Creating an Information System for the Russian State Library

Abstract

The Russian State Library, the national library of the Russian Federation (until 1992 known as Lenin State Library), began in 1862 when Count N.P. Rumyantsev bequeathed his collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials to the state. From the beginning the library received a free copy of all Russian publications. The library started to look into automation in the late 1960s. Eventually, after a series of false starts and small initiatives, a feasibility study was set up in 1995, funded by the European Commission, focusing on library automation while setting the issue in the wider context of collection development, building improvements, conservation, document supply and staff development. As a result of this study the Russian State Library was awarded a Tacis project and a budget of one million Euro over 18 months (later extended by six months, plus 300,000 Euro for the extension). Tacis fosters the development of links between EU countries and the states of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia. A key area of Tacis activity is Know-How transfer, carried out through policy advice, consultancy teams, training studies and partnerships. Several other varied projects have been initiated. Many positive changes have occurred during the project, notably in the development of staff.