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(2) Rural Libraries—A comparative International Study
ht. Libr. Rev. (1970) 2, 49-55
INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY CZECHOSLOVAKIA
(2) Rural Libraries-A International Study? JAN
SYMPOSIUM1969
Comparative
IRMLER$
In my opinion the two following documents are the starting point for the examination of problems of rural libraries, for the evaluation of the effectiveness of their organizational structure and results, and for determining the principles for further development: (1) The Manifesto of Public Libraries issued by UNESCO at the third general conference in Beirut, 1948, involving the important principle: “The public library-as a democratic institution founded by the people and for the people has . . . to render gratuitous and equal services to every member of the society, regardless of profession, religion, race, class or political conviction.” (2) The resolution accepted by the European Conference of Communities, Strasburg, 1967 : “Towns and country . . . are inseparable. Development plans and programmes may not leave this interrelationship out of account if they want to prevent serious break-downs.” Not even today are the services of all libraries gratuitous, nor are they equal. In some countries, especially in developing countries, they are only in a state of preparation. The greatest differences may be found between the level of town and country library services, and this holds for countries with a developed library system as also for countries where public libraries are at their very beginning. Rural libraries are qualitatively and quantitatively lagging behind town libraries and the majority of rural libraries all over the world have to face more difficulties than city libraries. At
the
same
time
a certain
lagging
behind
t A shortened version of a study prepared for the International Lomnica, Czechoslovakia, May, 1969. 1 Professor, Matica Slovenskl, Martin, Czechoslovakia,
D
of rural
libraries
Symposium,
is a
Tatranska
50
J.
IRMLER
natural consequence of the general development of libraries in relation to education. Libraries originate where a sufficient number of educated people need the services of a library. That is why we are witnesses of a boom in establishing public libraries in a period of the democratization of education. All library reader researches-in East European and also West European countries-confirm the general correlation between education and the use of library services: the higher the degree of universal and professional education the higher the reading activity. Also, library statistics often reveal a decrease in reading activity from bigger cities to small communities. Reader activity is measured by the percentage of readers of the total number of the population and by the average number of books read within a certain time period by one reader. The most remarkable successes in European rural libraries have been attained in England and the Soviet Union. Library services are being established over the country, in remote and small settlements.1 These results have been achieved under different organizational structure. In the Soviet Union every community has an independent library with a stock of 3000 to 5000 volumes and 500 to 600 readers are served by a professional worker. 2 The English countryside is served either by branch libraries or by mobile libraries as an integral part of one large library system with a central library at the head. I will try to determine the advantages, and disadvantages of both organizational structures. In England, book selection, purchase, and service to the reader is undertaken by professional workers. In the Soviet Union up to 50% are served by voluntary workers. In small English communities served by mobile libraries the inhabitants have access to a library book only for very limited periods. Therefore the staff of the mobile library has only a limited opportunity to get acquainted with the educational standard and interests of readers. Soviet libraries, even in small communities, are accessible several hours and the librarian, living in the community, is able to recognize the problems of actual and potential readers-and to propagate systematically the library according to local interests and needs. Hence it is difficult to answer the question which organizational structure is preferable from the standpoint of the quality of library services, through librarians like teachers and doctors aim at total professionalization. Library work is professional work and a premise of its successful accomplishing is a special library education. 1 N. I. Tulina and I. V. Baldina (1965). Velikobritanija rtranach, p. 27, Moscow, Kniga. 2 0. S. hbarjan (1963), Vjeobecnd nciuke o kninovnfctve.
In Bibliot&mje Martin:
Matica
&lo ZJ zawbeinych Slovenskh.
