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The author of the article, who has worked both as staff and as a senior librarian, as well as a graduate workplace mentor, examines how the dynamics between staff in libraries, with a special focus on workplace cooperation and conflict, evolve in the light of the insights of the increasingly popular theory of generational theory. Do generational conflicts exist among Hungarian librarians? Do those involved perceive any conflicts related to age groups? If so, are they able to separate them from other, personal conflicts? The questionnaire research, supplemented by mini-interviews, sets up three hypotheses: 1. Librarians do not identify workplace conflicts as generational; 2. For older generations, lack of respect and low work ethic are the main sources of conflict; 3. Younger generations believe that the conservative professional attitude, slow work pace and lack of IT skills of older generations generate most of the conflicts. The findings outlined in the course of the problem statement and analysis should be used both in professional work and in tertiary LIS education, since conflicts arising from generational differences can significantly reduce the performance of library staff, which strongly affects the success of the given institution and the satisfaction of library users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Library and Information Science Library is a department of the Hungarian Library Institute (HLI). It was founded in 1949. Its collection covers library and information science, librarianship, the relevant work processes, as well as their history. In the past 20 years the collection was enriched by several gifts and donations, and books from abroad from projectrelated funding. In the mid-2000s, with the foundation of the European Book History Collection, the history of writing, books, printing, press, publishing, book trade, libraries and reading gained a stronger focus in the collection than before. The main goal of the LIS Library is to provide professional information in a variety of ways: to users face to face, by phone and e-mail, editing occasional and regular bibliographies, constructing databases, compiling short trend reports and review studies, SDI, and background materials for decision-making. The staff wishes to transfer current information, tailored to the needs of users. More and more services are provided in the online environment. Information sources rely, among others, on the Library’s own publications: the national special bibliography of the field (MAKSZAB, twice a year, e-publication), the national professional journal Könyvtári Figyelő (Library Review, quarterly, in print and e-format), annual special bibliography of book history (in print and e-format). Currently, these publications can be edited and published almost fully automatically from the HUMANUS database. Users of the LIS Library include practising librarians, students and faculty, researchers, bodies managing Hungarian librarianship, leaders and staff of the national library and HLI. The LIS Library provides information on the libraries of other countries, on developments in the international library scene, as well as on Hungarian librarianship for interested colleagues from abroad. The LIS Library is keen to organize events which attract participants even from the general public (such as presentations of professional books, small exhibitions, museum nights, bibliotherapy classes etc.). In 2020, with the foreseeable modification of the Library Law, the LIS Library will possibly again be listed among the special libraries with national responsibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the period 1977 through 1983, the author worked in the predecessor of the Hungarian Library Institute (in the Centre for Library Science and Methodology) as a researcher in the Reading Research Department. In 2001, she returned to HLI as Head of the Department of Education. In 2005, she applied for the post of the Director of HLI with success. This article is a subjective recollection of the activities of HLI in the period 2006 through 2011. At that time, it was especially important to get acquainted with the professional documents of the EU and to join EU projects. Two projects are discussed in more detail. The PULMAN project aimed at promoting the case of public libraries with a special focus on improving library supply to the disadvantaged and those living in small communities. The CALIMERA project undertook to monitor technical developments and solutions already emerging from IST, and to assess their potential as widely transferable technologies for use by local institutions. In the period reviewed several analyses took place about the career of librarians, their training, the image of librarians in society, as well as about the qualification of librarians and their self-evaluation, based on the international guide compiled by the CERTIDOC project. It was a huge task as well to elaborate the system of education and further training of Hungarian librarians living in the neighbouring countries. From the strategy of library development for 2008 through 2013, and its Portal programme, she highlights the project work assisting reading research (the event called Year of reading for families), as well as support to adult education. She also mentions in short the meeting of the library institutes of Visegrád Countries in 2010, a reunion of the former centres for library science and methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While libraries are operating offline, adapting to local conditions and circumstances, library users can access library services online from anywhere in the world, as libraries themselves have online access to the services of any other library in the world. The library image of Hungarian society is based on rather conservative, old stereotypes. Libraries need to continually justify their existence to society, and this is reinforced by their users being satisfied with the quality and diversity of library services. Librarians are constantly looking for ways of renewal. The challenges faced are as follows: libraries can be central players and platforms for lifelong learning, for developing the digital literacy of the local population and for community building. Public libraries strive to succeed through creative use of grant resources, involvement in national digitization projects, and librarians are seeking new types of competencies. As an experienced public librarian, the author illustrates these aspirations toward expanding services (trainings to improve the IT skills of the population, introduction of a creative spaces, etc.) through practices partly from his own library and partly from its network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to have historical statistics represented in the digital world, the HCSO Library decided to set up two knowledge databases. Judging by the amount of the statistical-historical literature and the variety of those interested, it is safe to say that there is much work to be done in this field in the following years, maybe decades. Providing free content of high quality is in the best interest of the library and its users who are keen to find this knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is about the chance of getting acquainted with the best practices of operating the Danish library system in the course of a study