Iraq librarians carry on amidst violence

The British Library has posted at its website the diary (Nov. 2006-Jan. 2007) of Saad Eskander, Director of the Iraq National Library and Archive, describing the perilous violence he and his colleagues have had to endure while while trying to keep the library and archive open. At the webpage there is also a message of support from Lynne Brindley, Chief Executive of the British Library:

"I am not sure that anyone here can possibly appreciate just how perilous and intolerable a situation you and your colleagues were operating under in the interest of keeping the National Library and Archive open. The thoughts and prayers of everyone here at the British Library go out to you and all your colleagues at this very difficult time. Your safety must be absolutely paramount. We hope that the situation will soon improve and that you will be able to continue your important mission. I hope this message of support from the British Library might in some way sustain you during these dark times."