The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has appointed Peter Verbist as the new Director of the University Library and the brand-new Learning & Innovation Centre (LIC). Verbist brings with him two decades of experience and expertise in university libraries and learning centres.
From this academic year onwards, Peter Verbist will oversee the two university libraries of VUB as well as the new LIC, a joint initiative of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and VUB. The LIC will become a lively hub where students, researchers, and visitors can discover new learning and innovation opportunities.
Verbist has an impressive track record, including his role as coordinator of the Agora Learning Centre at KU Leuven. He has gained extensive international experience by studying and visiting learning centres in various countries, including the United States, England, Finland, and Switzerland. His expertise spans numerous aspects of library management and educational innovation, with a strong focus on digital transformation and innovation.
"After 20 years of leading university libraries and learning centres, I am more motivated than ever to take on this challenge at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel," says Peter Verbist. "Libraries are at the heart of a modern campus, and recent developments compel us to fundamentally rethink our collections (Open Access), spaces (learning centres), and services (digital skills) in line with the needs of our users. The LIC is nearing completion and will undoubtedly become a new benchmark in Belgium, offering extensive opening hours (8 am-11 pm), 50 group study rooms, and 8 classrooms for active learning. I look forward to building strategic relationships with faculties, researchers, students, and external partners, and to exploring and enabling new synergies with them."
Verbist views his new role as a unique opportunity to bring his strategic vision and expertise to the VUB as an Urban Engaged University.*
*This is a machine translation. We apologise for any inaccuracies.