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The paper deals with the history of English literature in the context of bibliophile editions of the 19th century prints published abroad and preserved in Slovak National Library (SNL). The subject of the paper is the ballad The Rime of the Ancient Mariner in the representative New York edition with illustrations by Gustav Doré. The author presents Samuel Taylor Coleridge's ballad as a cultural phenomenon, but above all to also point out the abundance of the SNL's collections and the possibilities of getting to know and presenting important works, as well as the relationships they often contain in the form of handwritten or printed notes. This specimen is no exception -- the signs declare a connection with the dedicators and owners who owned the ballad before it became part of the SNL's collections. Regardless of the owner, the New York edition of the ballad represents a certain representative form of the most significant literary works of the 19th century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper summarizes the main idea and activities of the 11th International Festival of Library Events for Children held in Slniečko Children's Library, which is a part of P. O. Hviezdoslav Regional Library in Prešov. The central theme of the event was hoaxes, misinformation and critical thinking, and it reflected on the need for the education of children and young people in the field of media literacy, including methodological guidance for librarians involved in this type of events. The author of the paper describes the theme of each event, which in a more or less interactive form presented young readers with the essentials associated with working with information in a media context, including activities to stimulate their critical thinking. The output of each of the events consists of methodical guidelines that allow continuing education within relevant library events for children and young people. Libraries can be considered centres of lifelong learning which should reflect on the current situation in society and educate readers at an early age in this manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the birth of academic sculptor Fraňo Štefunko briefly reflects on his life and work, which contributed to the formation of modern Slovak sculpture. It describes his journey from a woodcarving apprentice to an academic sculptor who passed down his knowledge to younger generations of students. The author also focuses on two exhibitions organized by Turiec Regional Gallery in Martin and dedicated to this important anniversary -- Otvorený archív Fraňa Štefunku (Open Archive of Fraňo Štefunko) and Tretí rozmer premenlivej doby (The Third Dimension of Changeable Times) which presented Štefunko's work and his artistic response to current events in society within the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the gallery. The paper is complemented by the recollections of Professor Miroslav Tuma who authentically describes his relationship with Štefunko and other artists from Martin of the given period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to evaluate the contribution of PhDr. Marta Matthaeidesová, PhD. who has been working at the Department of Library and Information science of Comenius University in Bratislava for 32 years. The paper focuses on her research, professional and pedagogical activities, but the primary focus is on her work as a researcher in the field of library and information services, information education and library users. Through research in the aforementioned areas, Marta Matthaeidesová made a significant contribution to the development of the theory of library and information science and its implementation in library practice. The paper also summarizes her terminological work, which led to the refinement and unification of the field's terminology, and her pedagogical work projected in propaedeutic activities and publications of wider significance. Last but not least, the contribution is devoted to her professional and scientific activities in didactics of the discipline and in library and information services aimed at disadvantaged users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the writer, painter and publicist, Janko Alexy, on the 130th anniversary of his birth. His estate includes a number of personal me- moirs related to Martin, the city where he worked. The aim of the paper is to present the original of Alexy's memoirs Artists of the Martin city, in which the painter Milan Thomka Mitrovský and Miloš Alexander Bazovský are also mentioned. The memoirs, which describe the events in art community of Martin city of that time, are a source of important historical contexts regarding personalities who in many ways contributed to the forming of Slovak culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the Trinity College Library in Dublin, the oldest library in Ireland. It was established along with the college in 1592, and it is the only library in the United Kingdom with the legal deposit privilege. Among other items, its holdings include the harp of King Brian Boru, a copy of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, and the Book of Kells, an important work of Western calligraphy. The author of the paper points out the historical significance of the library, but also its innovative approach to services, including education and research within all Trinity College programs. Therefore, the Trinity College Library is considered to be a national treasure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is a report on the state of school libraries in 2022 prepared on the basis of data on school libraries in the so-called Škol report, which was completed by every school and academic library of Slovak Republic. The results of the survey include data on the number of schools and school libraries, their library holdings, number of users and loans, educational and cultural events, technological equipment, staff and management. The analysis indicates that despite an ongoing interest in experiential education, school