The impact of unification on the public libraries of the former German Democratic Republic

by

Kirsty A. Brown B.A.

A Master's Dissertation, submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the award of the Master of Arts degree of the Loughborough University of Technology

September 1994

Supervisor: Mrs Inese A Smith, B.A.(Ohio), M.A.(Michigan) Department of Information and Library Studies

© K. A Brown, 1994 Abstract

The impact of unification on the public libraries if the former German Democratic Republic

Public libraries in the former GDR fulfilled the role of an educational and cultural institution for widespread socialist education of the people .. Unification in November 1990, and the subsequent democratization process has had far-reaching implications on public library services and information provision in the former communist areas of the re-unified German state.

The secure centrally administered and financed structures have been replaced by market orientated and decentralized methods of operation. An entire way oflife and thinking has been changed. The extent of the impact of this upheaval is studied through the literature of the German library profession and a survey of public libraries in the former GDR The difficult processes involved in the changing library landscape are discussed and the study concludes with a note of optimism expressed by the librarians contacted. Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my supervisor, Inese Smith, for all the help and advice, and for taking such an interest in my project.

A great debt of gratitude is owed to the people of the German library profession, without whose interest and assistance this project would not have been possible. Special thanks go to the librarians who answered my questionnaires and inquiries. I encountered nothing but enthusiasm and goodwill for my work, and I am very grateful to all who took the time to help me.

Finally I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and understanding during this year, especially my parents, whose support enabled me to undertake the course in the first place. Not what they want but what is good for them.

Oliver Cromwell Table of Contents

Page

Chapter One. Introduction 1-8

Methodology 5

Chapter Two. Recent history of Germany.

From the Second World War to Re-unification 9-18

Political Development . 10

Political Life in the GDR I 0

Political Life in the Re-unified Germany 12

Economic Policy in the GDR 12

Cultural Policies 13

Die Wende 15

Conclusion 17

Chapter Three. A History of Libraries in Germany 19-31

Public libraries in Germany 19

Libraries in the GDR before 1989 20

Libraries in the FRG 25

Chapter Four. Patterns of Change: the Impact of Unification 32-57

Introduction 32

Planned Developments 34 Steps Prior to Unification 34

The Bund-Uinder-AG (Bibliothekswesen) 36

AG 1. Public Libraries 38

Objectives of the First Working Group 38

Problems ofUsing Western Standards 38

Problem ofNo Legislation 39

Collection Development Policy 39

Primary Problems 40

Transfer to Local Government Control 41

Statistics Relating to Public Libraries 42

Staff 44

Access to Libraries 45

Financial Aid 46

The Future 46

Library and Professional Organizations 47

Library Schools and Training 48

Institutions and Organizations 50

Unification of Institutions 51

Professional Journals 55

Conclusions 56

Chapter Five. Patterns of Change in Practice 58-71

Introduction 58

Stock 58 Issues 60

Opening Hours 62

Staff 64

Further Training 65

Help During the Unification Process 65

Library Automation 66

Charging Policies 66

Publicity 67

Finance 69

Conclusion 71

)

Chapter Six. New Horizons 72-76

New Perspectives 75

Recommendations for Further Study 76

Bibliography 77-81

Appendix l

Appendix2 List of Tables

Page

Table 1. Official Statistics on Libraries in the Old States 43

Table 2. Official Statistics on Libraries in the New States 43

Table3. Changes in AverageLibnuyCollections 1988-1993 58

Table 4. Official Statistics on National Public Libnuy Opening Hours 63 List of Figures

Page

Figure 1. Questionnaires Sent 7

Figure 2. Questionnaires Returned 7

Figure 3. Changes in Total Issues 1988-1993 Facing 62

Figure 4. Changes in Registered Users 1988-1993 Facing 62

Figure 5. Changes in Weekly Opening Hours 1988-1993 Facing 64

Figure 6. Changes in the Average Total ofLibrary Staff 1988-1993 Facing64

Figure 7. Institutions Lending the Most Support 1988-1993 Facing65 1 Chapter One

Introduction

The re-unification of East and West Germany in December 1989 had an impact on

German society that is still felt today on both sides of the former "Wall". Business and industry have undergone radical re-organization, and the process of democratization of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) has affected all levels of service proVISIOn.

An interest in German language and history, and personal experience of Germany immediately after unification led the author to investigate the effects which unification and the process of democratization have had on the public libraries of Eastern Germany.

The changes brought about by die Wende [unification] effected the daily lives of everyone in Germany. In the neuen Bundes/ander [new federal states] people have been allowed much greater access to information than ever before. The influx of

Western and previously banned authors has caused a major increase in reading material. Staff have to cope with vast changes in professional duties. Presentation and cost effectiveness are now important considerations in the capitalist orientated information market. Governing bodies and fund allocation have changed dramatically, and libraries are now faced with a struggle for existence for the first time. The impetus for these developments and the relative success of their implementation have been studied in this project with the help and support of 22 public libraries of the new German states.

A study of some comparable western German libraries may have provided an insight into whether Eastern libraries have reached equal status in funding and quality of 2 service provision, and whether they are fulfilling equivalent roles in society. This is not covered in this work, and it is suggested as a profitable further study for the future.

The politics and ideological changes associated with democratization are discussed in the wider context of the effects unification has had on Germany as a whole.

Public libraries are, by their very nature, bound to the social, political and economic nature of their country. None more so than in Germany, where public libraries have traditionally strong roots in local municipal government (Giinnel 1993, p.53). Thus, public library collections and their use closely reflect the contemporary political and social environment. This could be seen on the shelves of any public library east of the iron curtain before the tremendous upheavals of the late 1980s. The works of Marx,

Lenin and Engels would have been core items in any collection. The concept of information provision was defined in terms of, and closely bound to, the ideological views of the governing party.

In the GDR, this was the Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutsch/ands (SED) [Social

Unity Party of Germany]. Headed for the majority of it's political life by Erich

Honecker, it controlled government for 40 years. These years of 'social democracy', coming directly after the ravages of National Socialism, etched a deep impression on the concept of 'information' - what it was, how it should be provided and, more importantly, to what use it should be put.

The people of Eastern Germany had not experienced 'true' or Western style democracy since the early 1920s (some historians argue earlier)- a period of over 70 years. In the

1930s and 1940s, the Nazi regime ordered the removal of "undesirable authors" and the submission of library work to ideological service (Emestus and Plassmann 1983, p.36) with much the same aims as the communist regime - to ensure only ideologically sound material was available to the public. 3

Both regimes realized the potential of the public library, a place known to provide

'sound' information, a place of learning. This educational role of the public library was considered a vital asset by the GDR govermnent. Education was a key issue in maintaining a socialist and ideologically sound society. Citizens were expected to participate actively in "... cultural and intellectual life", reading being seen as "... an essential part of the socialist way oflife" (Kern 1983, p.94).

To facilitate this, the government aimed to provide a comprehensive public library network across the country, allowing free access to all citizens. No charges were imposed, and every citizen could borrow items. To achieve this, the 1968 Library Act stated that each town was required by law to have a public library. The network was extended to local branches and smaller 'lending stations' in the rural areas, which functioned on an exchange basis with the nearest central library in their district. The whole library network was under the guidance of the Zentra/ lnstitut fiir Bibliothekswesen (ZIB) [Central Institute for Librarianship] and the Library

Association of the GDR. These institutions laid down the fundamental responsibilities expected of all libraries and offered help and professional advice. These organizations, in turn, came under the final jurisdiction of the Minister of Culture.

