Libraries of Russia

Libraries of RussiaA Closer Look

Sara BartelsS3OverviewBrief history of RussiaBrief history of Librarianship in RussiaLibraries within the Soviet Union and Post Soviet UnionSpecial Collections in RussiaRussian National Library in St. PetersburgRussian State Library in Moscow4Russia

Located in North Asia on the border of the Arctic Ocean from Europe to the North Pacific OceanApproximately 1.8 times the size of the United States or a total of 17,098,242 square kilometersPopulation: 142.9 millionOver 100 ethnic groups: Russian 79.8%, Ukrainian 2%, Bashkir 1.2%, Chuvash 1.1%, other 12.1%Moscow is the capital and the largest city, St. Petersburg- 2nd largest city, Russian is the official language with many miniority lanugages

5History of RussiaPeter the GreatCatherine the GreatAlexander I1917 Revolution and the USSRRussian FederationPeter the Great ruled from 1689-1725 which changed the entire government system and he was responsible for the modernization of Russia and introducing European customs in Russia. He is also credited with reforming the educational system. His introduction of European customs caused an issue with the citizens of Russia, which caused a resntment between Westerners and Slavophiles which is still prevalent today. Catherine reigned form 1762-1796- Power was centrazlized in the monarchy and a patron of art lterature and education. Partitioned Pladn and segregated the Jewish population. Alexander !- expanded into Caucasus, Central Asia and Siberia- Trans Siberian Railroad. Russian clutlrue flourished during this time and made contributions in literatture and music. 1917 and USSR- in 1917 Nicholas II abdicated the throne. Provisional government came to power but then the Bolshevik Party led by Vladimir Lenin took over and established the Russian Soviet Federated Socialiast Republic. Civil War broke out and the Bolsheiks won and conquered the Ukraine, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia and the Union of Soveit Socialist Republics was formed. Stalin ran the party from 1920 to 1953 with forced work labor in the agricultural and industrial enterprises, which caused millions of deaths due to this government in addition to World War II. Russian Federation was formed in 1991 with the election of the Boris Yeltsin, which it remains today. Vladimir Putin is now the President of the Russia.

6History of Libraries & LibrarianshipHierarchal Structure of libraries that mimicked the political structureLibrarianship as a profession emerged at end of 18th centuryLibrarians lended themselves to the intellectual classImperial Public Library was created from the 300,000 volume Zaluski collection that was seized from Poland in 17951808-1843- A.N. Olenin- Popularized the National LibraryLibrarianship was perceived as a function of preservation and curation but Olenin later defined librarianship as having three major functions: preservation, classification and reader services

Each ministry had own network of libraries with a central library. Due to political structure, librarians were not really finalized as a profession. Librarians came from group of scholars, writes who staffed the libraries and it was not seen as a prestigious careerr. After this collection was seized, not much was done with it. It basically just sat in the library. Count A.S. Stroganov was the administrator of the library at the time. His assistant A. N. Olenin was the person who really made an effort to arrange the collection. 3 years later the library actually opened to the public. Olenin created a classification system, bibliographic dscripton and catalog productions. Librarians were also expected to be scholars and knowlegable in subject areas but not be a walking encyclopedia for all subjects.7Libraries in RussiaApproximately 117,700 libraries totalMore than 46,000 public libraries 66,000 school libraries 5700 scientific, technical and specialized librariesRussian State Library, MoscowNational Library of Russia, St. PetersburgRussian Federation Libraries. 100% literacy rate according to state department. Lenin and his wife Nedzhda Krupskaia were big supporters of the library as Nedzhada was a librarian. Knew illiterate population could not build a bright communist future and libraires could help the illiterate. Libraries in Russia were a government organization that reported to Ministry of Culture. Recognized the value of culture in society and iits importance in the state. Many libraries at regional level were inovled in formulation of cultural policies. Libraries helped with the transition oto the emergence of a open society.

In 1993- there wrew 62,000 public libraries, onlye 41,000 school libraries in 1993 although IFLA does not report on scientific and specialized libraries. 2007 report there were 5700 specialized libraires down from 8400 in 1993. There is no information on research libraries form IFLA.

8Libraries During Soviet Union Libraries received significant funding from LeninLibraries were a way to increase literacy but also dangerousLibrary policy: The maximum of knowledge, butwithin fixed limitsPatrons had access to 30-40% of collectionsSoviet librarianship consisted of partiinost, spetskhran and censorship.

Kuzmin, Evgenii. At a Crossroads: Russian Libraries Face the futureLibrarians has to create 2 card cataloge. Libraries were not free to collect/ dissmenate information that they wanted to, it all had to have approval by the government. Libraianship existed as a way to support and lead the way for the ideologoy of the Soviet Union. Libraries were not open access. Librarians lost sight of the fact that it is a service field and there was no responsibilty or connection to the needs of patrons. There were many libraries as literacy was valued- and no person should have to walk anymore than 15 minutes to get to a library.

