1. Introduction
We are pleased to inform all CDNL members of the successful conclusion of an online CDNL conference, held on 05 June 2025. This gathering brought together leaders from over 30 libraries covering every continent and representing the diversity of CDNLs institutions.
The theme for the event was: ‘Lessons from Library Leaders – new and experienced’. Dr Marie-Louise Ayres, CDNL Chair and Director-General of the National Library of Australia, hosted the event from Canberra, Australia.
2. Key Objectives and Agenda
The event focused on the following key objectives:
- Electing a Chair and Vice Chairs to vacant positions.
- Sharing knowledge and building relationships between participants.
- Facilitating candid discussions and thoughtful participant involvement.
The agenda included the following sessions:
- An election for CDNL Chair and Vice Chairs
- Keynote One: ‘Lessons from Library Leaders – new and experienced’, Dr Audrey Whitty, Director of the National Library of Ireland
- Keynote Two: ‘A Leadership Story’, Dagnija Baltina, Director of the National Library of Latvia
- Small group breakout discussions focussed on attendees’ early leadership experiences
- Group Zoom photograph
3. Event Highlights:
3.1. CDNL Committee Vote
From a strong field of candidates, three successful nominees were elected to the CDNL Committee:
- Dr Tomasz Makowski, Director-General of the National Library of Poland, was promoted into the role of CDNL Chair from his Vice Chair position.
- The successful Vice Chair nominees are:
- Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria
- Taner Beyoğlu, Director-General for Libraries and Publications, The National Library of Türkiye
A formal handover of positions will be conducted in August, at the CDNL Annual Meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan.
3.2. Keynotes
Two keynotes were provided during the event:
- Dr Audrey Whitty, Director of the National Library of Ireland, reflected on her role and the relationship she has observed between her background as a curator and her current role managing a large-scale capital works program. Dr Whitty also addressed the common challenge of declining visitor numbers – particularly among a younger audience, and shared insights from the National Library of Ireland’s experience. She emphasised the importance of advocating for additional resources, even when the likelihood of success is low. In closing, Dr Whitty acknowledging that while increasing access to library buildings is essential, it will also place added pressure on staff – which will require proactive planning by her leadership team.
- Dagnija Baltiņa, Director of the National Library of Latvia, shared reflections on her leadership philosophy and how it has been shaped by her personal context. She spoke candidly about the challenges of stepping into a leadership role following a long-standing predecessor, and the difficultly of comparison to, and losing, a mentor. Grounding her investigation in the history of the book at the Library in Latvia, Ms Baltiņa explored the evolving role of the library in the life of the individual and the state, through the following key themes: ‘Is a library a birthright?’, ‘Phenomenon of a book’, ‘Library as a habit’, ‘Libraries and statehood’, ‘Champions of curiosity’ and ‘The public good and public purpose.’
3.3. Small group discussions
Participants were divided into four groups to discuss the guiding question of: What was the biggest surprise in your first years as the leader of your institution (good or bad)?
Each small group had a facilitator who provided shared their own experience and guided the interactions with a series of questions and prompts.
4. Next Steps
The following will occur after the event:
- Action 1: Presenter PowerPoints, and any other relevant documentation, will be circulated to attendees where possible.
- Action 2: Planning for the in-person 2025 CDNL Annual Meeting, scheduled for August 2025 (likely during the IFLA Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan).
- Action 3: Handover materials will be prepared and passed to the new CDNL Committee members ahead of their terms commencing.
The Chair, Vice-Chairs and nominated support staff will be responsible for coordinating these actions.
5. Acknowledgements
We extend our deepest appreciation to:
- Our new CDNL Committee members for their participation in the vote, and future work with the Committee.
- All attendees and speakers for their invaluable contributions.
- Our event partner, Congress Rental, for their support.
6. Group Photo
cdnl.info 