Out of the cold: libraries in the Baltic States after communism

Abstract

Points to the unique cultural, ethnic and linguistic identities of the three Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania; despite being for many years under the political and economic sway of one large neighbour or another. For over 500 years, the state of libraries and librarianship has been a reliable measure of varying degrees of freedom and subjugation in these countries. Traces the influences of religion, academic and private collections, Russian rule and the emergence of nationalism, the development of professional librarianship, independence following World War 1, and domination by the Soviet Union. Shows not only the effects of politics on libraries but also their counterbalancing role. Documents past preoccupations with Soviet propaganda and censorship with a view to assessing the current state of libraries as they enter a new era of political freedom, information technology and co-operation. Notes specific projects aimed at establishing Web sites and online public access catalogues (OPACs) in individual countries. Concludes that the fundamental steps to developing Baltic library networks and to decentralize the library system have been firmly established. Attributes these advancements to the unity of the people in their single minded determination to regain and promote the strong national identity that they feel has been denied them for so long.