Library User in the Spotlight: Bruno de Oliveira Biazatti

Abstract

My name is Bruno de Oliveira Biazatti and I am a PhD student at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, in the lovely city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. My research focuses on the Latin American perspective of crimes against humanity.

I visited the Peace Palace for the first time in January 2020 as a participant of the Winter Course of The Hague Academy of International Law. In that cold and foggy morning of January, I could see that, besides its extraordinary beauty, the Peace Palace exhales historical relevance as the home of the Old Lady of International Law.

The premises also house the not less important Peace Palace Library. Being the largest and most important bibliographic collection on international law on the planet, the Peace Palace Library’s wide-ranging catalogue, with its historical and most up-to-date items, is a true treasure for any international law researcher.

One of the most striking assets of the Library is definitely its people. All staff members are extremely helpful and polite. They are always willing to take an extra step to help you in your research and in your way around The Hague. Moreover, they are available to provide crucial information, not just about books and papers, but also on which scholars, practitioners and organizations you could contact to help your work. For instance, I could discuss my research individually and in detail with one of the legal reference librarians, who provided me strategic guidance on under-researched questions, scholars I should approach and reading materials.

The contact with fellow researchers in the Library is also worth noting. I met students and professionals with whom I could exchange experiences and learn about the most fascinating studies being developed worldwide.

My time in the Peace Palace Library was a very stimulating opportunity in my career. I hope to return soon!

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