Jef van Gool is a well-known name in the Dutch world of literature – and at BSL. We were therefore honored to receive an invitation to attend Jef’s retirement party on 15 September, at the Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB), Den Haag. An event also tinged with sadness. BSL has worked closely with Jef for some 12 years, developing the highly-respected and popular Literatuurplein web site. The Literatuurplein has been part of his life for almost 15 years. Without his enthusiasm, knowledge, drive and initiative, there would have been no Literatuurplein!
Jef van Gool and the world of literature
After working for more than 40 years in the world of Dutch books, publishers and libraries, Jef van Gool has entered a new phase in his life – his well-earned retirement. Many of his colleagues from the Koninklijke Bibliotheek were there on 15 September to wish him well in his retirement. They were joined by many old friends, colleagues and contributors to Literatuurplein with whom Jef has worked over the years.
Even in his early student years, Jef was busy running a library. But he took up his first editing role on 9 February 1976, at the Nederlands Bibliotheek en Lectuur Centrum (NBLC). This was an umbrella organization for the Dutch public library system, the forerunner of the VOB. Since then, he has played an important part in promoting reading and Literature in the Netherlands. Finding new ways to make information about authors and titles easily available, and organizing (travelling) exhibitions. In 2002 he initiated development of Literatuurplein, a meeting place for libraries, booksellers and consumers. The Literatuurplein web site now attracts millions of visitors each year, and is used as one of the sources for our own Boekwijzer app.
Warm words
The reception held in the Rotonde of the KB was a family event too. Jef’s wife (Lily van der Velde – a successful author), 2 children, and 2 grandchildren sat by his side, listening to the warm words spoken by several speakers. These included: Lucinda Jones, (Head of Collections at the KB, and responsible for Literatuurplein); Hans van Velzen (former Director OBA, now chairman of the KB e-content purchase commission); Gerlien van Dalen (Directeur, Dutch Reading Foundation); and Guus Bauer (Publisher/Literary journalist, and a regular Literatuurplein contributor). Each speaker recognized the valuable contribution Jef has made to encouraging literacy. They spoke too of the unique contents of Literatuurplein, a reflection of Jef ‘s commitment and dedication. And of course, the joke was repeated that he is always first off the mark when an author dies. Until Jef writes the obituary, he/she is still alive!
More speakers from the Koninklijke Bibliotheek
- Marc van den Berg (head sector R&D)
- Jan Bos (team leader Collections)
- Andrea Langendoen (team leader Education & Presentation)
- Willemijn Jongens (service coōrdinator Education)
And when it was Jef’s turn to speak, he was obviously delighted to see so many colleagues, ex-colleagues, and contacts. Celebrating his work. Enjoying a glass of wine together. He made clear that for him, retirement wouldn’t mean stopping with work. ‘There’s still so much to do’ And it goes without saying … so many books still to read! His reward – a standing ovation from colleagues and friends, and a line of well-wishers that kept him busy until the early evening.
Everyone here at BSL wishes Jef and his family the very best in the coming years. And of course, we look forward to working with Jef’s successor, Sophie Ham. Her enthusiasm and expertise mean that Jef is leaving Literatuurplein in a very capable pair of hands.
Literatuurplein.nl
To find out more about Jef’s work and his leaving party in his own words, take a look at Literatuurplein. After all, it would be out of character if Jef hadn’t prepared his own editorial announcing his departure himself!
Also read the interview of the Bibliotheekblad (the Dutch Library Magazine) with Jef van Gool about his impending departure.