libraries continue to be significantly underfunded, which affects the expansion of their holdin- gs and informatization. The paper offers proposals to increase the quality of school libraries, including a detailed timeline created by the National Institute of Education and Youth, the goal of which is to support the literacy of elemen- tary and secondary school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Czech author Jan Vladislav, describes his literary activities in the field of poetry, prose, translation, literary criticism, essays and literary work for children and youth. The author describes Vladislav's work as an editor and publisher through which he co-created a parallel model of culture and literature during the normalization process in Czechoslovakia. One of the aims of the paper is to promote Vladislav's Slovak roots reflected in numerous literary works in which he returns to his childhood in Hlohovec. In addition to his broad literary, artistic, cultural and intellectual activities, and despite the fact that he is considered a figure of Czech literature, the paper comments on the generally overlooked inspiration which he drew from his birthplace. Therefore his name is not well-known in our cultural context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the ninetieth anniversary of Jaroslava Blažková’s birth, the paper reflects on her life, prose, journalism and literature for children and youth. Her work was characterised by an expressive style, irony and an effort to break free of conventions and stereotypes, through which she stood out from previous generations of authors. Her publishing debut – the short-story collection Nylon Moon (Nylonový mesiac, 1961) – expressed signs of feminism and emancipation which were rare at that time. In the 1960s, Jaroslava Blažková became one of the best-known Slovak authors but in the unfavourable social and political situation after 1968, she decided to emigrate to Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2024 it will be 190 years since several of the leading figures of national and cultural life in Slovakia came together to establish the Society of Slovak Language and Literature Lovers (Spolok milovníkov reči a literatúry slovenskej). The paper traces the functioning of the society in the various periods that shaped it in many ways. When Ján Kollár and Martin Hamuljak founded it, the aim was to raise awareness of Slovaks’ native language and promote the activity of the Bernolák group and leaders of the so called “Czechoslovak orientation”. One of the most important outcomes of their work was publishing of the Zora almanac from 1835, although its run ceased in 1840 for financial reasons. The society’s activities began to decline in the 1840s and it was wound up in 1850. The society’s activities made an evident contribution to Slovak literary life and laid important foundations for the following generation around Štúr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper was written to mark the 60th anniversary of a specialised workplace for retrospective bibliography at University Library in Bratislava. Authors reflect on its origins, which reach back to the library’s foundation in 1919, and highlight the contributions of senior workers in different stages of its development. During its existence, the office has not only undergone several name changes but has also had to respond to social and political changes. Retrospective bibliography only gradually emerged as a distinct activity and had a secondary priority until the 1960s. Besides their publishing activity, staff of the Office of Retrospective Bibliography organises lectures and exhibitions with international collaboration and interdisciplinary character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper takes readers on a tour of the largest academic library in Finland – the main building of the Helsinki University Library, which is one of four branches specialising in art, law, theology, education and social sciences. The academic library is distinguished by its functionalist architecture that makes orientation easy while permitting flexible forms of study on an individual or group basis and respecting the accessibility needs of disabled users. It provides a variety of less common services on top of the usual library and information services. One of the most significant of these benefits is providing a variety of courses aimed at information literacy and information seeking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is a review of the collection of texts, The Power of the Printed Word (Sila tlačeného slova) written and edited by PhDr. Anna Jónásová concerning the life and work of the renaissance intellectual Peter Bornemisza during his time in Slovakia. The collection includes translations of texts written by experts on Bornemisza’s life alongside extracts from Bornemisza’s own writings, including his book The Devil’s temptations (Diabolské pokušenia). It also includes reproductions of Bornemisza’s prints and manuscripts, including decorative initials in the introduction of every chapter. Bornemisza is described as an organiser of protestant clerical life, a powerful preacher and a creative writer. The reviewer highlights the careful treatment of historical documents, the accuracy of the translations and the selection of texts, which bring Slovak readers closer to a less familiar figure with an outstanding influence on the Slovak population at that time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is a review of a book Nine Plays about Freedom (9 hier o slobode) written by the dramatist Viliam Klimáček which was published to mark his 65th birthday. The book brings together nine plays that combine historical as well as contemporary themes (Mojmír II. (2015); Horúce leto ’68 (2007); Dr. Gustáv Husák (2006); Komunizmus (2008); Vodka a chróm (2018); Mečiar (2015); Divná doba, divná láska, divné životy (2015); Zjavenie (2017); Aupairky a konkubíny (2019). In each play, Klimáček reflects not only on the past but also on current events, including critical perspective on the leading figures