Thus, the libraries of the GDR, like all other municipal services, industries and the whole system of government, were controlled from the centre, i.e. by the SED party.

This matter of central control forms the crux of the problems experienced by the librarians of the old GDR since unification. Now, the whole social, political and economic landscape has been radically altered, from a highly centralized and authoritarian "command society", to "... one adhering to the principles of a free market economy" (Rovelstad 1992 ,p.221) It is not only the changing nature of the job that librarians must come to terms with, but the changing role of the library in society and 4 the new freedom of information, allowing users greater access. In addition, librarians must learn to deal with the vast information overload, and a world increasingly dominated by information technology.

The business of information provision has exploded onto the Eastern European scene, with endless opportunities. However, 40 years of communism have left the libraries of

Eastern Germany in poor condition in comparison to those in the West. Collections have suffered under the strong restrictions imposed by censorship and the necessity for ideological correctness. Buildings are often in poor repair, and modern technology and equipment unavailable. On the other hand, librarianship in the GDR had many positive aspects, which must not be forgotten. A wide reaching network of public libraries covered all of Eastern Germany, from the urban industrial centres of the south to the rural agricultural areas of the north. This facet of librarianship in the GDR has suffered due to the financial constraints of democratization. The enthusiasm and dedication of the librarians was instrumental in maintaining the efficiency of this professional infra-structure. They are loathe to see these achievements sacrificed to the process of political democratization, where the imposition of a Western style library system is causing the demise of many of the individual successes in the East.

The unification of Germany, the joining together of two very different states which have developed separate identities for 40 years and yet share a common heritage and language, has had an undeniable effect on Eastern German public libraries. They are institutions which, perhaps more than any other, reflect the cultural, social, and political character of their parent country, through the literature in their possession. In undertaking this project it was hoped that the research would identifY significant changes and developments in the profession of public librarianship and would also indicate to some extent how a people react when confronted with such a sudden and dramatic upheaval of all that has gone before. 5

Methodology

The research for this dissertation involved three key stages: a review of relevant literature in English and Gennan; a questionnaire survey; and written requests for infonnation from professional library organizations in Germany and Great Britain.

Literature Review

A review of literature was essential to place the study in a relevant social, political and historical context. A short history of the GDR, describing the functions of government and the system of librarianship is provided to illuminate the environment in which public libraries operated in the GDR The literature search involved the use of LISA on

CD-ROM and hard copy, and extensive use of the Internet. The latter proved particularly fruitful, due to the rapidly changing nature of the East German situation, and the lack of up to date material. Many of the journal articles dealt predominantly with the immediate effects of unification i.e. 1991 and 1992.

However, there does seem to have been a recent upsurge in published articles on this topic in the Gennan library journals, Bibliotheksdienst and Buch und Bibliothek, perhaps reflecting the time elapsed since unification - a period of four years. The dust has settled a little on the dramatic upheavals, and services are achieving a relative degree of nonnality. Therefore, it seems appropriate now to take an overview of the changes that have occurred and their effects.

Questionnaire Survey

A questionnaire survey was used to identifY the trends that have occurred in public libraries since unification. A 25% sample of public libraries possessing collections of over 30,000 book items was drawn from each of the six new Gennan Bundesltinder, 6 including former East Berlin, to produce a sample representative of the number of public libraries in each state. In total 60 questiormaires were sent thus:

Sachsen - 15 Thiiringia - 10 Brandenburg -11 Mecklenburg-Vorpommern -9 Sachsen-Anhalt -10 East Berlin - 5

Figure 1 shows how the questiormaires were distributed; figure 2 illustrates the number returned. Libraries were targeted to create an equal distribution according to library size and geographic location, in order to gain a cross section of trends affecting libraries of differing size, geographic area and economic background.

The questiormaire was designed to elicit both statistical data and the opinions of librarians on the developments, to give an indication of how the public library system of Eastern Germany coped with the upheavals of the last four years, and the developments that have occurred. A visit to Eastern Germany would have been profitable, due to the sensitive nature of this research. A personal visit would have facilitated explanations from the librarians themselves and allowed first hand experience of the difficulties which have been faced.

A total of 22 questiormaires were returned, eight from Sachsen, six from Brandenburg, three each from Sachsen-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Berlin, but no replies were received from Thiiringia. This state has therefore been discounted from any comparisons made from the data received. A copy of the questiormaire, and a translation are included in appe,ndix 1. ~\( Otl•••

• £ E C K L E N. 8 U R/G M M E R N

0 0 z z . :'i • ~ _.!""-...._, • i'i ( ~---- :I: ( • U) . • R • A N 0 N • \ B A A .... ~ IIEfli.JNr'\~ N ::> '!..RuNrT\j;ilow 5 't -1 \ ...... ,.,~ L•~,.. "'0 "' . \ "'"'t~) 0 \ • 1:...-0,•> ,. . ~-' "' s SACHSEN ~ t SACHSEN 8 U R G B U R G "'::> } ~ } .. _J • Q. J "' • UJ ,-- U)"' :::; 0 ' "'z ~ ( . ::> ~. ·. ANHALT "' ,/"'\.~ ~ .r... IL r,..!" ~ r "'"~ ~ ~c -r,l ~ 0 + • • ~ ~ sr 1' , • • • J!> " ~I f 7 0 0 ~ "' ~ ~ "' ~ -1. • "' • L'"> "' ~, (t._ "" {t._ "'-<;"".:s "\S""~vl ~-

Figure 1 : Questionnaires Sent Figure 2 : Questionnaires Returned 8

Other Infonnation Gathering

The Internet provided very useful contacts through the use of LIS-L discussion group and BUBL bulletin board. A request for information met with limited, but useful help from German contacts made. A problem associated with the use of this medium is the general lack of IT facilities in Eastern German institutions. The Goethe Institut,

London, was instrumental in setting up an interview with an East German library student from Leipzig. This afforded much useful background information on Eastern

Germany and their library profession, both before and since unification.

For completely up to date information, the organizations of the German library

profession, particularly the foreign relations department of the Deutsches

Bibliotheksinstitut [German Library Institute] have to be thanked for their generosity and support in forwarding relevant materials.

Unless otherwise stated, all translation"s are authors own. Further explanations of German terms frequently used in the text can be found in the glossary in Appendix 2. 9 Chapter Two

Recent History of Germany. From the Second World War to Re-unification.

Introduction Immediately after World War Two ended in Europe, Gennany, and its capital city Berlin, was divided by the Allies into four zones of occupation. Plans for the future all rested on 'de­ militarization,' 'de-nazification' and payment of reparations, which each power was responsible for carrying out in their respective zones. The preservation of Gennan unity and democratic political recovery was considered a priority in all plans by the Western allies (Carr 1987, p.366). The definition of 'democratic politics' by each of the Allies contributed to the division ofGennanyfor40 years.

