26 Years of Loyalty Give a Sense of Stability and Security

Ilze Siliņa-Čukure is the Head Librarian and started working at RSU in 1996. During this time, she has witnessed the arrival of global trends and the changes brought on by the rapid technological development in Latvia at the end of the 20th century.

The twists and turns of her life led her to RSU and to becoming a librarian by chance. Before RSU, Ilze Siliņa-Čukure was a Latvian language teacher, edited TV programmes, and worked as a sound director at Telefilma-Rīga, an editorial office at Latvian Television that recorded and produced film scores and film descriptions. Ultimately, she found a place at RSU and remained faithful to the RSU Library.

'My generation loves stability,' says Ilze.

‘The years I spent at Telefilma-Rīga were very creative. My time there was interrupted by the dissolution of the editorial office in 1996. Cinema gradually gave way to video.’

Munich (Germany). ‘We travelled around Bavaria, visiting many libraries. It was an exchange trip for Latvian librarians,’ recalls Ilze Siliņa-Čukure. (2019) Photo from private archive

At the library, she compiles a monthly list of newly acquired books, organises regular exhibitions of new books, is responsible for incoming press, builds and corrects magazine collections, and serves and advises readers on the Free Access and Information Centre collections. Ilze believes that empathy is the key to working with readers.

Walking, line dancing, and photography are integral to everyday life

An exhibition of photographs by Ilze Siliņa-Čukure is currently on display on the 2nd floor of the Library in the RSU Main Building. Ilze likes to capture interesting moments in nature on her phone.

Ilze also walks a lot. The many kilometres she walks every day to work and back from her home in central Riga invigorate her. ‘I can’t imagine my life without my daily 10 kilometres. I also dance in a modern line dance group called City Dancers.’ Physical activity has the added benefit of helping her stay healthy during the virus season.

What does the word “library” even mean today – what kind of place is it in the 21st century?

It is an information centre. The stereotypes are gradually changing. The 21st century library is no longer conceivable without technical equipment, which naturally includes copying and printing equipment. I know that many libraries also help readers understand and use the internet.

Does the university library differ from other libraries, and if so, how?

The RSU library has the scientific literature needed for the university's different study programmes. Although the library is open to all users, its main users are RSU students, lecturers, and researchers. A wide range of e-resources are also available in the university’s libraries.

How has the RSU library changed over the years?

Most importantly, the working environment has changed and there are more international students. Students use the reading rooms more and there is free access to collections and self-service facilities, a wide range of e-resources, and the possibility to use library services remotely.

Given that work is increasingly being mechanised and digitalised, could librarians one day be replaced by machines?

Not completely, but definitely to a large extent.

Do librarians have to keep learning throughout their lives just like doctors do?

Yes. The speed at which information technology is developing and the fact that it has entered working life make it necessary to keep up.

How do you cope with stressful situations at work?

I try to take stressful situations calmly and look for the cause. I analyse and look in my notebooks (I have many little personal diaries) and I reflect on why the given situation happened.

Ilze Siliņa-Čukure (left) with her colleague Gunta Vasariņa on the 2nd floor of the Information Centre, 16 Dzirciema iela, after a lot of hard work. ‘We had to clear all the shelves because the cosmetic renovations had started.’ (2012) Photo from private archive

Are the energy saving measures that have been announced at RSU affecting the library and your work? Does it mean that you also have to change your habits?

I have to dress warmer because I get cold easily.

You take photographs in your free time. Will you take part in the RSU staff photo competition ‘Four Seasons in Latvia: From the Peace of the Countryside to the Hustle and Bustle of the City’?

No, I won’t. My exhibition on the 2nd floor of the RSU Central Library is all the competition I need. I look forward to people coming to look and getting their feedback. Everyone is welcome!

In the annotation to your photo exhibition you write that you aren’t an optimist. What are you then?

A melancholic. A certain age is characterised by a contemplativeness that somewhat resembles pessimism. But I try to turn every negative in life into a positive.

We are living in extraordinary and complicated times – COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis... What helps you keep your emotional balance, your faith, your zest for life?

I look for the little things in life. I enjoy all the nuances found in nature and take pleasure in being alive.

A few more facts about Ilze Siliņa-Čukure

• Head Librarian, Information Resources Use and Maintenance Department.
• Graduated from the Faculty of Philology of the Latvian State University in 1976.
• Studied in the Library and Information Science professional development programme at the University of Latvia between 2004–2005.
• Participated in librarian exchange trips to Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, and others.