Meet Nicolas RUPPLI, the new Director of the Common Documentation Service. He tells us about the Library's future projects and his passion for marathons and treks.
Tell us about your career
I am a library curator. I worked for several years in public and university libraries. For example, I ran the SCD at the University of New Caledonia. I was also books and reading advisor at the DRAC (Regional Cultural Affairs Directorate) in Burgundy for 9 years, then 4 and a half years at the DAC in French Guiana (the entity representing the Ministry of Culture in French Guiana / the French Guiana Cultural Affairs Directorate). What makes DAC Guyane special is that it is territorialised, so that it can adapt to the specific characteristics of our region. I was the territorial action advisor for the communes in western French Guiana (Awala Yalimapo, Mana, Saint-Laurent and Apatou) and was responsible for books and reading, languages and archives. I was therefore involved in a wide range of cultural issues other than books, reading and archives.
A few years ago, I wanted to return to my first professional love and find an operational position, if possible at the head of a small team, which allows me to do more varied tasks than in a large structure. That's why I chose to come and work at the SCD at the University of Guyana.
What are your long-term plans for the BU?
The first challenge is to re-computerise the SCD with more efficient software, and this is the project for 2019. This re-compatisation is the logical consequence of the split with the UAG because, at present, we are totally dependent on the Antilles in terms of IT. With the current system, called Horizon, they are the administrators. This is very restrictive for us, because all requests have to go through them, which slows down the circuit. Our catalogues are also mixed with those of the West Indies.
The challenge is therefore to regain autonomy. The project has begun and we are in the process of preparing the migration, which should be completed by June. The process is already under way, but it's going to take a lot of work. The aim is to end up with a new, much more modern system. It will be modelled on the North American libraries. They are the leaders in documentary policy. We'll have a system that works much better, with more significant developments. It will also be more ergonomic, which will make life easier for users, and we'll be able to integrate a larger documentary collection.
At the same time, the SCD is a partner in the overhaul of the MANIOC website (digitisation and promotion of the documentary, literary, archival and graphic heritage of the Antilles - Guyana - Plateau des Guyanes area), which is also one of the projects due to be completed this year. The DACs of the 3 territories will also be approached for this project to work on the promotion of archives and the dissemination of cultural documents in remote areas. The platform is a little dated, and it is important to give it a facelift and integrate new modules such as search tools and posting on the most popular social networks. The ergonomics will also be reworked.
In a second phase, a project to extend the buildings is also planned for 2020-2021, as well as, I hope, some recruitment to restore the number of FTEs to at least the same level as when the University of Guyana was created.
An agreement between the UG and the DAC is also underway to bring more culture into the UG. The SCD would like to get involved in this project and become a player in this policy. The majority of SCDs are developing more and more cultural activities in order to attract more students and breathe life into their establishments, which suffer from an ageing, outdated image. The aim is to become part of the events circuit in French Guyana. The BU must become a key cultural partner.
Outside work, do you have any passions? What are they?
I have a number of passions, the first of which is reading. I read a lot of novels, historical and sociological documentaries, books about French Guyana, etc. I love sport. I take part in marathons, I do running, combat sports and shooting sports. I love music and play the guitar. I love travelling, discovering new landscapes and new cultures.
Can you tell us more about your sporting passions, such as marathons and treks? How did this passion come about?
I've always been a runner from an early age. In fact, I don't know where that comes from, because nobody in my family is sporty! Neither are my children. I love running, hiking... It's allowed me to combine two of my passions (running and travelling) by giving me the opportunity to discover new landscapes and even new countries. This is my sixth marathon. I took part in the New York marathon in November 2018. It was my first time taking part in this one. I've done the Paris Marathon twice, the Barcelona Marathon...
I'm also particularly fond of trekking. I was lucky enough to do a long trek in the Himalayas with some friends a year and a half ago, climbing to 6,400 m. It was an incredible, unique experience, both physically and psychologically. The adventure lasted 24 days in totally deserted areas with porters, cooks... it was unforgettable.
In French Guiana, I've also had the opportunity to hike a few trails, but unfortunately there are very few signposted ones. I went walking in Saül on the Molokoï trail, and I'm thinking of doing the trek on the Canopée link.
Trekking requires rigour, a kind of discipline. It's quite difficult to stick to regular training. Maybe it's not in my nature! But as the date gets closer, motivation increases and it becomes easier to get up in the morning, put on your trainers and go for a run whatever the weather. It also requires good stamina.
What I really like about marathons and treks is the discovery aspect. You pass through totally different neighbourhoods and there's a great atmosphere. However, the trek is different because it's longer. There's an element of nature that you don't always find in marathons, and the pace is much slower. It's an experience where you're cut off from the world, with no telephone, no internet... The Himalayan trek was my first and I hope it won't be my last.
My dream would be to do the "Diagonale des Fous" in Réunion, but as the name suggests, you really have to be mad to do it! I don't know if I'm crazy enough. It's one of the toughest races in the world because it's 120km long and has an ascent of 8000m. That's just enormous! A lot of people give up along the way. It's a legendary race, so it would be a real challenge for me!
