Military scientific libraries at the First All-Russia Congress of Libraries (On 110-th anniversary of the Congress)

Abstract

For the first time, the findings of the comprehensive study of the contribution of military scientific libraries to the First All-Russia Congress of Libraries held on June 1-7, 1911, are published. The study was based on archival and prerevolutionary published sources. Four participation forms are distinguished: 1) preparation for the congress (leading role in various commissions organizational, preparatory commission for academic and special libraries, presidium of the section of public, academic and special libraries, as well as in the development of questionnaires for academic libraries); 2) work at the congress (speeches delivered by A. R. Voynich-Syanozhentsky and S. D. Maslovsky, discussions, chairing sections, secretarial responsibilities at the sections); 3) activity at the exhibition (presentations); 4) analysis and evaluation of the congress and its results. The study enabled to specify, systematize and significantly expand the knowledge of the role of military scientific libraries in preparation, organization and work of the First All-Russia Congress of Libraries. The historical experience of joint efforts of military and other library types evidences on the efficiency of such cooperation and the need to use it at the present stage.The findings will be useful for the professionals at military scientific and scientific libraries developing cooperation, as well as for researchers investigating into the history of military libraries, and organizers of library events, e.g. congresses, forums, congresses, symposia, assemblies.