Some israeli libraries

Abstract

While on a three month research leave of absence from Hunter College, I meandered the length and breadth of Israel, not by camel caravan but far less romantic modern means to assess the current state of Israeli library art. Primarily, I focused on specific Israeli contributions, but at the same time, observed their general library practices. Sometimes Israelis adopt Continental procedures, but for the most part American prototypes prevail. Adoption of foreign methods does not appear to hamper Israeli originality; moreover, they are genuinely eclectic, often taking over the tried and true but still unabashedly ready to design their own. Especially noteworthy are Israeli librarians, a unique blend of energy and expertise. Though Israeli librarians tend to concentrate more on the technical aspects of the profession, by and large their goals and concerns are familiar. For example, all librarians polled echoed our oft-repeated complaints of shortage of book funds and frightful overcrowding. Their professional status is somewhat more relaxed, rather less stratified than ours. Though many university librarians are fully academically qualified, a significant percentage have yet to attain the required M.L.S. degree from an accredited library school. First the truly enfranchised librarian must hold a university degree, followed by two years of course work, only now available at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. At this institution, the program adheres closely to American models, providing up to date training in all aspects of librarianship including computer technology. Unfortunately, for personal or financial reasons a number of potentially qualified individuals are unable to complete this credential; however, they manage to successfully function in a professional librarian's capacity at a considerable reduction. Though professional and clerical tasks are less clearly differentiated, this factor does not seem to adversly affect their library service.