of each era. The plays include songs and poems related to the central themes. The play Mojmír II, which the reviewer considers the most valuable in artistic terms, won Dosky theatre awards in five categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is a slightly revised version of an introductory speech given at one of the European Heritage Days events commemorating the 450th anniversary of the arrival of preacher, humanist and printer Peter Bornemisza in Šintava and of the printing of his first publication – a book of sermons entitled Homiletics. Besides promoting spiritual renewal in Christianity, the activities of Peter Bornemisza helped to disseminate the ideas of humanism and renaissance and strengthen education, despite opposition from many Catholic leaders. To this day, he is considered a cultural, spiritual and moral authority and his ideas remain valid even in the twenty-first century. The European Heritage Days event was accompanied by the launch of a collection of texts about his life – The Power of the Printed Word (Sila tlačeného slova). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the life and work of a less known Slovak personality – Marian Váross – who can be considered one of the leading figures of the modern academic scene in the second half of the twentieth century. As one of the best educated Slovaks of his time, he also delved into literature and fine arts. He wrote many monographs, articles and essays from various academic fields. He also worked in the State Psycho-technical Institute, was an editor in the daily newspaper Národná obroda and initiated the foundation of the Institute of the Theory and History of Art, which he was subsequently forced to leave for political reasons. He later worked in the Slovak National Gallery. Váross described his own difficult fate in diary entries which were published in the book Loneliness Day after Day (Deň za dňom samota) in 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper sheds light on the collaborative experience of employees of the University Library of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica with volunteer’s performance and management. It follows the development of a pilot project in 2013 into a full-fledged programme, Senior Volunteering at the MBU University Library, and the enrolment of this project in a quality evaluation system for work with volunteers. After meeting the basic criteria for collaboration with volunteers, the library was awarded the quality label We get on well with volunteers (S dobrovoľníkmi a dobrovoľníčkami to vieme). After introducing educational and reward systems, a second star was added to the label. Volunteering is a way for the library to enhance its public image while providing volunteers with an opportunity to make a genuine contribution and maintain regular social contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People often talk about reading as an activity that lets the reader mentally “escape” from external events for a while, at the same time as providing a means for personal growth. Nevertheless, there is much talk about a crisis of reading nowadays, reflecting the increasing demands that society places on the individual and the corresponding decrease in time available for leisure time activities. The paper presents a closer look at reading and the benefits it offers. The aim is to summarise the key findings of the research in this field, which are classified according to the character of the findings. The author identifies several benefits of regular reading including reduced stress, better sleep quality, cognitive development and stronger concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an interview with poet, prose writer, university teacher and head of the Department of Mediamatics and Cultural Heritage at the University of Žilina, Marián Grupač. The interview explores the development of his writing, the message of particular works and how the author connects with readers and other writers. It also considers differences between Slovak and foreign literature and the specific publishing landscape in Slovakia, while aiming to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the work, views and personal experiences of author who has written several collections of poetry including Cudná noc v Paríži (1998), Dráždenie dažďa (1999), Noblesa (2005), Luxus (2009), V tomto storočí sú noví blázni (2015), as well as prose works like Na život a na smrť (2004), Slová klamú! (2008), Poltvin (2012) and Iný (2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jaroslav Hašek (1883 -- 1923), one of the most distinctive personalities of Czech literature, became known mainly because of the creation of the Dobrý vojak Švejk (Good Soldier Švejk). On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth and within the framework of the Museum of Czech Literature project in Prague, an overview of publications devoted to his life and work -- Bibliografie Jaroslava Haška (Bibliography of Jaroslav Hašek) -- was created. The bibliography entitled Jaroslav Hašek na Slovensku (Jaroslav Hašek in Slovakia), containing records of his life and work in the Slovak press from 1921 -- 1980, is a significant publication. The authors of the paper, this time on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Hašek's death, present a personal bibliography of the writer for the years 1981 -- 2020. Based on an extensive overview of the publications, it is clear that Hašek was a personality whose message is, even today, applicable in many ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We live in a society in which every area of our activity is based on the access to relevant and up-to-date information. The majority of our daily activities are based on knowledge that we form thanks to the available information. Therefore, it is natural that today's society is referred to as a knowledge society and, despite their apparent decline, libraries continue to play an important role in it. The paper is devoted to the libraries' mission in the 21st century and points out several reasons why they can still be