The legal regulation of libraries in Austria-Hungary

Könyvtári Figyelő (Library Review) vol. 16. (52.) 2006. no. 1. pp. 59-95.

In the historical period of Austria-Hungary (1867-1918), only a few areas of the operation of libraries and museums were legally regulated. Although various concepts were elaborated by professional groups in order to prepare a comprehensive state regulation for cultural institutions, these efforts did not go past the stage of discussion. The study presents the circumstances in which a new law on legal deposit came into effect in 1897. A previous law on legal deposit had existed since 1848, but the rapid development of the printing and publishing industry, as well as the need for additional types of documents to deposit made it necessary to introduce some amendments. During the long debate, the following issues were raised: how many copies should be requested for deposit; should the copies be provided free of charge or should libraries reimburse the printers for the copies; is it better to create one or several deposit libraries? The new regulation distinguished the deposit of administrative documents and scientific publications, establishing the legal framework for the deposit of publications for academic purposes. The second part of the study focuses on the state administration and the professional guidance of libraries. In 1897, the National Council of Museums and Libraries was set up, followed by the Nati onal Alliance of Museums and Libraries in 1902. In the legal and administrative conditions of the dual monarchy, Hungarian libraries had a chance to raise to the level of services of other European libraries. The organisational framework of the Hungarian library system was founded during that time, and the same period gave new momentum to the development of the largest collections that continue to operate to date.