46. évfolyam, 2000. 1-2. szám

Archívum

District libraries were libraries working between 1949–1951 with the primary function of organising public libraries, in fact, reorganising the public library system. They were working parallel with existing town libraries, independently of them. Regional libraries had a core collection, and brought depository collections to small village libraries. The author attempts to show what role this type of library played in the development of Hungarian librarianship by using archive documents, and through personal detection. Answering the question in the title, he thinks that the organisation of these libraries cannot be completely rejected as a false track. The idea was good, since the aim was to develop people’s libraries into a public library system proper, based on the realisation that only a system can offer comprehensive services. However, ideas were put to practice in a wrong way, and as a result of the loosening of the programme, the people’s library approach (quantity above all, principles of education in the foreground, poor collection, no choice, untrained staff, etc.) dominated. The author considers district library efforts a part of the process towards modern public librarianship, and an attempt for the creation of the public library that deteriorated under the Soviet influence. The system of regional libraries, covering larger areas, was followed by the hierarchical system of county and district libraries, bound to smaller administrative units. Further research is needed to reveal the contradictions and answer the remaining questions.

Országos Széchényi Könyvtár Észrevételek (2001/04/19)