43. évfolyam, 1997. 3. szám

Archívum

Foreign sociological literature in the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library

BÁNHEGYI Gyuláné

In the autumn of 1995 a collection assessment project was carried out in the framework of the THEL-Program (Textbook and Higher Education Libraries Program) organised and administered centrally. The aim of the investigation was to reveal the presence of foreign language literature necessary for higher education in some disciplines. The MESL, being the national special library of sociology, was one of the institutions to be examined. The collection assessment consisted of a quantitative and a qualitative part. In the first one libraries matched their collection against a basic list. The list of sociological core literature was prepared by the Department for sociological documentation of the MESL. In the collection consisting of 2352 items there was a balance between classical and contemporary literature, however, from the language point of view, the overrepresentation of English literature was striking. The result of the matching gave 1161 items (49.36%). In a language distribution: English 71.55%, German 18.46%, French 9.61%. The second phase of the assessment consisted of a statistical analysis of the collection back to 15 years. The library has acquired 4890 items during this period, of which every second is English, every fourth is German and every tenth is French. The collection assessment of the MESL gave the most favourable results as compared with the sociological libraries participating in the survey. The investigation makes it clear that though the MESL does not belong to any academic institution, both academic training and research must rely on its collection. However, in order to avoid the deterioration of its collection and the services based on it, it is indispensable for the MESL to get central support. (pp. 427-432)

Foreign core journals of sociology in the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library

KARBACH Erika

A list of core journals of sociology was prepared at the Department for Sociological Documentation, Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library, in 1995. The study examines the structure and source of the compilation, the theme, language and origin of the journals on the list, and the provision of Hungarian libraries with the core journals of sociology between 1981 and 1995. It is shown that the MESL, as a national special library, plays and outstanding role from the point of view of ordering foreign sociological journals. (pp. 433-438)

On the use and users of the sociological collection of the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library

BÍRÓ Józsefné - POZSÁR István

The article gives an account of a survey of the use of the sociological collection and sociological reading room of the MESL focusing on quantitative facts and links. The problem is treated from three aspects: a) the role of the parts of the collection surveyed as compared with the use of the whole collection, b) characteristics of the documents used, c) users. It is shown that the overwhelming majority of users are university and college students (61-82%), professional sociologists represent about 9%. Users come mainly from the capital, but there is a considerable amount of rural users as well (6-21 %). The article gives an analysis of the affinity between various types of documents and user groups, too. (pp. 439-449)

The changing role of libraries (1985-1996)

LŐRINCZ Judit

By means of a successful application the author has surveyed changes that have taken place since 1989 in the publication of periodicals, books, and on the book market. Using the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library and four other national special libraries as examples, the survey was supplemented by an analysis of alterations, induced by social and economic changes, in the interpretation and re-thinking of the tasks of libraries. The operating conditions of libraries have worsened due to financial difficulties, while their functions should be broadened to meet new challenges and expectations. Their greatest problem is from the professional point of view that budgetary pressures make continuous acquisition impossible, and large collections together with services built upon them are deteriorating. Libraries focus on satisfying user needs in the first place, and improve their reference and service functions. In addition to traditional functions, public libraries have to assume community information services as well as social functions, which influence in the long run the interpretation of the role of the librarian as well. (pp. 450–465)

The so-called Matthew effect in the sociology of reading and libraries

GEREBEN Ferenc

The representative survey carried out in the adult (18+) population revealed that there are about half a million people who hardly read anything. They are mostly unskilled, socially and economically handicapped people living in the eastern part of Hungary. The level of the equipment of a household is also influenced by the family structure and the health status. Well-equipped complete families with healthy adults are interested in reading more than others. The principle "unto every one that has shall be given, but from him that has not shall be taken away that which he has", called Matthew effect by the author after the Biblical source, holds true of cultural and reading habits as well. It is why libraries and librarians have to pay more attention than ever to the provision of socially handicapped users. (pp. 466-475)

Modernization: globalisation, Americanisation? (Trends in Hungarian reading habits and library use)

