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In the series "Scrutiny of Hungarian databases" independent experts evaluate various Hungarian online content services from the point of vies of their use by libraries. in the master-level instruction, the scope of knowledge and subjects pertaining to the permitted subject directions as well as the topical items of information related to the master-level training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article (its first part see in: Könyvtári Figyelő, 2006. no.1., as above) shows -- relying on data of a survey carried out by the National Széchényi Library and the Social Research Centre TÁRKI in autumn 2005 -- how the habits of using libraries have altered in Hungary with the advent of information and communication technologies (ICT). With the help of some matrices, the author outlines the relationship between library membership, services, library visits and using computers and the Internet. The author puts the question: "Are Pierre Bourdieu's theses on cultural capital, and on the incorporated cultural capital -- its accumulation and transmission -- relevant also in 21st century Hungary?" It is clear from data that the problem described in literature as digital divide or digital gap is present also in Hungary. With the accumulation of cultural goods the advantage of people who have access is growing further against those who have not. The reason why this distance is widening is that the privileged group can develop further at a quicker pace than the disadvantaged, consequently the divide gets wider as well. The disadvantages are especially significant in the population of small communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study follows up on the preliminary report published in the Könyvtári Figyelő (Libraries, computers, reading. A quick report on the results of a survey conducted by the National Széchényi Library and TÁRKI Social Research Centre, 2006. no. 1.). In 2005 the Social Research Centre initiated a national questionnaire survey in co-operation with the Reading Research Department of the National Széchényi Library's Library Institute. The sample consisted of 3674 persons. While the report has drawn attention to general trends, this study digs deeper, and describes the trends in the changes of readers' attitudes to library use. Changes have occurred -- as compared with the data gathered in 1964, 1985 and 2000 -- not only in the habits of library use, but in those of acquiring books as well. On the whole, the number of adults reading one book per year has decreased to 40 per cent, and the number of adults lending books from the library has sunk to its third in the last forty years. Nowadays for most people the sources of acquiring books are the family library and bookstores. The proportion of books received as a gift is substantial. As regards gender and age, women and young adults take a leading position. The author examined the alterations of library use from the point of age, qualification, place of living, as well as from the point of the frequency of library visits, and the scope of using different library services. In 1985 44 per cent of adults were library patrons, by today this number has decreased to 12 per cent. The frequency of library visits, too, shows a decreasing trend. The biggest user group is that of young adult learners aged 18 to 29. While the proportion of computer and Internet users has increased, 80 per cent of non-readers are not using computers either. The majority of regular readers are using both computers and the Internet. The growth of cultural advantages and disadvantages does not promote equal chances, rather it leads to a further social divide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first part of the Hungarian library strategy cycle for the period 2003-2007 has finished. This report aims to give an overview of what has been accomplished so far. The development projects, the allocated financial resources and the changes in regulations reflect the following focus areas in the given period of time: extending access to documents and information, enhancing services to disadvantaged users, improving the library supply of geographically disadvantaged areas, and introducing quality management in the library field. These developments are in accordance with current EU development trends, the ultimate goal being the provision of the best possible services to users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Central Library of the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library has elaborated a multi-annual programme supporting disabled library users. This article presents the ICT tools specifically designed for the visually impaired that the library uses, the achievements in the field of training and communication, as well as the next tasks. The hardware and software tools were purchased with the support of the Equal Opportunities for the Disabled Fund and the National Cultural Fund. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1999, the Central European University Library had been looking for a second generation integrated library system that would be more than a common database, that would be able to do more than just computerise manual or paper-based routines, and would enable library users to reach beyond the local information and knowledge base. After thorough searching and an invitation to tender, the Central European University Library purchased the Millennium integrated library system from Innovative Interfaces Inc. and started to use it in 2002. Millennium is a Web- and Java-based automated library system, and working with it is a unique experience in Hungary. The study is about Millennium and its adaptation to the needs of the Central European University Library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the development of socially inclusive library services in the London Borough of Croydon. Croydon Council is committed to ensuring that all citizens are able to take advantage of the library service and for those with particular needs, special provision is made to help them to develop their skills. The range of these services will be reviewed in this paper and examples described the techniques and the impact of social inclusion work within Croydon libraries. The three case studies are delivering library services to pre-school children, black and minority ethnic housebound people and to adults with low literacy levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]