RURAL
51
LIBRARIES
On the other hand, East European countries have succeeded-thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the state-in creating favourable conditions for the development of rural libraries. To support this view I refer to the comparison of results attained by general libraries in East and West Germany elaborated by the West German librarian Martin Thielo who has systematically followed and commented on the development of libraries in the German Democratic Republic : In the German Democratic Republic 38.7% of the total population live in communities of up to 5000- population. 18% are readers. There are 13.5 loans per reader and 2.4 loans per inhabitant per annum. In the German Federal Republic-on the contrary-only 20.4% of the total number of population live in communities up to 5000 inhabitants, only 9.1 y. are readers, and loans per reader are only 10.7 and 0.9 per inhabitant per annum. In towns with 5000 to 20,000 inhabitants in the German Democratic Republic 15.6% are readers, on the average there are 20.2 loans per reader and 3.1 loans per inhabitant per annum. In the German Federal Republic in towns with the same population only 7.0% are readers and there are 14.4 loans per reader and 1.0 per inhabitant per annum. Martin Thielo explains that: The average number of issues per inhabitant and per reader in the German Democratic Republic is higher, particularly in rural and small town libraries because ofconstant intensive propagation activity. In rural libraries there are 354 and in small-town libraries 566 professional librarians. In these two categories more than a half of the total number of professional librarians is employed. This may be considered as a proof of the appreciation of country libraries in the German Democratic Republic.1 Martin Thielo should have mentioned three further important facts: (1) While in the German Democratic Republic in 1966 only 2 to 3% of country inhabitants had no access to library books, in the German Federal Republic this number was as high as 23*2%, almost a quarter.2 (2) In the German Democratic Republic a considerably higher book stock was attained. The average number of books per inhabitant was 2.5, while in the German Federal Republic it was only 0.6. (3) In the German Democratic Republic there is systematic training 1 Biicherei und Bildung (1967). No. 4, pp. 243-4. 2 Grundlagen ftir die bibliothekarische Regiomlplanung
( 1966).
Wiesbaden
: Harrassowitz,
p. 11.
52
J.
IRMLER
of rural librarians, and voluntary workers, working in the library in their free time after office hours. Comparing the results reached by libraries in particular countries it must be emphasized that conclusions have to be drawn very carefully, as the results in different countries with differing social systems, are influenced by special factors and statistics are not always comparable. The degree of urbanization in particular countries is an important factor. The less urbanized countries in Europe include Czechoslovakia, Finland, Rumania, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia, while the most urbanized are Great Britain, the German Federal Republic and Belgium. Nevertheless, in some West German states there are a great number of small communities, for instance in Hesse 1000 communities with less than 1000 inhabitants, in Saxony 1134, 52% of the total community.1 The average size of a community in Czechoslovakia is 950 inhabitants, in the German Democratic Republic 1800, in Poland 2860, in the Ukraine 2940. In a country with a great number of small communities we may find a large number of small “libraries”, if they deserve this name, not able to keep step with the growing demands made on the range and quality of library services. This fact was in a very pregnant way commented on by the English librarian, K. C. Harrison.2 The principal means of raising the standard of library services lies therefore in creating larger units whether we call them regions, districts, areas, counties or departments. The scientific-technical revolution, and urbanization compel librarians all over the world to take a new view of their work. Integration is evolving successively larger areas. The tendency has been to create from a number of independent library institutions, one larger library system with an organic division of tasks between the parts. This results not only in making small town and village libraries an integral part of the system but also involves large town libraries. As pointed out by Jos Torfs, secretary of the Public Libraries Section at the session of IFLA, 1966 in his paper on standards in library work: “Sizes of library systems have a tendency to increase”. The size of the library system should be large enough to ensure rationalization of work, central purchasing, centralized processing, better and cheaper services, and higher productivity of labour. Integration has been commenced in the re-organization of rural 1 Biicherei 2 Bulletin
und Bildung (1963). pp. 113 and 115. de I’lJnesco d l’intention des bibliothlques
(1968).
No.
3, p. 143.
