Search results

Reports the results of a survey rating the amount and degree of the utilisation of printed materials in Polish academic libraries. The results which are presented by type (for example chemical, biological, technical libraries etc.) as well as by function (research libraries and libraries of educational institutions), concern the number of materials, including both books and periodicals. The authors include the amount of material in English as well as in other foreign languages. Figures illustrating the annual increase of these materials are also included. In addition, the article offers data which cover a number of issues, including the range of materials which were ordered at the request of users, the time of cataloguing, the number of loans, the number of unfilled orders, the extent of the utilisation of the collections, the number of interlibrary loans, as well as the relegation of outdated materials. Finally, the survey reveals information on the number of libraries which research into user needs, the number of libraries which are open on Saturdays and Sundays, and the number of libraries which provide special services such as weekend loans.

Presents the process of implementing the HORIZON computing system in the University Library and other libraries of the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan´, Poland. Details of the cooperation within libraries belonging to the Poznan´ Foundation of Scientific Libraries and other libraries implementing the HORIZON system and working within the agreement Library with Horizon are given, together with a description of the work in creating the central library catalogue in Poland.

Reports the results of an inquiry directed at Polish academic, research and scientific libraries. An appraisal of the current IT infrastructure, degree of advances in automation in libraries, and utilization of the electronic sources has been carried out, based on the completed questionnaires received from the libraries in question. It has been recognized that the best developed IT infrastructure is to be found in the academic libraries and that they are well prepared for automation. The situation is much worse in the special libraries of the research and scientific institutes. Half of the libraries in the latter group are not engaged in any preparation for automation, mainly owing to a lack of financial resources. Also, they do not provide readers with access to sources in an electronic format. Points out that a relevant consistent programme for the implementation and utilization of IT in Polish libraries has not yet been prepared.

Reviews the problems facing university libraries in Poland. Discusses organizational structures and indicates major changes. Considers finance problems and difficulties in staffing the libraries between the Communist and the Democratic periods. Analyses the nature of the collections, with particular reference to legal deposit. Finally, discusses storage, circulation and automation.

Explains how managers of Polish research libraries face many problems provoked by the changes which have taken place both in these institutions and in their surroundings on the one hand, and by the obsolete rules which their operations regulate. Among the most serious financial obstacles are the following: a prolonged delay in the confirmation of a library′s budget; too many financial sources; financial dependence of the majority of the libraries; restrictions on self‐governing, profit‐oriented activities; and criteria for the allocation of funds. Among the problems connected with the personnel the following are at the top of the list: disproportional employment in the various types of libraries; inappropriate educational background; lack of certain types of qualified professional (e.g. information scientists, computer technicians); very low earnings; and the degraded status of the librarian, which discourages candidates from this profession. The management and the structure of the organization of the library are also outdated and there are too few competent professionals to make the necessary transformations efficiently.