9Censorship in the Soviet UnionLibraries were to serve as instruments for eradication illiteracy and for educating the population: an important element was moral education, one which would make for good Marxist/ Leninist citizens. Thus the role of the librarian was not to facilitate access to material which the reader demanded but rather to guide the reader to material that was considered appropriate and to keep away from the reader material which was considered inappropriate or harmful.Knutson, Ellen. As cited in Thomas,C.Changes in Russian libraries in the 1990s.10Censorship ContinuedCensorship consisted in two ways: what could be published and what could be made available to the publicRemoved or abolished all literature that was not in line with Bolshevik doctrine or personal tastesSpecial depositories were createdLibrary of Congress ArchivesPersonal tastes included the mass destruction of of all the old prerevolutionary typography during Stalin and up until the 1970s. Special depositoires special departments where all prohibited literature concentrated. Only large libraries could actually have these special depositories. Lenin library had 298.239 books, 521, 054 journal issues and 2.498,000 newspapers. The bulk of this depository was foreign. Pariinost- which means party minded ness- foundation of censorship- consisted of book purges, biased collection development, reader guidnance, recommonded bibliography and restrictions on access. Spetskhran- consisted of writings of discredited political figures and other writers who threatened and spoke against the ideology of the Soviet Union. The Library of Congress has a translation of some of the documents that were censored and why they were censored.11Libraries Post Soviet UnionLoss and Lack of significant fundingLibrarians looked to emulate Western librarianshipSelf-management of libraries/ Change in profession of librarianshipResponsible for safeguarding historical and cultural monumentsLaid groundwork for informational/ cultural unificationFree education for usersLack of preservation

After the fall of the Soviet Union, libraries were able to look at all the information in the speical repositories, there was a multitude of new information to catalogue and make accessible to the public. However, this also forced librarians to look at the current collection which now appeared to be outdated and specifically promote an ideology that is no longer prevalent. Librarians in Russia now look towards Westerna librarianship as a way to promote learning and libraries. Libraries are run by the mInistry of culture and after the change in government, Ministry of Culture have relied on the libraries as a way to support the education and free/ open access of new information and knowledge to the citizens. Only 9 libraries receive funding from the federal government, the rest receive funding regionallly or by raising the money themselves. Some libraries began fee- based librainship.Libraries were re-orgnaized and creation of new departments were a huge accomplishment in addition to the creating of new information resources based on user needs. For example, there was the creation of a Foreign Literature department to allow for free education abaroad or study abroad programs that is free.

Libraries- cultureal and social instituions. Libraians were viewed a s professionals, allowed to express their opinions, creativity, etc and to market and increase public relations for libraries.12Russian Library AssociationGeneral Objectives:To advocate for the library community on federal/ international levelTo create a professional network to assist in the development/ training of staffTo develop and federal and regional policies for the library communityTo advocate for the need of libraries/ librariansPreservation of the common memory of Russia

The RLA was Established in Moscow in 1994. They were created to help libraries deal with the change in libraries and librarianship after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. RBA- to find contacts within/ government structures. Initated RBA information bulletin to keep all apprised of what is going on in the library world, working with IFLA, implementing professiaonl programs, focusing on preservation/ technology etc. In addition, there are many other library societiets within Russia. The website would not translate into English so I was unable to get more recent information on the RLA. This information was from an article written by the president of RLA in 1996, Vladimir Zaitsev.13PreservationLimited preservation policyLack of spaceImproper conditionsLack of security/ fire alarm systemsEstablishment of Preservation centersNeglect of collectionsPreservation was a huge issue as there were collections that were scattered due to political/ turbulent history. Only policy for preservation was restoration and moving valuable items to a federal repository. Preservation centers were created in Moscow and St. Petersburg and followed standard practices of collection maintenance. Due to censorship, budgets, lack of training, preservation was not prevleant as half of the collections could not be viewed by the users, which now that users are able to view these sources, they cannot due to their fragile state. In 1988- fire destroyed 400,000 newspapers and scientific periodicals and 3.6 million books at the USSR Academy of Sciences Library, yet there are still issues with proper environments to maintain these collections.14Preservation through DigitizationMoscow ManifestoDigitization with lack of preservation of primary sourcesNational Digital LibraryDigital LibrariesMemory of RussiaMeeting of Frontiers

Digitization now seems to be the main way for preservation within Russia, however, lack of funds severly cripples this initiative, however there are several projects that are now underway.

Moscow Manifesto- digital depository as a way to promote learning, cultural heritage, democracy, etc.

