BL recruits to define digital library vision. British Library creates new role for former Extenza boss to spearhead the development of the National Digital Library, writes Mark Chillingworth.

Ruth Jones has been appointed head of development at the British Library (BL), a new role that will involve redefining the role of the BL as a National Digital Library.

Jones was the founding general manager of Extenza e-Publishing, seeing the company through start-up to sell-off, and will use this business experience in her new role. "I think it's interesting that they brought someone in with a commercial background. I think they wanted someone with a strong empathy with the information industry," she said. Jones is the latest in a long line of BL recruits from the private sector.

The BL strategy for 2005 to 2008 makes the digital library a priority. "Our challenge is to redefine the role and purpose of the British Library in the information revolution of the 21st century," it said. Jones told IWR that BL's centrality to the UK information industry made its digital ambitions pivotal. "All routes lead there," she said.

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