Dagnija Baltiņa, former director of the Department of Special Collections of the National Library of Latvia, former secretary general of the Latvian National Commission for UNESCO and lecturer at the Latvian Academy of Culture, was selected in the competition for the position of director of the landmark institution, the Ministry of Culture announced.
Baltiņa graduated from Harvard University with a master's degree in public administration, and Brandenburg University of Technology with a master's degree in world heritage studies. She has completed doctoral studies in history at the University of Latvia and is currently an applicant for a doctoral degree.
"It is with honor that I accept the invitation to become the director of the National Library of Latvia in order to continue the life work of Andris Vilks [the outgoing director]. The mission of the National Library in Latvia is to be an important pillar of democracy and proof of Latvia's excellence, growth and strength," she said of her appointment.
She added that over the next decade, LNB would be established as a strong opinion leader in culture in general and in the wider context of national development, prosperity and security.
"People and growth are at the center of LNB's work. I believe that LNB, together with all Latvian libraries, will make the library a habit, support and value of every Latvian resident and institution," said Baltiņa.
Among the most important responsibilities of the LNB director are planning, managing and coordinating the work of the library, ensuring the sustainable development of the LNB collection and data management, developing and updating the library's operation and development strategy, and promoting LNB's cooperation with other cultural heritage institutions and academia.
Applicants for the position had to develop proposals for the development of LNB's future activities for five years. The salary of the director of LNB is set at 4,116 euros per month before taxes.
Long-time LNB director Andris Vilks will leave his post in September.
