Фрагменты истории библиотек

Abstract

The article provides a brief overview of the history of the beginning and development of libraries: from the oldest library of Ashurbanipal, in whose collection books were clay cuneiform tablets to the recognized world’s best multifunctional city library of Helsinki with modern equipment. The author hadn’t task to create a detailed chronology of the history of libraries development. Author focused on not only to public libraries, but also to University libraries, since University libraries have always been the flagships of librarianship. The important role of national libraries in the formation of statehood is mentioned. The websites of the MSU Scientific Library, the Russian National Library, and the Central City Library of Helsinki Oodi (Finland) were analyzed. The influence of the invention of printing on libraries is noted. The history of library’s functions expansion is considered: from the function of protection book heritage to the function of support of readers. The role and significance of the library in educating the masses is noted. The author mentions the ideological component of educational activities of libraries in Soviet Russia. The author speaks about the serious impact of global technological changes that took place in the XXI century and the introduction of digital technologies in library’s activities, and the search for new forms of library’s work. Conclusions were drawn about the direction in which libraries are being transformed as a socio- cultural institution. Author relied on the scientific works of Boris F. Volodin, Alexey G. Glukhov and other researchers in this field, while preparing this article.