considered a relevant source of information. The aim is to highlight the current problems of search engines related to obtaining quality information in the digital environment. On one hand, the amount of digital information is considered enriching, but it is also necessary to take into account algorithms and the limitations of our information literacy and critical thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultural portals of libraries inform, educate and cultivate the thinking of society via the promotion of cultural heritage and by focusing on the regional specificities of European nations. Portals, as electronic information resources, generally contribute to the enrichment of the libraries' collections and their advantages consist of the constant availability, unlimited searching and updated information. The paper presents a thematic overview of Slovak and Czech cultural portals with a focus on the cultural heritage. The author analyses two portals (Ludovakultura.sk and Lidovakultura.cz) in greater detail, focusing on their aesthetic and content specifics, mission and institutional attachment, followed by a recommendations summary and conclusions for library and information practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slovak National Library (SNL) is one of the most important educational and cultural institutions in Slovakia with a national as well as international outreach. Therefore, the effectiveness of its digital services is crucial in terms of its relevance and credibility for users. As a result, the SNL management proceeded to reevaluation of the current state of its website which does not meet the requirements for its usability. The aim of the paper is to describe the process of user research to prevent problems that users encounter when interacting with the website. In addition to presenting the preparatory phases and research methodology, the author summarizes the most important findings and recommendations which she proposes to apply and then verify their effectiveness via continuous research. That is to say, constant review of the website's usability cannot be carried out in isolation and without contact with real users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matej Hrebenda Slovak Library for the Blind in Levoča (SLB) has a unique position and mission by providing its services to the blind, visually impaired, and people with reading disabilities. Since 2020, it has also become the Slovak authority for Braille, as demonstrated by its publications, magazines, and calendars. SLB also provides access to a number of audiobooks and audio magazines and cooperates with other institutions trying to make their expositions accessible to visually impaired visitors. However, constant developments in the field of digital and supporting technology have led to the need to expand its portfolio of services. The paper explains the importance of Braille and tactile graphics and describes efforts of SLB employees to provide them to those for whom they are essential in terms of personal development and everyday life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the life and work of Michal Kováč-Adamov, the historian, bibliographer, theatrologist and playwright. Author summarizes his life milestones and most important activities, which significantly influenced every area of his interest. Apart from his publishing and pedagogical activities, he was an advocate of civic and democratic principles and has supported many reform trends which were at that time not in line with normalization tendencies in society. He served as the custodian of Matica Slovenská, but also as the deputy of Minister of Culture of the Slovak Republic, which in many ways complicated his professional as well as private life. Michal Kováč-Adamov is considered as an important personality of the Martin city and Slovak culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the life and work of Viera Markovičová-Záturecká, a writer of Slovak classical literature. Her contribution stems not only from her literary work and publications, but also from her activities related to the women's movement and from the participation in the Slovak National Uprising. Her works mention important societal themes and provide a moral message. Her personal experience with the Slovak National Uprising, reflected in literary work, makes them not only socially significant, but also authentic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign as well as Slovak libraries are constantly trying to innovate their services and thus become closer to their users. In this vein, the Public Library of Mikulas Kovac in Banska Bystrica introduced a service which respond to the need for contactless services. The paper is focused on the implementation and operation of a device that allows limitless book reservations and their pickups via bibliomat - the automated box which features an integrated library and information system. As a result of an increase in demands on the library's operation, the services of bibliomat are a prerequisite for effective communication between users and the library, without the necessity of visiting a specific branch during its office hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fourth industrial revolution is reflected in the way we work and communicate today, as well as in the demands that society places on us. Constant development of digital technologies and the general digitalization of society point to the growing need for the development of digital competencies in order to fully participate in what is happening around us. The paper introduces the event Bibliospheres 2023, which offered approaches to dealing with the aforementioned changes in the library environment. The organizers and participants of the event point to the fact that not only schools, but also libraries are gradually innovating their spaces to enable the general public to educate themselves via creative workshops and smartlabs. With the support of the Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information, libraries expand their equipment and