The spirit of Allied co-operation rapidly deteriorated after the war ended. As the threat of Gennan aggression receded into the past, post war territorial ambition began to surface. Increasing distrust between the occupying powers led to diverging interpretations of any agreements on the Gennan Question made by the Allies (Carr 1987, p.368). With the merging of the American and British zones in 1946, the zonal frontiers assumed a significance not originally intended by the Allied Control. American Secretary of State James Byrne urged for centralization of Gennan agencies to speed economic recovery and prevent further divergence, stating that it was

... not in the interests of the Gennan people or... ofworld peace that Gennany become a pawn or a partner in the military struggle for power between East and West.

(Carr 1987, p.368)

Centralized but ineffectual, economically sound but not militarized, one country but not powerful, the Allies wanted everything and nothing of Gennany, a country that had caused so much devastation in the twentieth century, and was potentially the lynch pin of future problems. 10 Political Development- Western Zone In spite of conciliatory measures between the Allies, the East and West zones were continually diverging, and nascent political and economic systems were being sponsored by respective occupymg powers. The US, afraid of the imminent collapse of European markets and potential trade partners, poured aid into Europe, especially Western Germany, whose industrial capacity was vital to rapid European recovery. This prompted Stalin to tighten his grip on the Eastern sector of Germany. Western fear of Stalin's consolidation of the Russian sphere of influence led the western allies to conclude that " ... the time had come for German people to establish political institutions" (Carr 1987, p.372). The Basic Law or Gnmdgesetz, embodying the West German constitution was ratified in 1948, and the following year on the 21 September the Bundesrepublik Deutschland (BRD) was created. But it was not too achieve full sovereign status until5 May 1955.

Political Development- Eastern Zone The Soviet Zone of occupation was clearly developing after soviet principles. With Stalin's encouragement, the state apparatus was being shaped after the Russian model of "democratic centralism". The creation of a West German state triggered alarm in Russia, fearing a re­ armed Germany on her doorstep. In 1949, a constitution for an East German state was drafted by the SED and the Soviet Union, and the Deutschen Democratischen Republik (DDR) [German Democratic Republic GDR] was founded eleven days after the BRD.

Political Life in the GDR The state was centrally nm and administered by the Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands, or SED. Although strong principles of parliamentary democracy were included in the GDR constitution, and political pluralism was permitted, the dominant position of the SED was written into the 1974 constitution:

The DDR is the political organization of the working people in town and country under the leadership of the working classes and her Marxist-Leninist party. (Wehling and Wehling 1984, p.12} 11 Government was strictly hierarchical, with the party Central Committee at the top. Each tier of administration was respo!ISlble to that immediately above it, and ultimately to the Party. This principle of 'redoubled subordination' ('Prin.."ip der doppelten Unterstellung ') was a controlling factor in all levels of life in the GDR Party resolutions were binding at all levels and took precedence over constitutional law. The country itself was split into 15 Bezirke or districts. Local Authorities existed only in the sense that they facilitated administration of Party resolutions (Wehling and Wehling 1984, p.20).

The state was run under the principles of 'socialist democracy' and 'democratic centralism', based on Marxist-Leninist teachings. According to Marxist-Leninist principles, the development of history involves a class struggle for political and social power, which inevitably leads to the victory of the working classes or proletariat. This opens the way for the development of socialism and communism, thus securing the rule of the workers (Wehling and Wehling 1984, p.18).

The state was run by the Central Committee and Politburo of the SED, the power house of socialist ideological control. The ideology of the socialist state is binding to the people. This was achieved by encouraging participation in numerous mass organization such as the Freie Deutschen Jugend FDJ [Free German Youth], or the Deutsche Kulturbund DKB [German Culture Society], thus securing political involvement through social activities. This was encouraged by the political handbook:

Under leadership of the Marxist-Leninist Party, the [mass organizations are] the highest form of social organization, organizing their members with conscious and active work in the fulfilment of state and social duties, and aiding the formation of the socialist consciousness of the workers, and development oftheir civic responsibilities. (Wehling and Wehling 1984, p.16)

Thus both social strata and leisure time were organized to meet Party approval. Mass organizations were seen as an important instrument for ideological influence and political mobilization, but also an effective way of aiding economic and professional work (Wehling and Wehling 1984, p.I0-15). 12 Political Life in Re-Unified Gennany. On 3 October 1990 the GDR joined the territocy of the FRG in the fmm of five federal states (Wimmer 1993, p.309). The opening of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 and the abolition of travel restrictions paved the way for a thawing of relations between the two Gennan states. On the 18 March, the West German CDU [Christian Democratic Union] led by Helmut Kohl won the majority vote in the first free elections to the GDR Volkskammer [parliament] and the people voted unanimously to become part of the Federal Republic of Germany. Following suspension of the GDR constitution in July 1990, the Unification Treaty was signed in Berlin on the 31 August 1990. The two German states were officially united on the 3 October 1990 (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) at a ceremony at the Reichstag building in Berlin (Article 19 1993, p.272).

Political life in the FRG is based on the principles offederalism and de-centralism, as laid down in the constitution or Gnmdgesetz.

Legislation, administrative power and jurisdiction are divided between Bund (federation) and the Ltinder (states). Administration is organized from the bottom upwards: from the Gemeinde (local authorities) to the Litnder and Bund. Detailed administration is carried out by the Ldnder and Gemeinde, the Bund dealing with matters of national interest. (Emestus and Plassmann 1983, p.l)

Vast administrative changes in the state organization were therefore necessacy to bring the former GDR under the West German constitutional framework.

Economic Policy in the GDR Economic policy in the GDR was under the central command of the Staat/iche Plankommission (SPK) [State Plan Commission]. There were no privately owned concerns. The SPK was responsible for deciding the priorities by which the economy should be run. Thus production, consumption, research funding, wages and prices were all decided by the central government. Long term planning were expressed in Soviet style five year plans (Scharf 1984, p.65). 13 In order to secure full employment and ensure targets were met successfully, many economic practices were highly unethical. 'Feather-bedding' of concerns and the lack of modem technology meant almost full employment. The Constitution protected workers from simple dismissal, and work was considered a citizens "right and duty" (Scharf 1984, p.65). Such an approach has caused dramatic problems in the unified Germany. As unemployment was relatively unknown previously, the people ofthe East must come to terms with job insecurity as well as new work practices. A lack of investment has meant that many workers left for the West in the hope of a new life. However, in the library sphere help from West German concerns was invaluable in transforming the services.

Cultural Policies GDR Cultural policy in socialist states is employed to ensure the 'all-round development of every member of society', by fostering a 'social consciousness' (Hanke 1984, p.212). The goal of cultural policy in the GDR was that:

All culture should be put to the service of the class struggle to secure the establishment of the proletarian dictatorship and the implementation of the socialist cultural revolution as well as the building of socialism and communism. (Reinschke 199Ia, p.34).

The 'socialist cultural revolution' was the culmination of the political and economic revolution, and marked the high point ofthe socialist state (Hanke 1984, p.212). Art and culture were to form an integral part ofthe all-round socialist personality, so that the socialist nation would also be a cultural nation (Kultumation) (Thomaneck and Mellis 1989, p.298). This "fundamental relevance of culture in social and political life" was written into Article 18 of the DDR constitution, and the 1976 SED party programme stated its "unequivocal and practical commitment to the promotion of socialist culture" (Thomaneck and Mellis I 989, p.299).

