Librarianship in the USSR: The Reality of Transformation

Perestroika and Soviel Libraries

“…23 This time, it may be that the recent transfer of library supply agencies from the (now commercialised) book distribution System to the ministry of culture network will ease the Situation. 24 Means have yet to be found of ensuring that mass libraries can acquire books and Journals issued by cooperative and independent publishers. Most libraries are not geared up to purchasing material from a number of different sources, and many do not have the cash to buy "independent" Journals, books and newspapers.…”

“…Library Services to these groups have attracted some attention in the professional press. 60 Libraries for the blind have existed for many years, provided by the ministry of culture in some republics and in others by the republican society for the blind. They appear to have been comparatively well-resourced, and provide material in braille, talking books and large-print books.…”

“…Many attempt to cover literature not systematically collected in the past or currently by state libraries, such äs the Library of Jewish Literature in Kiev or the Library of the Russian Diaspora at the Leningrad Branch of the Culture Foundation. 69 Several libraries have been set up specialising in the collection of samizdat and of recent unofficial publications. The best known of these is the Nezavisimaya obshchestvennaya biblioteka in Moscow, founded by Aleksandr Suetnov.…”