The local studies collection in the Slovene National and Research Library in Trieste

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe local studies collection at the central library of the Slovenes in Italy – Slovene National and Research Library in Trieste - is described. There is a short historical survey of the problems concerning librarianship and collection of the local studies material, which was of great importance for the Slovenes in the regions of Primorska and Friuli-Venezia, Giulia and Italy, respectively, during three periods: before World War I, between both World Wars and after World War II. This is followed by a description of the local studies activities carried out by the library. Since its foundation in 1947, the library has facilitated the development of the local studies. The landmark for the local studies development was the publication of the dictionary Alasie da Sommaripa in 1607. The local studies collection contains the older material from the western part of the Slovene ethnic territory, i.e. the area as it was between the World Wars, and the material published after 1945 on the territory west of the Italian-Yugoslav border, i.e. the border between Yugoslavia and the Free Territory of Trieste (A Zone). Slovene National and Research Library collects, processes and preserves the periodicals and monographs, cartographic and nonbook material, especially videocasettes, audiocassettes, CDs, DVDs and calenders. The main material collecting criteria are the Slovene language, Slovene author or Slovene publisher. However, the material in the Italian language is collected as well if it refers to the Slovenes, particularly the Slovenes living in Italy. An archive copy of the material is also preserved. In the publication »Jadranski koledar« (the Adriatic Calender), the library regularly publishes and edits the annual bibliography of the Slovene material printed in Italy.