Culture was also used to develop a 'socialist national consciousness'. The position of the SED was constitutionally weak, due to the process through which the two states were created. Unable to claim its position as the "political expression of an independent people" 14 (Zimmermann 1984, p.76), it was necessary to create a new national consciousness for the GDR Stressing the individual socio-political system to differentiate it from the FRG, Marxism­ Leninism was combined with traditional German heritage to create a national culture assimilating politics, economics and culture (Hanke 1984, p.226). This odd concoction was to cause frequent re-definitions of culture to suit party ends, from the economic encouragement of theBitterfeldeJWeg [Bitterfeld path] of the 1950s which saw the founding of numerous works or trade union libraries in factory concerns to supplement the work of the public libraries, to the active social participation in culture of the Honecker era (Hanke 1984, p.219).

Cultural Apparatus Most cultural activities in the GDR were controlled and directed by the Ministry of Culture, together with the relevant departments ofthe SED Central Committee and Politburo. National theatres, musical life, museums, libraries and various other forms of entertainment were controlled here, and art and literature were heavily subsidized (Hanke 1984, p.215).

The press, radio and television of the GDR were controlled by the SED, politburo and Secretruy for Agitation and Propaganda of the Central Committee. News was released through the GDR press agency the Allgemeine Deutsche Nachrichtdienst (ADN), and was therefore party approved (Wehling and Wehling 1984, p.l7). Nothing could be published without Party approval; items for publication had to be submitted to state run agencies for official clearance. Therefore, self-censorship had to be practiced by authors and publishing houses (Thornaneck and Mellis 1989, p.298). As the Party controlled the allocation of materials eg paper and ink, and publishers could not operate without a Party license, there was no way to escape the censorship restrictions (Wehling and Wehling 1984, p.i8).

Censorship The right of free expression, free press, radio and television is guaranteed in the 1968 GDR constitution (Article 27.1). However, an official commentary on the constitution states that the primary function of the media was to promote Marxist-Leninist ideology, and that it was not to be used for the purpose of spreading bourgeois ideologies (Article 19 1991, p.272). This effectively imposed censorship restrictions on all media institutions. 15 Although there were no formal censorship laws, authors violating these official guidelines were subject to prosecution under the criminal code. Infractions included sending information to foreign organizations or distnbuting literature which would "damage the interests of the GDR abroad", or disturb the socialist way of life at home (Hanke 1984, p.233). Imported printed material was also strictly censored. However, the party could not prevent East Germans from receiving uncensored radio and television progranunes from the West, including West German and the BBC World Service progranunes (Article 19 1991, p.272).

Censorship was also practiced in libraries, where collections were weeded of "cosmopolitan" or "decadent" literature. Items considered damaging to party ideology were banned, and those not destroyed were confined to the library Giftscrhank [poison cupboard]. Access to materials in the Giftschrank was granted for research purposes only and required written authorization (Reinschke 1991a, p.35).

Cultural Policy Since Unification Cultural affairs in the FRG have remained almost entirely the responsibility of the Liinder. There is no federal ministry responsible. The state, politics and culture were kept intentionally apart in the original FRG Constitution as a result ofthe Nazi abuse of culture in the 1930s and 40s (Emestus and Plassmann 1983, p.2). This de-centralized approach has necessitated a vast re-organization of the cultural infra-structure ofEast Germany.

The SED were successful in building a "very considerable cultural infra-structure" (Hanke 1984, p.235), a positive aspect oftheir rule which has suffered due to the lack of funds to maintain it since unification. For libraries this has been especially severe. The responsibility for library finance has been switched to the town authorities. In a country struggling to rebuild and re-structure itself; the cultural infra-structure was among the lower priorities (Article 19 1991, p.267).

Die Wende The question of German re-unification, or die Wende as it has become known, has been a contentious issue in German politics on both sides of the Iron Curtain since Germany was 16 divided in 1945. Article 23 of the FRG constitution stated that the Basic Treaty was a temporary expedient until the two states were reunited (Article 19 1991, p.272). When East Germany collapsed, it did so remarkably quickly, as indeed did the whole of Eastern Europe, in the space of less than one year. The flood of Eastern Europeans spilling over the Hungarian checkpoints into the West after she opened her borders on 9 September 1989, indicated the dire state of affairs inside the Eastern Bloc. As thousands of Eastern Germans joined in the exodus for the west, the SED could not contain the demonstrations in the major cities demanding freedom. As news leaked out of the corrupt and archaic party system, a popular opposition party, the New Forum was formed, consolidating the demands for democracy.

People were losing faith in socialism, drawn by the new promise of the West. Disillusionment grew as the "former paragons of socialist virtue"(Selbourne 1990, p.213) were toppled from their pedestals. The jubilant cries of"Wir sind das VoiR' [we are the people) changed to "Wir sind ein Volk" [we are one people], as popular pressure for unification with the FRG increased. The GDR communist regime was no longer able to satisfY the needs of the people, clamouring for the material successes of the West. Despite the desperate efforts of the SED to reform and distance itself from its corrupt past in order to fight unification, popular pressure was to force the politicians' hands. Unification was at this stage inevitable.

Once travel restrictions were removed, the exodus of skilled workers to the West hampered any chances ofEast German economic recovery. Even though the GDR numbered among the worlds ten top industrial nations, years of communist economic ethics had left industry and services inefficient and in poor working condition. This situation did not immediately prove attractive to Western investment, a vast amount of which was necessary to secure recovery . and bring East German industrial concerns in line with European standards.. The situation was further complicated by the speed of the unification process.

The confusion resulting from the rapid and dramatic upheavals of unification meant that up to date information was difficult to find. People needed to know what the new system would mean for them, to acquaint themselves with the new constitution, laws and the rights they did or did not possess. Libraries, as centres of information should have provided this information. However, communist censorship meant that no information on the West was available. Public 17 libraries on the old border, and especially in West Berlin, were swamped with requests from Eastern users, abandoning their usual hbraries as their collections were made obsolete overnight (Ewert 1992, p.931 ).

Conclusions The formation of the two German states has been described in such detail so as to provide a historical and political background to Unification. The deep and often bitter divisions that existed between the two states have their roots in this history. Unification was not simply a matter of re-uniting a cohesive society. Both countries had developed along their own social and political lines for 40 years: " ... two distinctive socio-economic systems each with its own raison d'etre were created and existed relatively peacefully for 40 years" (Carr 1987, p.391). Admittedly the maintenance of this peace was backed up by the nuclear capacity of American and Russian Armed Forces stationed on German soil, a by product of the Cold War tensions dominating Europe throughout the period of the GDR's existence. It was this threat which further complicated the German question, and ensured that a solution could not be found until such a time as the Cold War ended.

The indoctrination on both sides of the Iron Curtain had much to do with the formation of diverging national identity. Erich Honecker, aware of the dangers of Western contact to the SED position of political monopoly " ... ridiculed all idea of re-unification from the start, and emphasized the separate character of the GDR" Positive efforts were made to create a separate East German national consciousness (Carr 1987, p.390).