portfolio of their services. It is a matter of linking libraries with practice via activities that are attractive as well as necessary for development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the long-standing conference model during which participants usually act as passive listeners, a gradual transformation has been taking place. Online meetings are coming to the forefront and online tools supporting interactions between speakers and participants are becoming more common. Workshops and lectures have thus become a space for active participation. The aim of this paper is to present the first-hand experience of the authors with the organization of conferences and educational events at the Slovak National Library and to summarize key trends that can be applied to basically any event. A number of interactive online tools will also be introduced. The importance of taking trends into account leads to the increased attractiveness of events, improved librarian education and collaboration between libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the interview with Professor Jela Steinerova, who has been working at the Department of Library and Information Sciences of Comenius University in Bratislava since 1992. Her research and publication activities include a number of contributions to the field of information science, with a focus on theory and methodology, information behaviour, information ecology and ethical aspects of digital technologies. She participates in the creation of curriculum at the department and in the coordination of international cooperation within research projects. Her membership on editorial boards of foreign as well as Slovak academic journals, including Information Research, Open Information Science, Mousaion, Proinflow and ITlib proves her exceptional international standing. In general, she can be regarded as one of the most influential personalities in the field of information science on international level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author describes one of the more recent monographs of Gabriel Szeghy, the archivist of Košice city, namely his complemented and re-written dissertation thesis dealing with the nobility of the Abov County in the modern period. In addition to basic information, the paper covers various interesting facts, including the lifestyles and architecture at the time, the assets of individual owners, and a map of residences of the nobility in Above County in the given period. The monograph presents a detailed overview of less explored local history based on a number of scholarly resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

St. Adalbert Association was founded in Trnava in 1870, primarily for the purpose of publishing books with Catholic themes. In the same year, construction of its library began, which was soon enriched with other books, thanks to several important personalities, including Andrej Radlinský, Andrej Kmeť, Ján Palárik and Štefan Moyzes. At the end of the 1880s, the library began cataloging books followed by international cooperation in the books exchange. Today, its collections consist of 65,000 books from various scientific fields written in several languages. The aim of the paper is to inform readers about the history and activities of the Library of the St. Adalbert Association, which has greatly contributed to the development of education in Slovakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vendula V. Hingarová is a Hispanist and Iberoamericanist who has long been devoted to Czech and Slovak emigration to South America. Her research efforts represents a publication aimed at Czech and Slovak periodicals pub- lished in Argentina, the review of which is the subject of this paper. Hingarová has used 45 newspapers published by Czech and Slovak migrants in Argentina from the archives of 12 libraries in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, U.S.A. and Argentina. Exile print is also part of the publication, where representatives of the Slovak political emigration and members of the domestic branch such as Ferdinand Ďurčanský, Štefan Polakovič, Rudolf Dilong or Jozef Cíger Hronský figure prominently. The publication as a whole is a reflection of Czech and Slo- vak group solidarity, minority identity, but also the controversy, considering the political turbulence in the emigrants' home countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the publishing activities of the Institute of History of Trnava University in 2020. Last year, the Institute published two works on the occasion of the 385th anniversary of the establishment of the Historical University of Trnava (1635 - 1777). The first title, Fons Tyrnaviensis VIII, deals with the university's festivities held from 2018 to 2019 and contains studies on personalities related to the Historical Trnava University, including reports, materials and reviews on various topics. The second title is a peer-reviewed collection of papers Sapientia aedificavit sibi Domum. Budovy Trnavskej univerzity v Trnave (Eng. Buildings of the Trnava University in Trnava). The work is divided into two parts. The first part contains four studies on the buildings of the Historical Trnava University. Three papers included in the second part provide an overview of the buildings of the present-day Trnava University, which was restored in 1992. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary report of the 15th International Conference School Libraries as Information and Cultural Centres at Schools consisting of a series of papers on various topics such as the state of Slovak school libraries in 2020; national and international projects aimed at promoting creative reading; a national representative survey of children reading books during the COVID-19 pandemic; the role of the teacher as an active reading promoter; the impact of family and school environment on children's relationship to books and reading in general; entertaining methods to get students of Slovak and Czech primary and secondary schools engaged in reading, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]