Staff and Contact Us
Each member of the Blegen Library staff has a core area of responsibility, but each also interacts with the users of the library in a variety of ways: face-to-face, on the telephone, and by e-mail. In the interest of encouraging the users of the Blegen to take advantage of their expertise and assistance, here are short descriptions of each member:
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Head Librarian, Blegen Library
Maria Tourna is the Head Librarian of the Blegen Library since July 2016. Starting December 1st 2013 through June 30, 2015 she served as Acting Head Librarian and then as the Senior Librarian in Charge of the library. She earned her B.A. in History and Archaeology in 1997 from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a Masters in Information and Library Science from the Aberystwyth University (Wales) in 2013. She has been working at the Blegen library since July 2000. Ever since the implementation of the online catalogue through Aleph software (Ex libris) she has participated in seminars and conferences mostly related to cataloguing and has been working extensively on the management and cataloguing of serials and electronic resources and their systemization. Her interests lie in the development of digital resources and the technological knowledge required for their maintenance.
She speaks Greek, English, and Italian.
Maria Tourna is the Head Librarian of the Blegen Library since July 2016. Starting December 1st 2013 through June 30, 2015 she served as Acting Head Librarian and then as the Senior Librarian in Charge of the library. She earned her B.A. in History and Archaeology in 1997 from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a Masters in Information and Library Science from the Aberystwyth University (Wales) in 2013. She has been working at the Blegen library since July 2000. Ever since the implementation of the online catalogue through Aleph software (Ex libris) she has participated in seminars and conferences mostly related to cataloguing and has been working extensively on the management and cataloguing of serials and electronic resources and their systemization. Her interests lie in the development of digital resources and the technological knowledge required for their maintenance.
She speaks Greek, English, and Italian.
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Assistant Librarian
Maria joined the Blegen Library in 2011 and has since been an integral part of our team. She provides essential support across various library operations, including acquisitions (processing library material), binding (repairing old books and collaborating with the binder for new materials), regulatory compliance, exchange agreements, cataloging, and customer services. Maria holds dual bachelor's degrees in Librarianship and Information Systems, and Law, along with an MSc in Management, combining a passion for information management with a robust understanding of legal principles. Her master's thesis, titled "Improving the Organizational Climate and Skill Level for Greek Academic Librarians," reflects her commitment to advancing the field. She has also contributed her expertise as a volunteer at the libraries of Anatolia College and the archives of Theagenio Hospital in Thessaloniki. Her professional experience includes an internship at the University of Bath’s library in the UK. Fluent in Greek, English, French, and Spanish, Maria brings a multicultural perspective and a diverse skill set to her role, enhancing the services we offer at Blegen Library.
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Collection Development Librarian
Andrea Guzzetti started working at the Blegen Library in June 2015. He is responsible for the selection and the acquisition of monographs, performs initial checks on publications received as gifts or exchanges, maintains contacts with book vendors and exchange partners, and processes user suggestions. He also keeps the exchange partners and user requests databases up to date. He earned a degree in Classics from the Università degli Studi di Bologna in 1998, and in 2002 he completed a graduate program in Classical Archaeology offered by the same institution. He earned his M.A. in 2006 and his PhD in 2012 from the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology at Bryn Mawr College. In 2007-2008 he attended the ASCSA Regular program. He took part in six campaigns of the Mitrou Archaeological Project, first as assistant cataloguer (2005-2007) and later as storeroom manager (2012-2014), developing an interest in databases and information management tools and procedures. He is currently enrolled in an online MLIS program offered by San José State University, which he expects to complete in 2016. He speaks Italian, English, Greek and a little French and German.
Andrea Guzzetti started working at the Blegen Library in June 2015. He is responsible for the selection and the acquisition of monographs, performs initial checks on publications received as gifts or exchanges, maintains contacts with book vendors and exchange partners, and processes user suggestions. He also keeps the exchange partners and user requests databases up to date. He earned a degree in Classics from the Università degli Studi di Bologna in 1998, and in 2002 he completed a graduate program in Classical Archaeology offered by the same institution. He earned his M.A. in 2006 and his PhD in 2012 from the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology at Bryn Mawr College. In 2007-2008 he attended the ASCSA Regular program. He took part in six campaigns of the Mitrou Archaeological Project, first as assistant cataloguer (2005-2007) and later as storeroom manager (2012-2014), developing an interest in databases and information management tools and procedures. He is currently enrolled in an online MLIS program offered by San José State University, which he expects to complete in 2016. He speaks Italian, English, Greek and a little French and German.
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Library Assistant (part-time)
Susanna Ipirotis has been employed at the American School since September 2003. Until July 2005 she was a receptionist, and since then has been serving dual duty as the Blegen Library Assistant and as the booking clerk for Cotsen Hall (under the supervision of Tellos Panos). In the Blegen, Susanna performs a variety of tasks including providing orientation tours, general assistance to readers, and processing new serials. She speaks Greek and English as well as some German and Japanese.
Susanna Ipirotis has been employed at the American School since September 2003. Until July 2005 she was a receptionist, and since then has been serving dual duty as the Blegen Library Assistant and as the booking clerk for Cotsen Hall (under the supervision of Tellos Panos). In the Blegen, Susanna performs a variety of tasks including providing orientation tours, general assistance to readers, and processing new serials. She speaks Greek and English as well as some German and Japanese.
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Cataloging Librarian
Eleni Sourligka joined the staff of the Blegen Library in January 2011. She is responsible for descriptive and authority cataloging and provides services to members and readers as well. Eleni received her degree in Library Science in 1996 and her master’s in Cultural Management from the Open University of Greece in 2017. She has also studied music, Greek palaeography and art history. She has extensive professional experience in bibliographic services and has worked for organizations in both the public and private sectors including the “Lilian Voudouri” Music Library, Athens School of Fine Arts Library, Info-Quest S.A., and the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee. Eleni speaks Greek, English, French, Italian and has a basic knowledge of Dutch.
Eleni Sourligka joined the staff of the Blegen Library in January 2011. She is responsible for descriptive and authority cataloging and provides services to members and readers as well. Eleni received her degree in Library Science in 1996 and her master’s in Cultural Management from the Open University of Greece in 2017. She has also studied music, Greek palaeography and art history. She has extensive professional experience in bibliographic services and has worked for organizations in both the public and private sectors including the “Lilian Voudouri” Music Library, Athens School of Fine Arts Library, Info-Quest S.A., and the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee. Eleni speaks Greek, English, French, Italian and has a basic knowledge of Dutch.