Rina Hadziev Joins British Columbia Library Association (BCLA) as Executive Director

June 24, 2021

The British Columbia Library Association (BCLA) today announced the appointment of Rina Hadziev as its next Executive Director starting on July 19, 2021. She succeeds Annette DeFaveri who is retiring after serving as BCLA’s Executive Director since 2012.

Rina joins BCLA from the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) where she has served as Collections and Technical Services Coordinator, Head of Technical Services, and head of the Juan de Fuca Branch. She has also served as Executive Director of the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA).

Welcome to BCLA’s next Executive Director, Rina Hadziev!

The British Columbia Library Association (BCLA) is pleased to announce the selection of Rina Hadziev as its next Executive Director. Rina steps into the role following current Executive Director Annette DeFaveri, who has been an incredible advocate for the interests of libraries and successfully representing individual and institutional members. The hire was made after a comprehensive search process, in collaboration with the Search Committee and Harbour West Consulting, and with the approval of the Board of Directors.

“The Board of Directors of the British Columbia Library Association is very excited to announce Rina as our new Executive Director. We look forward to collaborating with Rina in continuing to provide universal access to information and meaningful resources to our membership and broader community.” – Todd Mundle, Incoming President, BCLA.

Rina comes to the BCLA as an experienced librarian, drawing from public library leadership roles and a passion for accessible library services, collaboration, inclusion, and collections. Rina brings experience from her previous roles with the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) and the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). In her role with the GVPL, Rina led the indigenization of the library catalogue and integration of new technologies, e-resources, and digital collections. Recently with CELA she advanced partnerships and programming integral to facilitating equitable access for patrons with print disabilities. Rina holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies at the University of British Columbia. Rina will begin her new role as Executive Director for the BCLA on July 19, 2021.

“I’m excited to join the British Columbia Library Association as Executive Director. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and members of the Association to advocate for libraries and provide professional opportunities and services for our membership during this time of change and opportunity.” – Rina Hadziev, Incoming Executive Director, BCLA.

(Via British Columbia Library Association)