RURAL
53
LIBRARIES
libraries in the German Democratic Republic, in Hungary and also Czechoslovakia, where it has been recognized that the demands of the readers have outgrown the possibilities of small rural libraries. In the last ten years a new type of public library has come into existence there -the central library. This lends books to all inhabitants in the district and purchases and delivers circulating collections of books to neighbouring libraries managed by voluntary workers. The voluntary librarians are relieved of administrative works and may devote more time to their readers. In addition to this a more effective purchasing policy is possible and consequently a more economic utilization offinancial resources. Previously small independent libraries operated in a territory ofa district, completely regardless of the book purchases in neighbouring communities. Researches at the Polish Institute of Books and Readers, however, emphasize that circulating collections should be gradually replaced by branches or mobile libraries in districts with a good road network.1 The Hungarians expressed in their five-year plan the intention to experiment with mobile libraries in districts with a great number of small communities.2 A worker of the Library and Methodical Centre of the State SzCchCnyi Library in Budapest, F. Szente, made a serious analysis of the costs, advantages and disadvantages of different forms of country library services, also of services by means of mobile libraries. A paper of Mgr. Tadeusz Zarzebsky, Ministry of Culture and Arts,3 evoked a vivid reaction in the Polish press. In our country there is a study devoted to this theme.4 Having analysed the activities of country libraries in the South-Czech region, Dr JiEina Houdkova, the director of the Regional Library in CeskC Budejovice, came to the conclusion that it would be most convenient to combine the central library system with mobile libraries. It seems that their application in these countries depends only on the abilities of the library experts to convince the authorities of the value of this investment. As the economics of rural library services by means of mobile library is highly influenced by local circumstances and conditions-price of fuels, quality of roads, wages of workers, etc., is it impossible to rely on foreign experiences. Some experts have expressed the view that library services by means of mobile libraries are cheaper, some have had a contradictory opinion. The question of economics was dealt with in detail by Horst Buschendorf.5 1 Rocznik Bibliotcki (1965). Warsaw, p. 42. 2 The 77zird Five Tear Plan of Popular Libraries 3 Bibliotekarz (1963). No. 34, p. 62-6. Q R. Koch (1968). 5 Fachbiichcrdicn (1967). Berlin, p. 49.
(1965).
Budapest,
p. 13.
54
J.
IRMLER
It has been generally accepted that the requirements of readers and inhabitants of small communities and settlements may be better met with the aid of a mobile library which can carry a sufficiently large book stock and draw on books from the considerable stock of the central library. The quality of the services is improved as the staff of the mobile library are permanent employees, educated and trained. One of the basic conditions of the success of all forms of library services lies in the book stock, its size and quality. There have been a number of works devoted to this problem and library experts have for years looked for a solution which would help to reduce the differences between small rural libraries and big city libraries. If in the past there was a uniform standard-the amount spent on books per ca@z. Some recent plans and regulations have given preference to the smallest communities. The West-German Grundlagenfiir die bibliothekarische Regionalplanung determine that the number of volumes should be 25 per head in communities with 1000 to 5000 inhabitants per inhabitant, 200 in communities with 5000 to 10,000 inhabitants, 1.5 in communities with 10,000 to 20,000 inhabitants and 1 .O in communities with more than 20,000. Communities with less than 1000 inhabitants may be served by a mobile library. The Hungarian plan has a target of two volumes per head for communities with less than 1000 inhabitants, declining gradually to 0.8 volumes per head in communities with 25,000 inhabitants. One library expert expresses the view that it would be sufficient to determine a lower limit of book stock-2000 volumes.1 The recommendation of a minimum stock of 2000 volumes is one of the four basic principles elaborated by a special commission of the American Library Association. This commission suggests at the same time the annual addition of at least 200 volumes and an annual expenditure of $10,000. The smallest public library should be open at least 10 hours a week. The view of other experts is that the book stock should represent the entire literature required in the area where the library institution works. The colleagues in the German Democratic Republic have advanced after research a suggestion of model stocks intended to meet the demands for literature according to the library hierarchy : branch-central library -district library-regional library. 2 Twenty-eight agricultural titles may satisfy as much as 85% of requests in the countryside; 11 titles, 50%.
In connection
with the library
1 E. Wilkens (1961). Die @xtliche Biicherei, 2 Papers by G. Helbig in Der Bibliothekar.
stock I would draw attention Berlin,
p. 11.
to the
RURAL
LIBRARIES
55
fact that a rural library is only able to keep its readers and to acquire new readers if it obtains a sufficient number of new literary publications. A Polish research worker made the following claim: “New books play a dynamic role in public libraries . . . determining the attractiveness or unpopularity of a library”. Older books are not able-in the majority of cases-to meet present requirements of potential readers. From this standpoint the regular supply of new literature is of high importance for every library. This depends on financial support. But I am convinced that in spite of some views anticipating a decline in the significance of books and libraries due to the growing popularity of mass media, the time will come when the authorities responsible for social development will realize that investment in the library system-as in the school system-is important.
INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY CZECHOSLOVAKIA
(2) Rural Libraries-A International Study? JAN
SYMPOSIUM1969
Comparative
IRMLER$
In my opinion the two following documents are the starting point for the examination of problems of rural libraries, for the evaluation of the effectiveness of their organizational structure and results, and for determining the principles for further development: (1) The Manifesto of Public Libraries issued by UNESCO at the third general conference in Beirut, 1948, involving the important principle: “The public library-as a democratic institution founded by the people and for the people has . . . to render gratuitous and equal services to every member of the society, regardless of profession, religion, race, class or political conviction.” (2) The resolution accepted by the European Conference of Communities, Strasburg, 1967 : “Towns and country . . . are inseparable. Development plans and programmes may not leave this interrelationship out of account if they want to prevent serious break-downs.” Not even today are the services of all libraries gratuitous, nor are they equal. In some countries, especially in developing countries, they are only in a state of preparation. The greatest differences may be found between the level of town and country library services, and this holds for countries with a developed library system as also for countries where public libraries are at their very beginning. Rural libraries are qualitatively and quantitatively lagging behind town libraries and the majority of rural libraries all over the world have to face more difficulties than city libraries. At
the
same
time
a certain
lagging
behind
t A shortened version of a study prepared for the International Lomnica, Czechoslovakia, May, 1969. 1 Professor, Matica Slovenskl, Martin, Czechoslovakia,
D
of rural
libraries
Symposium,
is a
Tatranska
50
J.
IRMLER
natural consequence of the general development of libraries in relation to education. Libraries originate where a sufficient number of educated people need the services of a library. That is why we are witnesses of a boom in establishing public libraries in a period of the democratization of education. All library reader researches-in East European and also West European countries-confirm the general correlation between education and the use of library services: the higher the degree of universal and professional education the higher the reading activity. Also, library statistics often reveal a decrease in reading activity from bigger cities to small communities. Reader activity is measured by the percentage of readers of the total number of the population and by the average number of books read within a certain time period by one reader. The most remarkable successes in European rural libraries have been attained in England and the Soviet Union. Library services are being established over the country, in remote and small settlements.1 These results have been achieved under different organizational structure. In the Soviet Union every community has an independent library with a stock of 3000 to 5000 volumes and 500 to 600 readers are served by a professional worker. 2 The English countryside is served either by branch libraries or by mobile libraries as an integral part of one large library system with a central library at the head. I will try to determine the advantages, and disadvantages of both organizational structures. In England, book selection, purchase, and service to the reader is undertaken by professional workers. In the Soviet Union up to 50% are served by voluntary workers. In small English communities served by mobile libraries the inhabitants have access to a library book only for very limited periods. Therefore the staff of the mobile library has only a limited opportunity to get acquainted with the educational standard and interests of readers. Soviet libraries, even in small communities, are accessible several hours and the librarian, living in the community, is able to recognize the problems of actual and potential readers-and to propagate systematically the library according to local interests and needs. Hence it is difficult to answer the question which organizational structure is preferable from the standpoint of the quality of library services, through librarians like teachers and doctors aim at total professionalization. Library work is professional work and a premise of its successful accomplishing is a special library education. 1 N. I. Tulina and I. V. Baldina (1965). Velikobritanija rtranach, p. 27, Moscow, Kniga. 2 0. S. hbarjan (1963), Vjeobecnd nciuke o kninovnfctve.
In Bibliot&mje Martin:
Matica
&lo ZJ zawbeinych Slovenskh.
