Contents^ | FOREWORD It is important that citizens of different countries get to know each other and become aware of the similarities and the differences of their respective cultures and everyday life. The awareness and knowledge of other cultures, as well as the presentation of our own values has gained even more importance since Hungary joined the European Union. Various professional sectors - in our case the library field - also need to increase their international visibility and at the same time, become more familiar with international trends and practices. During many years, we have been aware of the need for a publication that would give a brief and accurate overview about Hungarian libraries and the Hungarian library field. This brochure aims to fulfil such a role. After a short historical introduction, our publication focuses on the present. Our intention was to show the readers the conceptual and policy background, as well as the achievements and challenges related to the development of the library field. Hungarian libraries underwent radical changes over the past 15 years. The “change of regime” of the Hungarian library field is linked to the new Library Act that came into force in 1997. The Act opened unprecedented opportunities for Hungarian libraries. Among many other stipulations, the Act laid down the criteria of the successful operation of the library system under the responsibility of the Minister of Culture. Two of the most important criteria are: Setting up new, centrally operated national services for the benefit of the entire library system Ensuring state funding for the developments set out in the Act The current country-wide developments have been implemented according to the strategic objectives of the library field, focusing on increased access to information, equal opportunities, content development and quality development. In these days marked with serious economic restrictions, libraries are facing a contradictory situation. While they are suffering from insufficient funding for their everyday operation, there are increasing funding opportunities available for the development of the quality of services both at national and local level. Libraries must be able to derive benefit from these opportunities. The mission of the Hungarian library field is similar to other European library systems: its primary objective is to satisfy user needs. In certain areas, we can demonstrate great achievements, like the well-functioning National Document Delivery System, or the modernisation programmes that were extended as far as the level of village libraries. However, we have to admit that there is still much to do in the area of ICT development, especially in rural areas. We are proud of our new library buildings – you will see them listed in this brochure – but we have to confess that there are many other libraries in need of renovation, the pictures of which we have not included in this publication! But in summary, we can state that there are certainly more developments than setbacks and we hope you will agree with this statement when you read this brochure, or when you come to visit Hungary. Judit Skaliczki Head of Library Department Ministry of Education and Culture ^top | >>>
Central Library of the Metropolitan Szabó Ervin Library, Budapest, Music Collection | Town Library, Gödöllő, conference room
Central Library of the Metropolitan Szabó Ervin Library, Budapest, „Dragon” Courtyard | County Library, Veszprém (Photo by Károly Szelényi, source: Hungarian Pictures)
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