Le biblioteche nella Repubblica Ceca all'inizio del XXI secolo

Abstract

Libraries in the Czech Republic have a very rich history. In 1959 a new Library Act was enacted, creating a unified system of libraries. The Act introduced the obligation of public administration to fund and govern the libraries. At the end of 1989, when the fundamental political and economical changes in Czechoslovakia came true, Czech librarianship was proud of a wide network of libraries, both public and special. Czech librarianship began to develop on new, democratic basis. Today, in the public library network, there are included regional, municipal and local library as well as the National Library of the Czech Republic, and former state research libraries. Many of the libraries have better conditions of existence than before: larger premises, more money for the acquisition of literature, more prestige. Many libraries have been adapted and modernized, and new spacious buildings were built.
University libraries are now fully independent from the State and their situation is generally better.
The National Library of the Czech Republic is the supreme library institution in the country. Its mission is to contribute to the development ok knowledge, education and culture by the acquisition, processing, preservation of and providing access to literary documents and other sources.
In 2001, the Parliament passed a new Law on Libraries and Terms of Operating Public Libraries and Information Services. This Act contributes in a significant way to the extension and higher quality of library services to the users.
The 1990s were characterised by the rapid introduction of computer technology. Today, many libraries are completely automated and the level of connectivity to Internet reaches the 74% of the inhabitants of the Czech Republic.
As regards professional education and training, there are several educational institutions in the framework of universities and high vocational schools.