized TSU rector, Prof. Dr. Giorgi Khubua expressing thanks to Ms. Lena Miloscevic for her activities, his employees and British Council staff those who contributed to realization of new collaboration scheme. “Maintenance, sustainability and development will be one of key determinants of the British Library at TSU,” remarked Prof. Khubua.

According to Tea Gergedava, Director of TSU Department of Foreign Relations, periodic opinion polls will be conducted among students and professors, that will be considered and reflected on the further development and improvement of the British Library service.

Moreover, in the near future, Oxford Publishing House store will be opened in the same building, and all British library registered users, like TSU students and professors, will benefit from the certain discounts in the bookstore.

As Nutsa Kuridze, British Council Exams and MARCOMS Manager explained, in every country across Europe, the British Council is taking on a new role - moving away from being a traditional “bilateral cultural institute” to building more flexible and dynamic cultural relations within and beyond Europe in a rapidly changing environment. “In Georgia, we are seeking to provide even greater support to the country’s progress towards EU accession and this new orientation is reflected in the new profile of our work in Georgia,” said Kuridze.