Prof. Nicolucci Joins ICCU: A Boost for Italy's Cultural Heritage

Italy - In a significant development for Italy’s cultural landscape, Prof. Roberto Nicolucci has been appointed as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Istituto Centrale per il Catalogo Unico delle Biblioteche Italiane (ICCU). This appointment came on the recommendation of Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli and was coordinated with Minister of University and Research, Sen. Anna Maria Bernini, as reported by Il Mattino.

The ICCU plays an essential role in the promotion and preservation of Italian culture. As a public institution, it coordinates and manages the catalog of the National Library Service (SBN) and is devoted to enhancing the cataloging, inventorying, and digitizing of bibliographic and documentary heritage in libraries across Italy. By doing so, the ICCU ensures that the cultural treasures housed within state and private libraries are not only preserved but also made accessible to the public.

Cultural Preservation and Digital Access

The responsibility of cataloging extends far beyond mere organization of books. The ICCU actively develops programs, studies, and initiatives to foster a more culture-rich society. It helps to enhance and disseminate cultural heritage stored in libraries, thus promoting a deeper understanding of Italy’s historical and literary landscapes. Indeed, the institute’s efforts are vital in shaping a national library service system that guarantees access and usability of cultural resources for all citizens, contributing to Italy’s vibrant cultural tapestry.

The General Directorate for Libraries and Copyright of the Ministry of Culture has been pivotal in advancing this cultural mission. Since the late 1990s, it has led initiatives focused on the knowledge and enhancement of digitized cultural heritage found in Italian libraries. As reported by Biblioteca Angelica, the Cultural Internet portal was created to provide integrated access to various Italian libraries’ collections. It showcases both catalogs and digital treasures, making it a valuable resource for researchers and the public alike.

The National Library Service

Delving deeper into the operational side, the National Library Service (Servizio Bibliotecario Nazionale – SBN) stands as a network of libraries that play a crucial role in unifying Italy’s fragmented library resources. Coordinated by ICCU and supported by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, the SBN has evolved into a vital network. Libraries from state institutions to local and university libraries participate in this collaborative framework, ensuring that they share resources and routines.

The establishment of the SBN was particularly important, as it grouped libraries into local hubs, allowing for a seamless flow of services through automated procedures. This has been beneficial for both library professionals and the public as it mitigates resource fragmentation and enhances accessibility. Moreover, the SBN Index system, operational since 1992, has made it easier for patrons to discover and access a wealth of materials located in various libraries.

As a noteworthy feature, the SBN system promotes shared cataloging, allowing libraries to use bibliographic data from one another, which leads to more efficient and streamlined operations. Since its inception, SBN has made substantial progress in connecting different libraries, thereby enhancing cooperative efforts across the board. In fact, the integration of technology within these libraries has greatly improved their ability to serve the public.

Italy is fortunate to have dedicated individuals like Prof. Nicolucci, who can bring fresh insight and expertise to the ICCU. As the institute continues its work in promoting, preserving, and digitizing Italy’s rich cultural heritage, there’s no doubt that the appointment of such qualified individuals will greatly benefit the nation’s cultural landscape.