Russian State Library
International Programme for the Modernization of the Russian State Library
The Russian State Library (RSL) (former State Lenin Library) is, with its forty millions
items, one of the richest and largest library in the world. Founded in 1862 as the Moscow's first free
public library, RSL is now the main library of the Federation of Russia, a national book depository
and a center for the coordination of scientific methodological and research work in the fields of library
science. It is situated in the center of Moscow near the Kremlin. The Library contains thousands
of
rare manuscripts and unique documents of utmost importance not only for cultural and
scientific heritage of Russia but for the Memory of the World as well.
The
Modernization Programme is one of the main programmes of UNESCO in Russian Federation.
An International Commission of Experts for the Modernization of the Russian State Library was set up with the assistance of the International Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL):
- The Bibliothèque Nationale de France (France)
- The British Library (UK)
- The Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin Preussischer Kulturbesitz (Germany)
- The Library of Congress (USA)
- The European Union - DG (Luxemburg)
- The Open Society Institute - Soros Foundation (Hungary)
Framework for a Masterplan
The Commission prepared, in January 1994, a Framework for a Masterplan for a ten year period
until year 2005. This plan includes four major projects:
- Modernization of the RSL management and operation
- Development of the RSL collections and technical operations
- Development of the RSL products and services
- Restoration and reconstruction of estates
as well as eleven sub-projects estimated to amount to some $20 million dollars with an additional $150 million dollars for the reconstruction of the buildings.
Arthur Rimbaud Exhibition
A public awareness campaign was launched in June 1994 with the inauguration of the Arthur Rimbaud exhibition with the financial assistance from France (Region Champagne Ardennes), birth place of the poet.
Feasibility Studies
Member institutions of the Commission provided , in 1994-1995, technical and financial
assistance for the implementation of the projects by launching a number of feasibility studies:
Management
The Open Society Institute (Soros Foundation in Budapest) conducts a course on management and
personnel questions for the senior staff of the Library and provides assistance of a staff for the Library of Congress, USA.
Automation
European Union offers 50, 000 ECU for the initiation of the automatization of the whole library; this includes a joint preparation of a workplan by Russian and Western computer experts and fellowships with the participation of the British Council. The British Library, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France and the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin provide training of staff.
Estates
The Bibliothèque Nationale de France assists in the preparation of the workplan for the restoration of the Library.
The private enterprise (SCIC-AMO) branch of the Caisse Nationale de Dépot et de Consignation (France) prepares in collaboration with Société de Control technique (SOCOTEC), an expertise on the state of the buildings.
Preservation (Memory of Russia)
UNESCO provides technical support and equipment for the creation and development of a Programme, "Memory of Russia", which aims at the preservation of unique manuscripts and documents on electronic carriers.
The Commission launched, in 1995, a fund raising campaign for the implementation of the various aspects of the Modernization Programme, by seeking financial support from the Russian Federal Government, other UNESCO Member States, private entreprises and various foundations concerned with the safeguarding of the world written heritage.
UNESCO makes a strong appeal to all to cooperate in the safeguarding and modernization
of RSL - a unique universal source of knowledge.
