ISSN 0235-0351 (printed edition)
1/2000
|
ISSN 0235-0351 (printed edition)
1/2000 |
|
Editorial board:
AIRA LEPIK REET OLEVSOO KALJU TAMMARU URVE TÕNNOV TIIU VALM ANNE VALMAS MEELI VESKUS |
Editor ENE RIET
Second Editor MAIRE LIIVAMETS Text Editor ELLEN ARNOVER Copy Preparator TIIU TALI Designed by KERSTI TORMIS |
| EDITORIAL |
Dear reader,
The equinox of four numbers, long-awaited and feared for several reasons, is passed. Even the Chinese Golden Dragon Year has begun. So far, there have been no great shocks in our lives, and the ongoing processes having an impact on the entire social development will reveal their true nature as several years have gone by.
The present economic policy drives us to economize. Raamatukogu was published traditionally six numbers last year though the Ministry of Culture sponsored its publishing less than in the previous years. But the Cultural Endowment of Estonia covered not only the author fees but also the the printing costs of the journal. I am glad to say that the number of subscribers for our journal has remained the same in spite of economic pressure.
The year 2000 is declared to be the Estonian Book Year. This will effect also the contents of our journal. Last year we introduced a column for the preparations for the Year of the Book. We are determined to reflect the events year long. Every journal number will partly, and one of them solely, relate to Estonian book.
The Year of the Book touches every library. Let’s forget discussions on whether books will exist in the future – there is no development without knowledge, and libraries have a constantly important role as knowledge mediators. The self-being and book culture of small nations is especially closely related. There is no thing like a good Estonian book a librarian can possibly wish to an Estonian.
So, congratulations!
Ene Riet
| CONTENTS |
FIRST COLUMN
Literature Is Dead! Long Live Literature! Rein Veidemann 4
Rein Veidemann’s Column replaces our traditional First Column this year. In his first arcticle he deals with literature and literary research.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Face to Face with Time Inga Kuljus 5
The director of Võrumaa Central Library Inga Kuljus in her article "Face to Face with Time" gives a survey of the library, founded in 1909. The first libraries in Võru were founded by schools. At the end of the 19th century the foundation of public libraries was demanded at the meetings of all Estonian national organizations and in the press. This movement was led by Toomas Kõpp, teacher at Võru Elementary Boys' School.
The author introduces the past decades in the history of the library, gives the number of books and also social events in Võru. Although libraries, as other cultural institutions must follow the trends of political and social life, it has always been essential to preserve books and serve readers. Using new technologies Võrumaa Central Library has become the first WWW library in Estonia.
85 Years of Librarianship in Põltsamaa Vaike Oro 8
The director of Jõgeva Central Library (situated in Põltsamaa) Vaike Oro introduces the activities of the 85-year-old library. In 1926 Põltsamaa got town bylaws and its library got the rights of a public library, containing 2,000 books. During WW II the library building was burnt down. The library was re-opened in spring 1945. It has changed its location several times and the lack of space, among other problems to solve, prevents to apply Internet connection.
TOPIC OF THE DAY
Certification of Conservators – a Myth or Reality Mari Siiner 9
Educational institutions of Estonia provide no professional training for paper and binding conservators. So, the National Library has launched its own conservators’ training programme introduced whenever needed and if resources allow it. Certification of conservators is a key issue for ensuring their high level of professionalism. At the beginning of 1999, the National Library established an inhouse certification system for conservators. On 9 and 10 December 1999, the system was put into practice to evaluate the professional skills of the conservators at the National Library. By the decision of the evaluation committee, the professional skills of four conservators of the National Library were fit for a higher category they had had previously.
SPECIAL LIBRARY
Estonian Jewish Community Library Mait Talts 11
Mait Talts introduces the Library of Estonian Jewish Community. It was founded in 1992. USA Jewish Charity Organizations' Association "Joint" helps to acquire the publications on Jewish culture and religion, as well as the history and modern issues of Jewish community all over the world including Israel's history and geography. The literature is mainly in Russian. The collections contain about 2,000 books. There are even two Jewish community libraries in Estonia – the other is the Library of Jewish School. The head of the Jewish Community Library Svetlana Jatskina initiates the publication of a bulletin that introduces the most interesting publications of judaica all over the world. The cultural activities of the Jewish community are acquainted in the publication "Haðachar".
Estonian Archive in Australia Anne Valmas 12
A brief overview of the past and present situation of the Archive, as well as a short introduction of the archivists who have kept it. The article lists the personal collections and exhibitions of the Archive materials. Mrs. Anne Valmas visited the Archive in November 1999 to collect material for her D.A. paper on Estonian materials published in Western Europe in 1944-1951.
STATISTICS
Statistical Analysis Using Time Row Method Silvi Roomets 14
The piece continues the article published in Raamatukogu 1999, No 3. It reviews collecting and organizing statistical data, statistical analysis using time row method and also the possibilities to use it in librarianship.
