E for exit-strategy?

Herbert Van de Sompel has quit as director of e-strategy and programmes at the British Library 11 weeks after taking up the job. Dr Van de Sompel, who spent nearly two decades as head of library automation at the University of Ghent in Belgium, will leave in February 2001.

A library spokesperson said: "It has become evident that, despite the best efforts of both parties to focus the role on digital-library developments and our international profile, Herbert has decided that he would be better able to contribute to the digital-library world in a more research-centred environment."