The Hungarian library system

Abstract

Libraries in Hungary developed into their present high standard only since the Second World War. There is a high degree of central control and assistance. The library law of 1976, replacing that of 1956, is resulting in many changes. The National Széchényi Library has many functions central to the country's library system, as well as having very fine collections itself. There are two basic types of public library: the council-run and the trade-union libraries. Much further development is planned for school libraries, and university and college libraries have developed in pace with the great expansion in higher education since 1945. Similarly, the special libraries have also developed to cater for the increased industrialization in the same period. Religious libraries retain many valuable collections and may in future develop closer contacts with the state-run libraries. Because of the importance given to library provision in Hungary, there are no temptations to cut back on their development.