Education was used to limit the effects of normalization of relations between the two states. History and politics were taught according to the Marxist-Leninist perspective, even art was used to press home the threat imposed on the 'socialist fatherland' from its 'imperialist enemies' (Carr 1987, p.390}, amongst whom were the FRG. This indoctrination meant that both the West Germans and East Germans saw each other with distrust. The derogatory terms Ossis [Easterners] and Wessis [Westerners] soon began to be used shortly after the fall of the Wall in 1989. Wessis considering themselves superior to the poor cousins in the East, struggling under the massive effort to change 40 years of communism into a capitalist society almost overnight, such was their enthusiasm for a new system. However, this enthusiasm soon 18 began to wane as the massive cost of the operation became apparent, and the benefits seemed sparse- unemployment, inflation, homelessness. Taxes increased by 7% in the West to cover the cost of re-building Eastern Germany; unemployment figures rocketed, as did inflation due to the currency reforms replacing Ostmarks with Dr?lltschmarks I: I. This caused further tension amongst Westerners and Easterners alike. People of the GDR had never experienced unemployment and, although life was hard, at least one was guaranteed a house and a job with a decent income. These social and economic pressures have led to a fiightening resurgence of neo-nazism in some areas, mainly citing foreign workers as the scapegoat for their present economic problems. 19 Chapter Three A History of Libraries in Germany

Introduction

German library history is marked by the unique parallel but independent development of academic and public libraries. The development of all types of library in Germany has been severely affected by the two World Wars. The years of National Socialism saw much abuse of the libraries. Immediately after the Second World War, reconstruction was a paramount concern, and long tenn planning of library development was postponed. New developments such as library automation have been limited. This attitude has affected German library services until quite recently. It seems that the unification of the library system has prompted widespread modernization (Interview with A Wemer 1994).

The division of Germany into two states after World War Two has led to the development of two separate library systems, reflecting the distinctive development of political, economic and social systems, as well as intellectual and cultural life.

Public Libraries in Gennany The first public libraries or Volksbiicherei were founded in the nineteenth century by enterprising religious or political groups. The Biicherhalle Bewegung [Book Hall Movement] at the turn of the century encouraged towns to establish and finance 'public' libraries for educational purposes. The relatively autonomous development of academic and public libraries in Gennany resulted from a professional controversy over the role of libraries in society, and the role of the librarian within the library itself This Richtungsstreit [controversy of direction] dominated library development until the advent of National Socialism in the 1930s (Emestus and Plassmann 1983, p.34).

The financial support of the towns enabled public libraries to become increasingly independent, and take control of their development. This independence was marked by the foundation of the first library association, the Verein Deutscher Bibliothekare. A fonnal central organization for public libraries was impractical due to the continuing 20 Richtzmgsstreit, and it was not until after the Second World War that a comprehensive association was founded in West Germany, the Deutsche Bibliotheksverband.

From 1933 to 1945 National Socialism radically changed the library scene. Publishing agencies and libraries were taken over and "placed at the service of the new ideology" Money was poured into creating a library network, and the first central professional office was founded. It is estimated that the number of public libraries rose to 20,000 during the Nazi era. Reconstruction on both sides of Germany after the war and the subsequent de­ nazification resulted in the dismantling of the Nazi library infra-structure (Emestus and Plassmann 1983, p.36-37).

After the war, the Nazi infra-structure was dismantled, and with it the comprehensive system of libraries. Ideologically unsuitable material was removed and libraries shut down. Institutions discredited by their connection with a hated regime were closed, with little regard for their possible professional value (Emestus and Plassmann 1983, p.37). Reconstruction of the library services in the Eastern and Western zones followed the prevailing political leadership. Two separate library landscapes were created over the next forty years.

Libraries in the GDR before 1989 Role in Society Libraries in the GDR were centrally controlled institutions and were perceived by the Party as taking part in the class struggle for political ascendancy (Wotosz 1991, p. 133). Their value was seen in the role of education and the development of "social democracy". By determining the items in the library collections and encouraging their use, the "social consciousness" of the people could be cultivated (Siegl 1990, p.l365). Wilfred Kern, a senior figure in GDR librarianship saw the function of a library:

[in their contribution]. .. to the development of socialist personalities, through support [m] training and further education and study, often in the context of a persons' occupation . Also in broadening his aesthetic and general education in the provision of high standard entertainment as well as creative recreational activities. (Kern 1981, p.99) 21

Furthennore, Kern (1981, pp. 95-100) noted that reading books formed an essential part of the "socialist way of life" and librarians played an important role in the guidance and direction of users towards the recommended materials. Promotion and publicity activities in the public hbraries were seen as an influential way of increasing the "political effectiveness of literature" by targeting activities towards different user groups.

Structure and Management The public library system of the GDR formed a complex network of libraries covering the whole country. It included "libraries with national functions, public libraries maintained by the state, denominational libraries, libraries in enterprises and special libraries in research or administration institutions" (Kern 1981, p. 97).

The library network was centralized and ultimately controlled by the Ministry of Culture and the internal Advisory Board for Library Affairs, made up of representatives of the library profession (Kern I 98 I, p. I 06). Centralization of the library network and controlled access to literature and information was an effective way of "regulating social behaviour" (Wotosz 1991, p.l46). The SED was therefore committed to the establishment ofhbraries as a tool of socialist ideological control.

The Library Statute In I 968 the Verordmmg uber die Aujgaben des Bibliothekssystems (BVO) [the Statute on the Functions of the Library System) was issued by the SED Council of Ministers. It formed a "comprehensive legal regulation" of the GDR library system, defining the model structure for local libraries, as described below. Furthermore, it designated public libraries as a "municipal duty". The BVO, as a party resolution, was regarded as a law and, therefore, guaranteed funding for public libraries in the GDR (Wimmer 1993, p.320). The Statute also encouraged co-operation between libraries of all types and laid down the fundamental responsibilities of all libraries (Kern 1981, p.96). 22

National Library The national library ofthe GDR was divided between the Deutsche Biicherei in Leipzig and the Staatsbibliothek in East Berlin. Both libraries held considerable national prestige, and operated as centres for research and methodology in library management and bibliographical work in association with the other central institutions(Wotosz 1991, p.143). The Deutsche Biicherei also collects German language material published abroad, translations of German works and foreign language material published in Germany (Emestus and Plassmann 1983 p.39).

Central Organizations Emphasis was laid on integrated library networks, established on a "sound theoretical basis" (Kern 1981, p.%). "Scientific- Methodological" institutions were established to administer central control through professional recommendations. The three main organizations were the Zentral /nstitut for Bibliothekswesen (Z/B) [Central Institute for Librarianship] for public libraries, the Methodisches Zentntm fiir wissenschajiliche Bibliotheken (MZ) [Methodological Centre for Research Libraries and Information and Documentation Institutions of the Ministry of Higher Education], and the Central Library of the Trade Unions for works libraries (Kern 1981, p.I06). Co-operation with these research­ methodological centres was necessary for all libraries (Wotosz 1991, p.l40).

The research centres had internal offices for the direction of specific professional tasks. For example, collection "orientation" (collection development) was guided by the ZIB "lnformationsdienst" or information service (Gohler 1990, p.625). Inter-library loans were directed by the Institute for Inter-library Lending and Union Catalogues at the Deutsche Staatsbibliothek in Berlin. Bibliographical work was co-ordinated from the Deutsche Biicherei in Leipzig (Kern 1981, p.l 08).