visit. During the trip different types of libraries have been visited. It was a good opportunity to gain experiences, to compare them and search analogous features with the Hungarian library systems. Some elements worth following have been identified: high-quality central services with access from anywhere, good adaptation to local features, practically completely free services, and the extreme importance of providing a good infrastructure for educational, cultural and social activities. The differences in social, economic and cultural backgrounds must, however, be always considered, as models cannot be adopted without any changes but should be adjusted to the specific environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By now the use of Web 2.0 applications has become a part of everyday library practice. In particular, it is important to write blogs and be present on social networking sites, such as Facebook, to strengthen communication and to keep contact with users, as well as to market library services. This paper looks at two, frequently and effectively used social media tools of OIK - its blog (under the title Coffee break) and its Facebook page -, describing the role of these two media in the Library's practice with illustrations and statistical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library supply to national minorities belongs to the responsibilities of libraries since the 1970s. The paper describes how related services began and developed, as well as the current system seeking to supply documents to national minorities coordinated by OIK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spreading of digital libraries, the nature of and access to their services has changed the composition of library users and library usage patterns to a large extent. Traditional, first of all physical barriers have ceased. Nevertheless, new barriers appeared as a result of the presence or eventual lack of IT tools both hardware and software and IT literacy. The content and its manifestations transmitted to the reading public by digital libraries can be extremely diverse. It is absolutely necessary to provide tools for orientation, information and for evaluating search results, in order to use the services of digital libraries as efficiently as possible. It is the primary objective of the article to present the opportunities offered by selected foreign-language digital libraries for access to the content they are offering. The article also informs about the essential IT knowledge as well as the hardware and software tools that are needed by users to make an efficient use of content in various file formats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries are spaces filled with materials, librarians and users. The internet constitutes another kind of space: defined e.g. as space lacking space. The author first analyses the characteristics of space in general, and overviews the characteristics of library and virtual spaces. In the information society, the former closed space becomes an open and continuously evolving space. Parallel to space the personal feature also becomes relative, because info-communication eliminates spatial constraints, and makes personal presence superfluous. Space can be represented in a variety of ways (e.g. through maps and buildings). There may be social, commercial and intellectual, cultural etc. spaces. Libraries, similar to other spaces carrying cultural symbols, have been established to fulfil a given socio-cultural function: to offer services to all segments of society. The use of library space is regulated by certain rules (e.g. those manifested in signs, classification systems, shelving marks etc.). Conceptual and information systems and rules allow librarians to dominate the library space. New media types create new spaces in libraries. The author shows the roles of librarians in the narrative of information society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an extensive literature on the application of networked services in the libraries, but only a few publications deal with the effects of the network on libraries, their functions and perspectives. It seems that the mere fact that libraries have become players on the network - either as providers or as consumers - has caused substantial changes. It is the purpose of this article is to analyse some of the consequences and to articulate their implications. The authors consider it critical to understand the nature of changes, since this is indispensable for planning the future of the library as an organisation. The article has the express intent to initiate a discussion about the consequences of the network on libraries - about the threats, risks, and opportunities alike. It appears evident that libraries have to reorganise and reposition themselves in order to play a constructive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of information societies depends on publicly available content. In these societies libraries are more and more frequently called upon to care for equal access to citizens in order to implement lifelong learning initiatives. Library services are most influenced by copyright regulations: what kinds of services can they provide to library users, and under what conditions can they allow access to the works under copyright protection? Digitisation is considered as reproduction according to copyright terminology, because digitisation is but transforming analogue works into digital ones, by copying as necessary. Library digitisation serves a dual aim: preservation and document provision (availability). As regards preservation, the article analyses the problems of providing electronic legal deposit and web harvesting, while regarding document provision, it discusses the Creative Commons license and the eBooks on Demand (EOD) service. It presents the exceptions in the law no. LXXVI of 1999 relating to libraries providing services for the public, as well as the problems of copyright arising during digitisation, conceming orphan works and out-of-print materials, for example. It also deals with the recent developments of the EU initiative relating to digital libranes, the Green Paper on copyright issued by the European Commission, as well as the responses of IFLA and EBLIDA to the Green Paper in question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MTI Hungarian News Agency offers from December 2009 internet access to a significant part of its news archive of the 19th and 20th centuries. The MTI news can be retrieved as grouped into five time periods by browsing on MTI's webpage: . From the period 1887-1919 relatively few news have been retained, while the periods 1920-1945 and 1945-1949 include more complete news material; the archive contains news published in 1956 as well as those born digitally in the period 1988 to 2005. The databases also include the so-called restricted materials; these were compiled in the editorial offices of MTI and were accessible for a narrow audience only. The material makes up a total of about five million pieces of news; it is accessible for browsing; orientation is facilitated by up-to-date software. The ‟Open archives„ digitisation and conservation project was implemented in partnership with the National Széchényi Library and the Hungarian National Archives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jenő Kiss (1933-2003) was responsible for public library supply in Budapest in