More and closer cooperation when KIB becomes part of GVS
This coming new year, Karolinska Institutet University Library (KIB) will become part of Professional Services (GVS) at KI, creating more opportunities for closer cooperation and broader skills exchanges.
At the turn of the new year, Karolinska Institutet University Library (KIB) will become a division of KI’s Professional Services (GVS), and will therefore no longer operate directly under the president.
Veronika Sundström, university director and the official in charge of the development of GVS, explains that the change is being made to improve coordination and interconnectivity between KIB and other administrative units.
“This will facilitate operational development and enable us to use our resources and skills more broadly,” she says. “KIB adds both competence and perspective, and after the merger will gain the expertise that exists within today’s GVS.”
Miriam Nauri, director of KIB, says that preparations for the move have been underway throughout the year, and that the library has in effect been part of GVS for most of 2025.
“We’ve gradually got to know each other and what each other does,” she says.
Once it had been settled that KIB would formally become part of GVS in the new year, a collective project was needed to make sure all the pieces were in place, with a focus on clarifying roles, responsibilities and practicalities.
“We’ve also done risk and impact analyses in dialogue with safety representatives from KIB and GVS,” explains Nauri. “At the same time, we’ve also looked at how different administrative systems, such as budget and salaries, will be affected with the move from one organisational limb to another.”
Creating opportunities for cooperation
Nauri stresses that the library’s functions will remain unchanged. What will change, however, are the opportunities for deeper cooperation.
“We already cooperate closely with several offices within GVS, such as IT, Research Support and External Relations, Education Support, Facilities, and Communications and Public Relations. Our becoming part of the same organisation will make it easier for us to cooperate more closely.”
Nauri is looking forward to the change. Veronika Sundström shares her hopes:
“I envision even more coordinated and effective support for KI’s core activities, with KIB playing a crucial role.”