Professional Press Recommendations were distributed in the various professional publications made available through the central institutions. The Zentralblatt fiir Bibliothekswesen [Central Paper for Library Affairs] and Die Bibliothekar [The Librarian] were the most popular journals and 23 were issued twice monthly. The Zentral lnstitut fiir Bibliothekswesen also published the twice monthly /nfonnation.sdienst Bibliothekswesen [Infonnation Service on Library Affairs].

Regional Public Libraries Like the national level structure, regional public libraries were organized as a hierarchical network reflecting the administrative structure of 15 Bezirke, 227 Kreise and 7,563 Gemeinde [districts, smaller districts and municipalities]. Seventy-three per cent of these municipalities had a population of less than 1000, 47% less than 500. Despite this low density of population in many districts, there were 6,256 public libraries active in East Germany in 1989(Wllllll1er 1993, p.320).

The model structure oflocallevel public libraries was pyramid shaped. Ideally, at the top of the hierarchy was a Wissenschqftliche Allgemeinbibliothek [a general academic library]. However, this was only realized in 6 out ofthe 15 Bezirke. This was followed by libraries in the bigger municipalities and by Kreis libraries. These were often combined to form Stadt- und Kreisbibliotheken [town and Kreis libraries]. Rural 'central' libraries formed the third layer, followed by small public libraries and "book issue points" in the rural areas. These were often run on a part time basis by voluntary staff (Wimmer 1993, p.319).

CoUection Development Collection development was seen as "equipping libraries with the literature of a definite ideological content (Wotosz 1991, p.l46) towards the fulfilment of a community's library needs. These needs were not, however, determined by user demand, but by Party prescription (GOhler 1990, p.624).

Acquisition policies and collection development have been described by GOhler (1990, pp.621-624). Stock acquisition was managed in the regions on a centralized basis. The Allgemein-, Stadt-, or Bezirkbibliothek held the central collection for the region. However, as 60-70% of the GDR population lived in rural Landkreise, Kreis libraries were often granted similar functions to the larger libraries. Each library had a core collection of specified items and regional libraries were expected to collect material published about their 24 territory. Guidelines on recommended works and recently published material were published weekly by the ZIB Jnformationsdienst [Information Service]. New publications for library purposes had to be submitted to the Information Service four months prior to publication for official approval, cataloguing and classification. Stock was usually restricted to items officially published in the GDR. Any foreign translations were usually limited to representations of the seamier side of capitalism, e.g. authors such as Chandler (Martin 1992, p.12).

Inter-Library Loans All libraries of the GDR were obliged to make their stocks available directly or on microfiche. The inter-library loan scheme encompassed all libraries. It was supported by a system of regional catalogues in the co-ordinating centres for inter-library loans (Kern 1981, p.105).

Library Schools and Training There were three professional grades of librarian in the GDR: Bibliotheksfacharbeiter, Bibliothekare, and Fach- or Diplom-Bibliothekare [junior assistants, librarians and scientific hbrarians]. Each grade had specific areas of work and appropriate training. Junior assistants required two years oftraining. Librarians followed a three year course at a technical college. Scientific librarians held a diploma of library science from a university, or were specialist librarians having completed a two year postgraduate course. Distance learning programmes were available, and were particularly popular with working women (Kern 1981, p.IOS;Hacker 1992, p.51).

Training was directed by the ZlB education department in Berlin (Wotosz 1991, p.142). A compulsory course in Marxism-Leninism was an integral part of any university course, and library education was no exception (Interview with A. Wemer 1994). Heavy emphasis was also laid on continual education after graduation to up date librarians' skills and knowledge.

Library Associations in the GDR The Deutsche Bibliotheksverband DBV [library association] of the GDR was founded in 1964. It was the only library association, and represented libraries of all disciplines. It 25 promoted co-operation between libraries and the exchange of professional experience, in association with the Ministry of Culture and other state organizations. The DBV was divided into district groups to cover libraries of similar backgrounds. The General Assembly of the DBV met every five years to formalize a working programme and elect a presidium, which led the association between General Assembly meetings (Kern 1981, p. llO).

Libraries in the FRG Introduction This section introduces the system of librarianship of West Germany. As the effects of unification in the West have so far been inconsequential in comparison to those in the East, and many of the methods and institutions have been expanded to encompass the East, this section serves as a comparative study for both before, and after unification.

Role in Society Public libraries of the FRG serve the need for information, education and recreation by encouraging and promoting reading and learning (Ernestus and Plassmarm 1983, p.76). Their role in society is very much the same as public libraries in other Western countries. Public libraries are accessible to all, and as in many developed countries, are becoming increasingly important as leisure times rises. Public libraries in the FRG have a strong commitment to serving the community, and maintaining a place within that community.

Structure and Management The library system in the FRG is organised on a federal basis. A comprehensive network of libraries such as that found in the GDR does not exist in the FRG. Libraries are organised more on a regional basis within the Ltinder. As well as the traditional public library, there are children's and youth libraries (distinct from school libraries), music libraries, special libraries and those falling under the category of Soziale Bibliotheksarbeit (Hacker 1992, p.45). These "social work libraries" are recent developments, and provide outreach services for Old Peoples Homes, hospitals. Some towns have started foreign language sections for 26 Gastarbeiter [Guest worker] communities under this aegis (Hacker 1992, p.46). Works libraries are not found on such a grand scale as in the GDR. Support for public libraries comes from the Bund, the liinder, the Landkreise, towns and the Gemeinden, each holding different responsibilities. The Bund is responsible for the national library, the Deutsche Bibliothek in Frankfurt am Main. It also supports German libraries abroad (e.g. the Goethe Institut, London) and libraries of the federal authorities and federal parliament. Special libraries, whose sphere extends beyond their geographic region, are eo-funded by the Bund and liinder. The Staatsbib/iothek Preuftischer Kulturbesitz in Berlin is funded this way (Emestus and Plassmann 1983, p. 19). The Bund is also ultimately responSible for national copyright issues.

The liinder maintain the larger regional libraries such as Landes- and Staatsbibliotheken [Land and State libraries], as well as the library schools in their territory. Regional enterprises e.g. union catalogues, special subject fields schemes, extension courses, conferences of Library Associations and publication of professional journals are often eo­ funded by grants from the Under. Municipal libraries are allocated funds by the Staatliche Biichereistellen!Fachstel/en [state library offices] of the respective Land (Emestus and Plassmann 1983, p.l9). Land libraries are also responsible for acquisition of literature concerning the region, regional legal deposit, regional bibliography and catalogues and co­ ordination of inter library loan (Wrrnmer 1993, p.316).

Landkreise or local government organs vary in their extent of library conunitments. Their most common form of support is the provision of grants to Gemeinde libraries, or co­ operation over the maintenance of larger Kreis libraries with the Kreis town. The fluctuation ofLandkreis commitment is a major cause of the rather irregular West German library network (Ernestus and Plassmann 1983, p.l8).

