Alessandra Giovannetti works at the University of Bologna within the Administrative, Accounting and General Services Sector (ARPAC), which oversees the University’s cultural heritage. Her role focuses on the administrative management of the Library of the Arts and the Italian Union Catalogue of Serials (ACNP), combining organisational coordination with the support of specialised library services.
Motivated by a strong belief in the value of cultural exchange, Alessandra joined the Una Europa Live My Life programme to experience a different institutional context and explore alternative approaches to organisation and management. During her time at KU Leuven, she was particularly struck by the efficiency of the system and its strong student-centred approach, as well as by the seamless collaboration between administrative teams, libraries and academic structures. The use of a unified financial and accounting system also emerged as a key element in supporting streamlined and effective processes.
One of the most interesting aspects of the experience was discovering how certain activities are structured differently, particularly in relation to the management of cultural heritage. At KU Leuven, the library directly manages tourism-related services within its historic buildings, generating revenue that is reinvested in preservation and development. This integrated approach offered a new perspective on how traditional institutions can adopt innovative and sustainable strategies, combining historical value with contemporary organisational practices.
Throughout the mobility, Alessandra had the opportunity to engage closely with colleagues and explore different areas of library work, gaining insight into both operational practices and institutional culture. Among the most memorable moments were the visit to the exhibition celebrating the 600th anniversary of KU Leuven and the observation of specialised activities such as book digitisation and restoration, where advanced technologies are combined with traditional craftsmanship. The collaboration with her host colleague, Hannah, together with the exposure to a different cultural and working environment, made the experience particularly enriching both professionally and personally. Overall, the mobility represented a valuable opportunity for growth, providing new perspectives and practical insights that she aims to bring back into her professional context.