1995- joint effort with UNESCO for the Memory of the World Program. Some o the digital collections are accesible through the Russian State Library website which we will view later. Memory of the Frontiers is bilingual joint effort between the Russian State Library and the National Library of Russia with the Library of Congress to document the Russian movement eastward, America expansion westward - 330.000 digital imagesLack of funding however for a majority of these sites which leads to issues of whether or not the source is authentic and the information is accurate.Excitement over digitiation with out the standards to support the continued development/ long-term preservation of theese collections15Collection DevelopmentObligatory depositing of booksInternational Book Exchanges5% of world print production is receivedRussian Book ChamberCollaboration of Russian depositories and the RBCFederal Law No 19- adopted in January 2002

In addition to focusing on prservation of vast amount of materials in libraries, librarians also had to focus on maintaining and increasing the collections in libraries. Collection Development of the libraries originally begin with the conquests of the empire and collections from private collections and wealthy families.Collections of majority of Russian libraries reflect the repertoire of Soviet book publishing. Under the Soviet Union- high compliance level with obligatory deposit law. Deposit libraries received a hight level of domestically published material. However, with change in publishing and loss of censorship, there was a significant loss in what the Russian libraries received. In addition, the Russian libraries would not only receive the publications within Russia but from all the countries within the USSR. Russian Book Chamber- responsible for publishing the bibliography for all books published, state archives of all printed material. RBC- carryin gout national registration of publications, national bibliography, acquistion of material, distribtuing/ federal obligatory deposit copies to library infor org. Ensure that this is completed In addition, after the breakup of the USSR, they no longer received the central deposit copies from those countries. New Federal Law- this will call for federal deposit copies, deposit copies of the subjcts of the Russian Federation and locoal deposit copies at the regional and state level. This will provides legal standing for the acquistion of collections and modernization of library/ information technology. Many federal libraries were not receiving 20% of domestically produced books and 40% of periodicals. Deposit copies make up 90-95% of the collections acquisitons of material published in Russia. If they do not receive these, then they are unable to fund and fill the gaps in their collections. It also calls for obligatory deposit of Publications, printed material form a publishing house, publications for blind/ visually impaired, audiovisual productions, electronic publications, patent documents.

International Book Exchanges were also used . The US and Russia participated in this as early as the 1800s before the start of the Civil War. Libraries used the deposited copies of books as the books for internationl exchange or as a way to build foreign publications within in their collections.16BONUBSpecialized departmentsImprovements to Information technologyCultivated Relationships with the GovernmentGrant Writing and Fundraising

Creation of electronic databases, BONUB in one library, there are only 8 computers and they share the same connection to the internet. In 2002, there was only one electronic catalog. Study of one region of libraries the Bryansk region has 741 public libraires and works with all of the libraries within the region such as special collections, school and academic libraries. Using this information, Knutson related their struggles to the overall issues seen in Russian libraries today and how they have overcome the issues and revamped their library system. According to RLA, only 20% of libraries have internet access although 100% of universities have internet access. While there are issues within the smaller libraries of Russia, Here is a look at the three national libraries and other special collections in Russia.BONUB invited heads of district administrations to visit the regional library to see the resources. This seems to have had an impact on the government officials- taken more intereste after visits

BONUB receives less than 50% of budget from state- get money from grants/ fundraising.

Rosotov Public Library17National Library of Russia

There are three national libraries which causes a need for new approaches to the organization of libraries. Agreement of Partnership and Cooperation between the Russian State Library and National Library of Russia was signed at end of May 1996. allows for the cooperation betwwen the two libraies to develop and store the collections, ensure access, scientific reseasrch and science-based methodolgy and internationl activities. 18National Library of RussiaFounded in May 1795Located in St. Petersburg

As of 2010 the library contains 35, 718,00 itemsThe collections contain multiple valuable items ranging from Greek Manuscripts to Prints to Voltaires Library

National Library has extensive list of responsibilities. Has greatest collection of native documents, foreign documents- has greatest cultural/ scientific/ art value. Acquisitons based on legal deposit, purchase and book exchange. Responsible for bibliography of domestic documents.Responsible for storage/ preservation of material. Cooperates with Russian/ foregin librars, RLA 19Russian State LibraryPreviously known as the USSR State V.I. Lenin LibraryLocated in Moscow

Has well-developed international contacts. RSL has similar functions to the National library. Information/ Materials are housed in the RSL can be found in card catalogues and database. Also seen as a research library and involved in numuerous digital projects. Very international connected- founded Library Assembly of Eruasia

20Russian State LibraryFounded in 1862 and known as LeninkaHouses over 43 million itemsThe Collections contains State and Government Publications, Library Science Publications to Military LiteratureVirtual Reading Rooms

Boris Yeltsin Presidential Library

Boris Yeltsin Presidential LibraryFounded as Digital library in 2007Received statue of national library in 2008Center to digitize and process rare books and manuscriptsHouses electronic copies of information and archival material that was not previously released to the publicElectronic Reading Room

Was created for need to strengthen the ideas of nationhood, citizenship and patriotism for the national identity of Russia and to especially resonate among the younger generation. They wanted to consolidate all research/ cultural and educational activiies in one place in regards to citizenship/ patriotism, government is very involved with this library, and wanted to strengthen the power of Russia with society in terms of Russias historyHas a virtual reading room where one can view over 160,000 units but you have to be a registered user. Also, the other collections do not seem to have much access to pictures.. You seem to need specific software.

