National Libraries in the digital era―focusing on the strategies of the National Library of the Netherlands
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Dr. Lily Knibbeler, Director General, National Library of the Netherlands

Dr. Knibbeler read History at Leiden University and wrote her dissertation on ancient Greek crisis management. She was a visiting fellow at Harvard University and University College London. She has worked in a variety of management roles at the National Library since 2008 and was named Director General in 2015, the same year that the new Public Library Law delegated responsibility for the digital public library and network of public libraries to the KB. She currently chairs the Board of the Dutch Digital Heritage Network and the Conference of Directors of National Libraries.

Ms. Elsbeth Kwant, Strategic Advisor, National Library of the Netherlands

Ms. Kwant studied at Leiden University from 1995 to 2000, specializing in Russian history and social history before receiving a master’s degree in intellectual and book history. Since 2015 she has pursued a master's degree in Managing Information and Sustainable Change. She took part in university press and database projects while at Leiden. After participating in the development of a general strategy as well as in cultural and research programs at the National Library of the Netherlands, she was named Strategic Advisor to the Directorate in 2015. Since 2017, she has served on the Board of the European Heritage Hub Europeana, and is Chair of the Museum Registry Committee in the Netherlands.

Prof. TAKEUCHI Hiroya, Vice President and Professor of Library and Information Science, Chiba University

After graduating in 1987 with a master's degree in Library and Information Science from Keio University, Prof. Takeuchi worked at the University of Tokyo Library from 1987 to 1996, during which time he was posted to the UNESCO Bangkok Office from 1989 to 1991. He later served as associate professor at the University of Shizuoka, Junior College and the Shizuoka University of Art and Culture from 1996 to 2003 before coming to Chiba University, where he first served as associate professor from 2003 to 2008. Thereafter, he was promoted to professor and named Director of the Academic Link Center as well as librarian and vice president of the university.

Mr. SATO Takehiko, Director General, Digital Information Department, National Diet Library

After graduating in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in law from Chuo University, Mr. Sato has worked at the National Diet Library since 1985. He assumed his present post in April 2019 after holding key senior positions such as Director General of the International Library of Children's Literature and Senior Specialist of the Research and Legislative Reference Bureau.