the period 1980 through 1998 as director-general of the Metropolitan Szabó Ervin Library (FSZEK). The era under his leadership was characterised by reforms, and his innovations have led to fundamental transformation. When he took over the management of FSZEK, he had to cope with severe difficulties in operation, as well as with the tension between the central library's functions as a special library (in the fields of sociology, local history and music) and the partitioned library system in which an approach of popular education was dominating. By demolishing the over-hierarchical organisational structure, by delegating decisions to the level of action he made efforts to develop a new management style based on involving staff members. His reforms were directed at creating a user-centred library. With his staff he has elaborated new functions for the central library, and, to strengthen the operation of the library system, he has designated six libraries to perform central roles (as regional centres). His measures - aiming at a stock adapted to user needs, at the alternative arrangement of library holdings (family library, double-decker library, foundation of the Central Supply Unit KESZ), a brave weeding policy, the operation of community information services, the introduction the fee-based multimedia and specialised services - have all been directed at implementing user services corresponding to a European standard. What he had left as his bequest to his successors included the conceptual development plan of FSZEK, an up-to-date library policy adapted to potentialities, plans for the reconstruction of the central library, and an adaptable model for further developing the member libraries of the metropolitan library system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 functioning of corporate libraries is closely connected to the business activities of their respective company. In order to satisfy their users and ensure constant development and expansion of their services, corporate libraries have recognised the need for effective marketing activities targeting their own „market‟, the staff of the company. Corporate libraries can only fulfill their mission if their services provide customised, relevant, accurate, reliable, quality information that can be accessed by their users in the most adequate form and in the shortest time. Corporate libraries can only prove the value and importance of their services to their company if they meet the above mentioned requirements. Carrying out effective marketing activities will help libraries get to know their users better and shape their services according to the needs of their customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study follows up the examinations published in Könyvtári Figyelő in 2006. The sociological survey (with a sample of 3674 persons) conducted by the National Széchényi Library and TÁRKI Social Research Centre in autumn 2005 examining the reading habits of the population over 18 years, shows a significant decrease in reading interest in Hungary. The number of adults reading one book per year has decreased from 60 to 40 per cent. Similar trends can be observed in the content and structure of reading interest: the effect of commercialism, pragmatism and Americanisation is evident The tables of the survey conducted by the National Library and TÁRKI SRC in 2005 show the trends of a moderate, but obvious change: between 1964 and 2000 the demand for (especially American) bestsellers was growing continuously, then till 2005 it sank significantly (from 31 to 21 per cent), but the attractiveness of romantic and classical authors (including Hungarians) grew to some extent. Since the television campaign Big Read was conducted in the same year, its effect can not be denied: it may strengthen but not change existing reading attitudes. The questionnaire was looking for correlations between religiousness, reading habits and library use. The overall picture is seemingly static, though dynamic changes have taken place in the background. The extent of freedom has increased, e.g. many ecclesiastical schools began to operate again, and two new ecclesiastical universities were founded in the last fifteen years. The recent data are very similar to the data got two decades before: the answers of the "religious in a special way" category coincide with the country average results, the indecisive group is laggard, while the self-conscious non-religious and the religious categories are the best library users, and the best and fastidious readers. Examining the books recently read it is evident that classical authors are preferred more in general, while the reserved attitude against bestsellers is more significant for religious people. The cultural distance has grown between reader with a maturity exam (in a secondary school) and with a university degree. Two or three decades before the former ones became in all probability good readers, but this happens no more automatically because of today's mass secondary education. Examining the party voting preferences in relation with reading and library use there seems to exist a little advantage at the side of the conservatives. Age and educational differences may hide behind this phenomenon. [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 author is member of the IFLA Knowledge Management Section Standing Committee. In this article, she presents the main activities of the Knowledge Management Section, as well as emphasizes the importance of topic maps in connection with visualization and the use of Internet. A few personal experiences and ideas are also given related to Norwegian libraries. [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]

On autumn 2003, researchers of the Hungarian Library Institute conducted a survey on the marketing environment of libraries in three cities, Eger, Szolnok and Debrecen. The survey included questions on the appreciation of libraries, on the information needs of local citizens, about new library slogans that people would find useful for promotion purposes etc. The researchers intended to develop, on the basis of the outcomes, a survey method that can be adopted and used by other libraries too. 900 people were interviewed that were not members of any library at the time of the survey. The results revealed what kind of picture non-users have of libraries, and their opinions turned out to be useful for new strategies aiming to attract these people to the libraries again. Most interviewees had a positive image of libraries. The most often mentioned features of libraries were 1. the cultured atmosphere of libraries, 2. the helpful attitude of librarians, and 3. the collections and services. However, in many cases, the interviewees were not sure about what kind of services they can expect at libraries. The image of libraries as reflected by the answers of local citizens can help library directors in the planning of their marketing strategy. Libraries should be more actively involved in the life of the local community, and in order to achieve this, they should strive to make the marketing of their services more efficient. The marketing strategies should target both the users and the local decision makers. One of the marketing tips can be to emphasise the availability of the new information and communication tools at public libraries, most often free of charge for users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]