LITHUANIAN LIBRARY HISTORY

This article deals with the most important features of Lithuanian libr ary history and describes specific features of the Soviet period. It a lso describes the current situation of librarianship in independent Li thuania. Historical analysis shows that Lithuanian libraries status, l evel and rate of development are influenced by particular historical c onditions, social, and economical demands of the society. During the f irst stages of their history, Lithuanian libraries were a valuable par t of the whole European library history. Their activities subsided whe n Lithuania lost its independence. This eliminated libraries from the national historical process. After Lithuania regained its independence , it became possible for libraries to recover. Unfortunately this proc ess had subsided during the Soviet years. Society depreciated library activities and librarians work. Nevertheless, librarianship of this pe riod has some achievements also. There is a rather good system of libr ary education, several library networks and scientific research in lib rary and information science. The last period is very hard and difficu lt for Lithuanian librarianship. During the years of economic crisis, libraries must struggle for their existence. So we can speak only abou t the possibility to ensure minimal conditions of existence, about the possibility to survive. The technical basis of libraries is especiall y weak: few of them use computerized technologies. This new period of the Lithuanian library development raised new problems and sharpened t he old ones. The Lithuanian state has to change the library system and its functions, and rearrange library activities. The current situatio n in Lithuania creates new premises for libraries to develop. The most important premise of these changes is restoration of Lithuanian indep endence. A lot of work is already done to deideologize library activit ies, and to consolidate in them the principles of democracy. This work must guarantee the right of all Lithuanian citizens to use informatio n stored in libraries. Now Lithuanian libraries strive to restore and establish new international relations, and to integrate themselves int o the world's information system.