23Special CollectionsSt. Petersburg State Theatre LibraryRussian State Art LibraryDepartment of Printed Music and Sound Recordings, National Library of RussiaHermitage Collections at the Hermitage Museum

Music collection- publications from countries in Russian Empire and USSR from 18th to 20th centuries. Many foreign collections came from the collection of the brothers Zalusiki and collection of Prince Yusupov and from the Hermitage Library. Since then priate collections/ private individuals and libraries gave items to the library. Hermitage Museum had a significant amount of items from the Tsars presonl library, which was later transferred to the National library. Most of the collection are gramophone records. In the 1800s music did not have to undergo censorship so it was not deposited in the library, however, Olenin wanted everything produced in Russia to be deposited in Russia. So he advocated for music to go through the censor committee and thus the music bgain to appear, yet there were still issues.Dept of Printed Music and Sound Recordins 1999- 330,000 editions and 34,000 sound recordings. It includes music journals, printed sheet music. One of the valuable Russain composers is Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. You might recognize one of his famous songs, the 1812 overture.

St. Petersburg conservatoire- rare books from 15th to 17th centures in Western Europaean languages. 500 editions- 4incunabula and 125 16th century books.

Hermitage Collections-Collections began to go back and forth between the residences of the royals. Collection was started when an agent of the Empire purchased paintings in Berlin. Diplomats of Russia began to collect artifacts which would be displayed in the pavilion Hall in the Winter palace in St. Petersburg. Some of the collections that were acquired were sold or destroyed as they thought they were workthless.. In 1852, New Hermitage was was constructed and became a museum. Evolution dvolved based on the imperial acquistions and excavations made. Contineud to add based on archeological excavations, gits and purchases. Today has nearly 3 million objects which have a large and unique collections rom Oriental art to Armoury. Library of musuem has numerous publications and valuable source for scientific research.

Russian State Art Library- Founded in 1921 by Maly Theater. Received many donations from private collectors, theater societies etc. Holdings include books from 15th century. Have iconography collection- postcards, engravings, photos, etc.

Theatre library- one of oldest in Russia, founded in 1756 by Empress Elizaveta Petrovna. Started as a collection of hadwritten plays by first Russian actor. At first only held plays form Russia but after 1917, allowed all to use. Have mauscript collections. Collection policy is based on themes from early traditions and current holdings. . Again need for prservation, received a grant from Ministry of Culture for preservation.24Special Collections Continued

The first Russian actor, Fedor Volkov, and the first plays to be translated from foreign languages.St. Petersburg State Theatre Library

Fedor Chaliapin in life and in two of his roles- Russian State Art Librarry25SourcesBezuglova, I.F. (n.d.) National Library of Russia, St. Petersberg. Fontes Artis Musicae 53 (3). Retrieved from EBSOhostCIA World Fact BookDzhigo, A.A. (2004). New version of the Russian obligatory deposit law. Slavic & East European Information Resources, 5 (1/2). Retrieved from EBSCOHostGuy, A. & Kolganova, A. (2010). Heritage received and multiplied: Russian art libraries as collectors and translators. Art Libraries Jouranl 35, (4). Retrieved from EBSCOHostGosart-Popova, U. (2004). Library preservation in Russia. Library Management, 25 (8/9). Retrieved from EbscohostIFLA World Report (2010)Knutson, E. (2007). New realities: libraries in Post-Soviet Russia. Library Trends, 55(3). Retrieved from EbscoHost

SourcesKuzmin, E. (1993). At a crossroads. Wilson Library Bulletin, 67(5). Retrieved from EbscoHostMeeting of the FrontiersStuart, M. (1994). The evolution of librarianship in Russia: the libraians of the imperial public library, 1808-1868. The Library Quarterly 64, (1). Retrived from EbscoHostUNESCO- Memory of RussiaU.S. State Department Country ProfilesVilinbakhov, G. (2003). The Hermitage diverse and vast. Museum International, 55 (1). Retrieved from EBSCOhostZaitsev, V. (1996). Problems of Russian libraries in an age of social change. Daedalus 125 (4). Retrived from Literature Resource Center