RURAL
51
LIBRARIES
On the other hand, East European countries have succeeded-thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the state-in creating favourable conditions for the development of rural libraries. To support this view I refer to the comparison of results attained by general libraries in East and West Germany elaborated by the West German librarian Martin Thielo who has systematically followed and commented on the development of libraries in the German Democratic Republic : In the German Democratic Republic 38.7% of the total population live in communities of up to 5000- population. 18% are readers. There are 13.5 loans per reader and 2.4 loans per inhabitant per annum. In the German Federal Republic-on the contrary-only 20.4% of the total number of population live in communities up to 5000 inhabitants, only 9.1 y. are readers, and loans per reader are only 10.7 and 0.9 per inhabitant per annum. In towns with 5000 to 20,000 inhabitants in the German Democratic Republic 15.6% are readers, on the average there are 20.2 loans per reader and 3.1 loans per inhabitant per annum. In the German Federal Republic in towns with the same population only 7.0% are readers and there are 14.4 loans per reader and 1.0 per inhabitant per annum. Martin Thielo explains that: The average number of issues per inhabitant and per reader in the German Democratic Republic is higher, particularly in rural and small town libraries because ofconstant intensive propagation activity. In rural libraries there are 354 and in small-town libraries 566 professional librarians. In these two categories more than a half of the total number of professional librarians is employed. This may be considered as a proof of the appreciation of country libraries in the German Democratic Republic.1 Martin Thielo should have mentioned three further important facts: (1) While in the German Democratic Republic in 1966 only 2 to 3% of country inhabitants had no access to library books, in the German Federal Republic this number was as high as 23*2%, almost a quarter.2 (2) In the German Democratic Republic a considerably higher book stock was attained. The average number of books per inhabitant was 2.5, while in the German Federal Republic it was only 0.6. (3) In the German Democratic Republic there is systematic training 1 Biicherei und Bildung (1967). No. 4, pp. 243-4. 2 Grundlagen ftir die bibliothekarische Regiomlplanung
( 1966).
Wiesbaden
: Harrassowitz,
p. 11.
52
J.
IRMLER
of rural librarians, and voluntary workers, working in the library in their free time after office hours. Comparing the results reached by libraries in particular countries it must be emphasized that conclusions have to be drawn very carefully, as the results in different countries with differing social systems, are influenced by special factors and statistics are not always comparable. The degree of urbanization in particular countries is an important factor. The less urbanized countries in Europe include Czechoslovakia, Finland, Rumania, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia, while the most urbanized are Great Britain, the German Federal Republic and Belgium. Nevertheless, in some West German states there are a great number of small communities, for instance in Hesse 1000 communities with less than 1000 inhabitants, in Saxony 1134, 52% of the total community.1 The average size of a community in Czechoslovakia is 950 inhabitants, in the German Democratic Republic 1800, in Poland 2860, in the Ukraine 2940. In a country with a great number of small communities we may find a large number of small “libraries”, if they deserve this name, not able to keep step with the growing demands made on the range and quality of library services. This fact was in a very pregnant way commented on by the English librarian, K. C. Harrison.2 The principal means of raising the standard of library services lies therefore in creating larger units whether we call them regions, districts, areas, counties or departments. The scientific-technical revolution, and urbanization compel librarians all over the world to take a new view of their work. Integration is evolving successively larger areas. The tendency has been to create from a number of independent library institutions, one larger library system with an organic division of tasks between the parts. This results not only in making small town and village libraries an integral part of the system but also involves large town libraries. As pointed out by Jos Torfs, secretary of the Public Libraries Section at the session of IFLA, 1966 in his paper on standards in library work: “Sizes of library systems have a tendency to increase”. The size of the library system should be large enough to ensure rationalization of work, central purchasing, centralized processing, better and cheaper services, and higher productivity of labour. Integration has been commenced in the re-organization of rural 1 Biicherei 2 Bulletin
und Bildung (1963). pp. 113 and 115. de I’lJnesco d l’intention des bibliothlques
(1968).
No.
3, p. 143.