The towns and Gemeinde are responsible for the largest proportion of library funding in the FRG. The FRG lacks any form of library legislation. Instead, the maintenance of public libraries is defined as a "privilege" (i.e. not a strict duty) which is granted to all Gerneinden, regardless of size "in the interests of national autonomi' (Emestus and Plassmann 1983, p.l8). This federal approach to library service provision obeys the West German 27 Constitution, but leads to inconsistencies in library services across the nation. An unequal distnoution of large cities, industrial centres and small Gemeinde creates a tendency for public libraries to be most plentiful in the wealthiest areas (Emestus and Plassmann I 983, p. 78). In I 98 I only 3000 out of 8500 Gemeinden had a public library (Emestus and Plassmann 1983, p.18).

In the larger towns, public libraries exist as a "town library system" or Sttidtische Bibliothek, with a central library controlling major professional tasks such as book selection, cataloguing; followed by a Bezirk or suburb library and smaller branches. The central catalogue and bibliographic details control the traffic of books through the branches. Many larger city libraries also have a mobile library to serve outlying rural areas. Such weU developed library systems seldom exist in the countryside (Hacker 1992, p.42).

Library Regulations in the BRD There is no specific law regarding expenditure on libraries, whether by the State, Gemeinde or Associations of Gemeinden. Such a law would be impossible due to conflicting interests in the Lander. There is a general reluctance to commit to long term funding of libraries in the localities, and other cultural institutions tend to be prioritized. According to Ernestus and Plassmann (1983, p.I8) "the significance of a network of efficient public libraries has still not been sufficiently recognized" in the FRG. Moves have been made by some Uinder to establish comprehensive networks, but commitment to such developments is not widespread.

In 1973 the federal government issued the Bibliotheksplan 73 (the Library Plan 73]. This was a programme of guidance on national standards for services and objectives, but the recommendations for a more integrated library system were proved impractical without a central systematic plan to administer it over federal boundaries. Any national projects may offend the principle of local autonomy enshrined in the constitution, and are usually defeated by the State governments (Ernestus and Plassmann 1983, p.87). In 1983, Emestus and Plassmann (1983, p.77) commented that "... public services can no longer be regarded within the framework of local self government as merely discretionary, although legal regulations are still lacking and the capacity of the Gemeinden have to be considered." 28 Such a legislation is still lacking almost ten years later, and is at the root of many closures in the East.

West Gennan Book Trade . The supply of books to West German libraries is in the hands of the book trade and book seUers. The Gennan book trade has huge cultural prestige and is an important part of the FRG economy. As noted by (Ernestus and Plassmann I 983, p.l6-I 7), it is controUed by strict trading regulations known as the VeO issued by the Association of the German Book Trade, or the Borsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels. This controls the commercial relations between the publisher and book seUer and forbids the direct delivery of items to public libraries. Discounts are negotiable by individual publishers, but the amount has been coUectively fixed at 5% of the shop price for academic and I 0% for public libraries. The Borsenverein also encourages library use through a number of trade prizes and national reading competitions for children.

Library Schools and Education There are two professional grades of public librarian in the FRG, the highest grade being divided according to educational history: library assistant (Assistenten an Bibliotheken /Bibliotheksassistenten), librarian (Diplom-Bib!iothekar) and hbrarians of highest service (Hoherer Bibliotheksdienst) Library assistants foUow a two year course of vocational training after leaving technical school (Hacker I 992, p. 50). Librarians undertake a three to four year course at a technical coUege of higher education to obtain a diploma of library science. The highest level of librarian in public libraries is equivalent to the scientific librarian of academic libraries. They usuaUy have a university degree and undertake a two year postgraduate course in library science. The position of library director is open to both qualified grades, but Diplom-Bib/iothekare are the most common. There are separate higher education courses for academic and public librarianship, and for the individual grade oflibrary staff (Hacker I992, p.SI). 29 Organizations and Institutions There are five main central organisations in the West German library profession: the Deutsche Bihliothek, the Deutsches Bibliotheksinstitut (DB!), the Librruy Associations, the Central Supply Centre and the Staatliche Bilchereistellen!Fachstellen (Hacker I992, p.58).

The National Library Before unification, the FRG did not possess a national librruy in the traditional sense. The Deutsche Bibliothek in Frankfurt am Main perfonned the main functions of a national librruy, as a legal deposit repository and centre for national bibliographic information (Ernestus and Plassmann I983, p.38). However, the Deutsche Bilcherei in Leipzig also published bibliographic information on the GDR, so for forty years two Gennan national bibliographies were produced. All Land libraries also have a legal deposit function for material published in their territory. The Deutsches Musikarchiv in Berlin has also been a part of the national library since I970 (Emestus and Plassmann I983, p.4I).

The Deutsches Bibliotheksinstitut (DBI) The German Librruy Institute was founded in I 978 to act as a co-ordinating body and provide services for all libraries across regional and federal boundaries (Ernestus and Plassmann 1983, p.139). The central organization in the FRG for research and development in the librruy field, it is financed jointly by the federal and Land governments (Hacker I 992, p.55).

To facilitate research, the DBI is divided into seven departments, each specializing in an aspect of librarianship within Gennany, or on the international scene (Ernestus and Plassmann I983, p.139). In addition, several committees or expert groups exist to provide advisory services (Hacker I 992, p.55).

The DBI is also an important publishing house for library orientated material. Publications include the journals Bibliotheksdienst [Librruy Services] and Dokumentationsdienst Bibliothekswesen (DOBI) [Business Services in Librarianship], the Deutsche Bibliotheksstatistik (DBS) [Annual National Librruy Performance Statistics], and a series of 30 publications on current issues in the library world, entitled dbi-materialien (Hacker I 992, p.55).

Library Associations The library association of the FRG is, like the state, a federal affair. Personalvereine [Staff Unions] exist to represent individual professional levels. Librarians with scientific training belong to the Verein Deutscher Bib!iothekare VDB, [the Association of Gennan Librarians], while those working in academic or scientific libraries are represented by the Verein der Diplombibliothekare an WissellSchqft/ichen Bib/iotheken VdDB. Public hbrarians are members of the Verein der Bibliothekare an 0./fentlichen Bibliotheken (VBB). There is also an association for library assistants (Hacker I992, p.52).

Individual libraries are affiliated to library confederations, the most important being the Deutsche Bibliotheksverband DBV. Founded in 1949, the DB V unites all types ofhbraries, and is divided into seven sections according to professional or geographic area (Hacker 1992, p.53). The DBV aims to promote librarianship through the co-operation of all libraries and the enhancement of professional expertise. It is very much involved in the struggle for effective hbrary legislation and planning. Representatives of all library associations fonn the national Deutsche Bibliothekskonferenz, a working committee to promote unity among the associations (Emestus and Plassmann I 983, p. 137), and the DBV is a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (Hacker 1992, p.54).

The Einkaufszentrale ftir OfTentliche Bibiiotheken (EKZ) The Supply Centre for Public Libraries in Reutlingen is a commercial company owned entirely by public authorities (Emestus and Plassmann 1983, p.l42). Its primary function is supplying books in special library bindings. All books available from stock come with complete catalogue cards, a classification number and bibliographical infonnation for issue purposes (Emestus and Plassmann 1983, p.143). 31 Staatliche BiichereisteUen I FachsteUen State Public Library Offices are professional organizations, established to increase efficiency in library and infonnation work. Primarily advisory agencies, Fachstellen are funded by the respective Uinder. They contnlmte to all professional aspects of librarianship through advice or further training courses for all grades of library staff (Ernestus and Plassmann 1983, p.90).

