Restoration of the activities of the Library of the Academy of Sciences of the BSSR (1943–1950)

Abstract

The article examines the activities of the Library of the Academy of Sciences of the BSSR in 1943–1950. On the basis of archival sources, data on the damage caused to the library by the Nazi invaders was analyzed. During the years 1943–1945, the main focus was on restoring library collections. Data on assistance in the restoration of collections by libraries, educational and scientific institutions of Moscow and other cities of the USSR are summarized. The second half of 1945 and the beginning of 1946 were marked by the search and return of books from library collections taken by Nazi invaders to Germany. Despite significant difficulties due to lack of financial resources, premises and personnel, the library collections were gradually growing. The total book collection of the Library of the Academy of Sciences of the BSSR in 1948 exceeded the pre-war level. The move of the library in 1945 to the temporary building of the Academy of Sciences on Moskovskaya Street caused a radical change in the work of the library and made it possible to move from the formation of a book collection to its use and service to readers. In January 1948, thanks to the relocation of the library to the restored building of the Academy of Sciences, the conditions for reader services were significantly improved. The increase in the number of readers, library visits and document circulation depended not only on the quality of the library collections, but also to a large extent on the library premises. Throughout the recovery period, the library experienced a huge need for additional premises, special equipment and staff expansion.