A new phase in the preparation of the new library law

41. évfolyam, 1995. 4. szám

PAPP István

The library act regulating Hungarian librarianship was issued in 1976. Preparations have been going on since 1990, the political change, in order to elaborate the text of a new draft library law, which were halted for various reasons. The Associatian of Hungarian Librarians wanted to contribute to getting beyond this situation by organising a conference on the preparation of the Hungarian library law as a continuation of the seminar on library legislation held by the Council of Europe in autumn 1994. The seminar, the aim of which it was to elicit alternative solutions and to enhance further efforts with the participation of those involved, was attended by outstanding figures of Hungarian librarianship, representatives of the departments, and 16 foreign experts. Fundamental questions were raised: is there need for a new library act; if there is, what level of detail is necessary; what should belong under the scope of the act; what legal responsibilities should maintainers have; how should libraries be financed; what types of libraries should be enumerated; what services should be covered, etc. It was confirmed that there was need for library legislation, but it was realistic only if no extra expenses were involved. The starting point could be the constitutional rights of citizens. It needs to be decided how deep the law should go. Since a comprehensive library law has more chances, matters out of regulations have to be settled by guidelines and professional consulting. The draft will probably involve libraries financed from public funds. Financing will be the right and responsibility of the maintainer, but only a few existential guarantees can be included in the act. The draft law should also regulate the types of libraries and their services in less detail. (pp. 5G7-584)

Országos Széchényi Könyvtár
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