INTERVIEW
Estonian Government's Policy Is Book Friendly:
an Interview with Mart Meri Maire Liivamets 16
The future problems of Estonian culture, including library issues, are discussed with Mart Meri, chairman of the Cultural Committee of Riigikogu (The Parliament of Estonia). Mart Meri considers the policy of the Estonian state to be book friendly and the level of public libraries good. The implementation of a new educational conception will be of great importance, as well as the building of a new art museum and the beginning of the construction of the Estonian National Museum.
A State, Libraries and Money Linda Kask, Reet Olevsoo, Krista Talvi 18
On the financial problems of public libraries due to the insufficient state budget allocation in 2000, and on the Estonian Librarians Association’s correspondence with the Cultural Affairs and Finance Committees of Riigikogu to avoid public libraries’ budget cutting.
RECENT LITERATURE ON LIBRARIANSHIP 21
ESTONIAN HISTORY OF IDEAS
From the Artist's Storehouse of Ideas Mai Levin 25
Märt Laarman's collection of articles, essays and aphorisms "I Am Speaking of Art", published in the series "Estonian History of Ideas", is introduced by the art critic Mai Levin in her article "Of the Artist's Storehouse of Ideas".
Märt Laarman (1896–1979) was also a productive publicist. He had a making of a pedagogue (had finished Rakvere Teachers Training College). His broad outlook on culture in general enabled him to understand and interpret the phenomena in the other speheres of culture (he had been a teacher of Estonian language and literature for many years). Laarman's articles, dealing with topical issues, were rather critical. He dedicated many articles to the protecting of innovative art of the beginning of the 20th century. Laarman wrote also about the great figures of the past, as well as the most outstanding representatives of modern art. Although in his essays Laarman was a ruthless lover of truth, his criticism is full of loving for art and his nation.
BOOK HISTORY
Rare Books: About a Wise Book of the 19th Century Kaja Tiisel 27
A librarian of the Estonian Academic Library Kaja Tiisel writes about one wise book of the 19th century. In 2000 250 years is passing from the birth of the German origin man of letters and culture Johann Wilhelm Ludwig von Luce. In 1816 his book "Gesundheits-Catechismus für das ehstnische Landvolk" (Health-Catechism for Estonian Peasantry) was published in the Estonian language with paralel title page and preface in German. Originally the book was written in German, August Heinrich Schmidt had translated it into Estonian.
"Health-Catechism for Estonian Peasantry" is written in the form of questions and answers. It contains 269 questions and answer, short and more detailed. The questions are on healthy way of life, more widespread diseases and traumas. Special attention is given to the children upbringing. These issues are explained in the ways that can be considered in our days too. Luce was not a diletant, he had got his medical education in Göttingen. This book looks small and modest but its advises are wise and could have been quite useful for the peasants in the 19th century.
ESTONIAN BOOK YEAR 28
ESTONIAN LIBRARIANS ASSOCIATION 29
– In brief about past events.
– This also includes a proposal to declare 25 October 2000 the Day of A Librarian, addressed to the President of IFLA. The future Days of A Librarian should then be celebrated annually on the third Wednesday of October.
CONFERENCES & SEMINARS
A New Idea Krista Talvi 31
A review of the workshop on library services for national minorities held on 10-11 November 1999 at Narva Central Library. At the workshop, Krista Talvi, the chief specialist on LIS training at the National Library and the President of Estonian Librarians Association, suggested an idea to organize further training courses on Estonian literature, culture, library and book history, library terminology, etc. for Russian-speaking librarians in the Estonian language. The first such courses took place at the National Library on 3-4 February this year.
A Changing University Library Aiki Tibar 33
A review of the the conference A Changing University Library held on 11 November 1999 at the Tallinn Technical University Library to the celebrate the library’s 80th anniversary. At the conference, the representatives of TTUL and other research libraries presented 16 papers.
READER'S COLUMN
Ingrid Erilaid 35
An answer to the article Some Records on the Journey to Narva by Maire Liivamets (Raamatukogu 1999, No 1, pp. 42-43).
Laine Peep 36
An answer to the article Memory Mistakes by Piret Lotman (Raamatukogu 1999, No 5, p. 41).
NEWS
In Brief
Congratulations
Kaja Noodla 85: A Mission to Teach Maare Kümnik 37
An overview of Kaja Noodla’s activities as a lector on librarianship and an organizer of further professional training for her colleagues at Tartu University Library.
Endel Annus 85 38
In addition to the Best Wishes to the birthday child, his book Estonian Calendars 1720-1999 (Estonian Academic Library, 1999, 200 p.) is briefly introduced. The book is for sale at the Estonian Academic Library, at the National Library and at the book store of the University of Tartu.
In Memoriam: Ella Kõll 39
Annual Contents of "RAAMATUKOGU" (Library Journal of Estonia) 40
SUMMARY 43