RURAL
53
LIBRARIES
libraries in the German Democratic Republic, in Hungary and also Czechoslovakia, where it has been recognized that the demands of the readers have outgrown the possibilities of small rural libraries. In the last ten years a new type of public library has come into existence there -the central library. This lends books to all inhabitants in the district and purchases and delivers circulating collections of books to neighbouring libraries managed by voluntary workers. The voluntary librarians are relieved of administrative works and may devote more time to their readers. In addition to this a more effective purchasing policy is possible and consequently a more economic utilization offinancial resources. Previously small independent libraries operated in a territory ofa district, completely regardless of the book purchases in neighbouring communities. Researches at the Polish Institute of Books and Readers, however, emphasize that circulating collections should be gradually replaced by branches or mobile libraries in districts with a good road network.1 The Hungarians expressed in their five-year plan the intention to experiment with mobile libraries in districts with a great number of small communities.2 A worker of the Library and Methodical Centre of the State SzCchCnyi Library in Budapest, F. Szente, made a serious analysis of the costs, advantages and disadvantages of different forms of country library services, also of services by means of mobile libraries. A paper of Mgr. Tadeusz Zarzebsky, Ministry of Culture and Arts,3 evoked a vivid reaction in the Polish press. In our country there is a study devoted to this theme.4 Having analysed the activities of country libraries in the South-Czech region, Dr JiEina Houdkova, the director of the Regional Library in CeskC Budejovice, came to the conclusion that it would be most convenient to combine the central library system with mobile libraries. It seems that their application in these countries depends only on the abilities of the library experts to convince the authorities of the value of this investment. As the economics of rural library services by means of mobile library is highly influenced by local circumstances and conditions-price of fuels, quality of roads, wages of workers, etc., is it impossible to rely on foreign experiences. Some experts have expressed the view that library services by means of mobile libraries are cheaper, some have had a contradictory opinion. The question of economics was dealt with in detail by Horst Buschendorf.5 1 Rocznik Bibliotcki (1965). Warsaw, p. 42. 2 The 77zird Five Tear Plan of Popular Libraries 3 Bibliotekarz (1963). No. 34, p. 62-6. Q R. Koch (1968). 5 Fachbiichcrdicn (1967). Berlin, p. 49.
(1965).
Budapest,
p. 13.
54
J.
IRMLER
It has been generally accepted that the requirements of readers and inhabitants of small communities and settlements may be better met with the aid of a mobile library which can carry a sufficiently large book stock and draw on books from the considerable stock of the central library. The quality of the services is improved as the staff of the mobile library are permanent employees, educated and trained. One of the basic conditions of the success of all forms of library services lies in the book stock, its size and quality. There have been a number of works devoted to this problem and library experts have for years looked for a solution which would help to reduce the differences between small rural libraries and big city libraries. If in the past there was a uniform standard-the amount spent on books per ca@z. Some recent plans and regulations have given preference to the smallest communities. The West-German Grundlagenfiir die bibliothekarische Regionalplanung determine that the number of volumes should be 25 per head in communities with 1000 to 5000 inhabitants per inhabitant, 200 in communities with 5000 to 10,000 inhabitants, 1.5 in communities with 10,000 to 20,000 inhabitants and 1 .O in communities with more than 20,000. Communities with less than 1000 inhabitants may be served by a mobile library. The Hungarian plan has a target of two volumes per head for communities with less than 1000 inhabitants, declining gradually to 0.8 volumes per head in communities with 25,000 inhabitants. One library expert expresses the view that it would be sufficient to determine a lower limit of book stock-2000 volumes.1 The recommendation of a minimum stock of 2000 volumes is one of the four basic principles elaborated by a special commission of the American Library Association. This commission suggests at the same time the annual addition of at least 200 volumes and an annual expenditure of $10,000. The smallest public library should be open at least 10 hours a week. The view of other experts is that the book stock should represent the entire literature required in the area where the library institution works. The colleagues in the German Democratic Republic have advanced after research a suggestion of model stocks intended to meet the demands for literature according to the library hierarchy : branch-central library -district library-regional library. 2 Twenty-eight agricultural titles may satisfy as much as 85% of requests in the countryside; 11 titles, 50%.
In connection
with the library
1 E. Wilkens (1961). Die @xtliche Biicherei, 2 Papers by G. Helbig in Der Bibliothekar.
stock I would draw attention Berlin,
p. 11.
to the
RURAL
LIBRARIES
55
fact that a rural library is only able to keep its readers and to acquire new readers if it obtains a sufficient number of new literary publications. A Polish research worker made the following claim: “New books play a dynamic role in public libraries . . . determining the attractiveness or unpopularity of a library”. Older books are not able-in the majority of cases-to meet present requirements of potential readers. From this standpoint the regular supply of new literature is of high importance for every library. This depends on financial support. But I am convinced that in spite of some views anticipating a decline in the significance of books and libraries due to the growing popularity of mass media, the time will come when the authorities responsible for social development will realize that investment in the library system-as in the school system-is important.