A SEARCHING AND RESTLESS PROFESSIONAL SPIRIT

ASSOC. PROF. ELI POPOVA AT 65

Abstract

The article aims to trace the more important achievements in the professional and research
activities of E. Popova, highlighting her contributions to the contemporary development of
librarianship and library science in Bulgaria. An attempt is made to outline the most essential
and characteristic features of the professional and human E. Popova, which is decisive for her
high authority in the library community. The article is structured in 3 parts. The introduction
clarifies my affiliation with E. Popova, our joint professional activity and cooperation. The
second part traces her professional activities and achievements with national dimensions as head
of structures at the National Library “St. St. Cyril and Methodius”, BBIA and as an assistant
professor at the Department of Library Science, Scientific Information and Cultural Policy at
the Faculty of Philosophy of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. The third part contains an
analytical review of rich and diverse scientific production of E. Popova, which includes 3 books
and one co-authored book chapter, 63 studies and articles in scientific journals and collections,
10 translations of scholarly articles, compiling, editing and membership in the editorial board
of the journal “BBIA Online” and 8 scholarly collections. The thematic areas of her research
interests are traced, and her main contributions are outlined. The conclusion highlights some of
her more prominent personal qualities, which, combined with her professionalism, make her one
of the brightest representatives of the library community in Bulgaria.