NAGY Attila

The author outlines the impact of market economy emerging after the 1989 change in Hungary on reading habits. The choice of works published has become broader, while the size of editions fell, and the demand decreased due to the increase of prices. There is more richly illustrated non-fiction among children's books, while the choice of classic tales has been reduced. According to the time survey, the time spent reading books has further dwindled: about 10-20 minutes are spent with reading (depending on the level of education and sex), and entertaining works are preferred. The reading comprehension of the 9-18 age group declined by 20%. The most recent surveys show that practical, useful books and amusing stories reflecting a nicer reality are mentioned most often. The number of Hungarian authors read decreased, while American writers of entertaining novels are by far the most popular. The majority of library patrons come from among those younger than 40, mostly from among students, and grown-ups taking part in some form of training. The changes of library use are indicated by the drop of the number of browsing, the increase of copying, and by the growing demand for rapidly acquired direct information. It is a pity that workers and skilled workers have almost disappeared from among library users.

The question raised in the title becomes really urgent if the above data are considered. Can we speak of the comprehensive modernization of society if this is limited only to the establishment of parliamentary democracy and that of market economy without a firm and strong middle class characterized by an awareness of its roots, by civil culture, and by a system of values, habits and thinking? (pp. 476-484)

The reading culture of the Carpathian basin in the two centuries after Mohács

MONOK István

The study consists of three parts: 1.) the description of the sources and research of the reading culture of the two centuries indicated in the title, 2.) conclusions drawn from the sources surveyed, 3.) presentation of the database of the source material processed so far. The initial study started in Szeged in 1980 summarized the results and deficiencies of investigations into the history of reading of this early period. Pertinent archival sources and manuscripts were supplemented by the registration of possessors' remarks found in the surviving manuscripts and printed material from the retrospective national bibliography, and with an outline of literacy based on previous research. In the second part of the study questions of history of reading are dealt with which Hungarian researchers have not paid attention to so far, such as reading history as the history of the reception of European intellectual currents in the Carpathian basin; changes in the use of community libraries; differences in the readings of various social groups; the role of the mother tongue in the publication and reading of books. Finally the database called ERUDITIO making the results available through the web is presented. (pp. 485-498)

New library in a new building. Changes in the József Katona County Library

RAMHÁB Mária

The Kecskemét county library had been working since its foundation in a 500 sqm room of the town hall. Due to the shortage of space they had to maintain book-stores in various facilities around the town, that made the use of the library difficult. In 1984 a decision was made for building a new library the design of which had been prepared by 1989. The county council appropriated funds and later made a foundation for building the library. Meanwhile the Parliament passed the application for the support of the building. The construction took three years from 1993 to 1996. The building has two storeys and is made of a framed structure. Units offering popular, noisy and rapid services are situated on the ground floor, while the upper floor provides opportunity for more absorbed work. The interior design adapts well to the atmosphere of the library. Lively colours (lilac, turquoise, green) indicate that it is an institution with a diversity of services. As an example of joint efforts: the artists of the town donated some of their works for the decoration of the interior of the building. Theft prevention is provided by the 3M system, and OLIB (formerly Oracle Libraries) is the integrated library system installed. The library has increased its staff by 50% in order to be able to fulfil the tasks related to the wider scale of services and the new building. The 3-year development project of the British Council enhances the management of organizational and structural changes that involves all the staff members of the library at various levels. The library, having become a model from the point of view of building, internal structure and equipment, should become one with respect to operation and services as well. (pp. 499514)

On the new building of the József Katona County Library

PAPP István

The author, playing an active role in the first professional programs, gives an account of the vicissitudes the library, having worked in a small space in the town hall ever since its foundation, went through until it moved into a new building. The plan of new facilities emerged already at the end of the 1970s, however, years went by until a tender was made for the design of the building. Earlier there was a preference world-wide for large flexible spaces. It has become obvious by now that this principle should be followed with caution. The Kecskemét library is not only aesthetic both externally and internally, it is also one of the functionally most successful libraries. Being personally involved, the author appreciates both the building and the efforts of colleagues contributing to it in his subjective recollection. (pp.515-518)

KATUSCAK, Dusan:

Recent developments in Slovak librarianship.
(Abstr.: Mohor Jenő) (pp. 537-540)

LEHMANN, Klaus-Dieter:

The European National Libraries and the COBRA Forum of the EU Libraries Program.
(Abstr.: Mohor Jenő) (pp. 540-545)

WORMELL, Irene:

Success factors for fee-based information services.
(Rev.: Bobokné Belányi Beáta)(pp. 547-550)