Fachstellen are also responsible for the distnbution of state grants for collection development. These grants are the nearest the FRG has to state funding for public libraries (Ernestus and Plassmann 1983, p.91). The library office contributes to inter-library co­ operation in an annual conference, where individual libraries are encouraged to exchange professional experience across the whole library scene. The work of Fachstellen, although invaluable, is limited by the amount of funding it receives from the Land. Therefore the extent and standard of support varies across the FRG (Heyde 1993, p.1028).

Conclusion The public library systems, supporting institutions and networks of the two Gennan states were, therefore, based on two separate philosophies of information provision and management. On the one hand, a democratic system with a strong principle of open access, on the other, a centralized and authoritarian system, where access to information was strictly controlled. The effects of unification on the two German states, and the subsequent democratization ofinformation provision in the East was to have far-reaching repercussions in the public library world. 32

Chapter Four

Patterns of Change: the Impact of Unification

Introduction The assignment of responsibility for library affairs to the Ministry of Culture, and therefore, to the Culture Department of the Central Committee of the Party, resulted in an erroneous estimation of the tasks of libraries, and the undervaluing of their role. This led to contradictions and difficulties. Ignorance of modem technological developments led to a "painful stagnation" and a "nadir of library work" (Schmidmaier 1991, p.211).

Libraries of the GDR were geared towards socialist education and propaganda, not towards intellectual development. Schmidmaier believes the job of librarian was made oppressive by the volume of processing work necessitated by poor telecommunications and technology, making administrative work problematic. The poor conditions of the buildings and reader facilities contributed to this. However, he blames this on "centralized structures of control" and "blatant abuse of political power" by the SED (Schmidmaier 1991, p.21 I).

Moves for change began shortly after the Wall was opened. The "mood for change" swept Eastern Germany. "Proposals and declarations were submitted to the government by the Deutsche Bibliotheksverband and associated commissions in order to renew east German librarianship" (Schmidmaier 1991, p.212). These proposals were formulated around the proviso of libraries as centres of communication, guaranteeing free access to all. The need for information was especially high during this time of social change. The driving force behind these aims was that a "... democratic community needs informed citizens." Exploitation and free access to materials found in libraries would help to achieve this aim. "A man without intellectual life will not take part in actual change," writes Schmidmaier (1991, p.212), therefore the use oflibraries is a vital necessity and must be preserved. 33

These aims were formulated before unification became a reality, during the period of discussion about a renewal of the GDR. Once the economic situation and popular demands made unification a necessity, the extensive reforms and remodelling the aims required could not be undertaken alone. West German advisors were called in and co­ operation began over a "new strategic plan for changing librarianship with regard to new problems which existed and to aspire to the improved aims ... The basis of this change could only be the librarianship of the FRG, to which the libraries of the GDR could add their experiences and performances." "The consequences for librarianship in the GDR was the renunciation of an own national development" (Schmidmaier 1991, p.212).

Eastern writers such as Schmidmaier reveal a bitterness in their accounts of the changes. Western authors describe events, causes and results often with deep empathy, but they lack that sense of loss and disillusionment expressed in the background of the Eastern authors. This is also reflected in a report to the Ministerial Council and Central Committee of SED published in the Zentralblatt ftir Bibliothekswesen of the GDR Library Association. The report focused on "... a recognition of the inability of Eastern German libraries to compete internationally". A tale of inadequate collections, deteriorating buildings and a lack of modern technology, the report seemed a "... striking admission of failure in decades of planning, efforts and personal commitment" (Rovelstad 1992, p.221).

Rovelstad (1992 p.222) also blames the "over-centralized hierarchical administrative structure in which the libraries functioned in the East". This had hastened their deterioration, along with a lack of recognition of the role of libraries, and stark under financing. She also cites the "absence of comprehensive legislation to create an infra­ structure for overall development and services." Obviously critical of the BVO Library Statute cited elsewhere in the study as being one of the few positive aspects of GDR librarianship, she goes on to say that neglect of collections and facilities by responsible government agencies had resulted in staff unable to carry out constructive research, as they were pre-occupied with menial administrative work. 34

Planned developments Schmidmaier (1991, p.213) summarizes the outline developments planned for the libraries of the GDR shortly after unification: National Libraries of FRG and GDR will join together and fit into a regional provision ofliterature in the whole of Germany. The GDR Union catalogues will join a united German cataloguing system. e.g. Union Catalogue of foreign Monographs, Union Catalogue of Periodicals. Libraries of GDR will be organized de-centrally in the new federal states of East Germany, and they will acquire greater independence and responsibility. However, he also feels that common legislation for libraries is still necessary and should not be forgotten.

Schmidmaier continues by summarizing the needs of the East German libraries at the time of unification:

renovation of, or new library buildings installation of modem information and communication grants for acquisition databases preservation methods for deteriorating archive materials an end of the increasing decline in staff through emigration or redundancies.

Steps Prior to Unification Immediately after the Wall came down in 1989 and major political talks had begun between the East and West German governments, the Zentral Institut fiir Bibliothekswesen liB, and it's western counterpart, the Deutsche Bib/iotheksinstitut DB! were asked to work on an assessment of the library situation in the GDR, and to plan and co-ordinate any necessary support initiatives.

From June 1990, the two agencies produced a newsletter Bibliotheksinformationen:Ost-West [Library Information:East-West], to stimulate 35 contacts between Eastern and Western libraries, and act as a vehicle for information collection and dissemination. This co-operation was formalized in the establishment of the Deutsch-Deutsche Expertengroppe, [Inter-German Group of Library Experts). It constituted a working group of librarians, politicians, and experts in the library field from East and West. It's function was to discuss library matters, initiate co-operation, and prepare libraries for the consequences of the Unification (Rovelstad 1992, p.223). After 3 October 1990, it continued it's work as the Bund-Lander-AG {Bibliothekswesen) [Working Group of Federal Government and Federal States on Library Matters]. This group formed an important basis for structural decisions, support programmes and "... all efforts to keep a workable library system going in the ex-GDR". It took the first steps towards joint library planning in a unified Germany and existed until the end of 1992. The work of the Bund-Ldnder-AG {Bibliothekswesen) will be discussed in greater detail below. The decisions on the parallel National Agencies for librarianship (e.g. the national libraries and the central institution) were taken and outlined before unification, these are also discussed in further detail below.

The findings of the assessment of the GDR libraries was published in April 1990 as the "Berlin Memorandum" by the East German Library Association and Organization of West German Library Associations. The Memorandum recommended the following:

development of ability of GDR libraries to provide free and comprehensive access for all as the essential basis for training, study and research. promote continuous build up and updating of GDR libraries basic collections, and add material in all media, update subject literature and supply current newspapers and magazines. respond to needs of East German libraries for information on Western literature/reference sources and modem working methods used in West German libraries, along with better co-ordinated support, involving library experts from East and West in all important decisions promoting partnerships on all levels and expanding the union catalogues. 36

work to relieve the burden experienced by West German libraries, especially those close to the former border, now overloaded with demands (Rovelstad 1992, p.223).

The Bund-Ltinder AG (Bibliotltekswesen) The Working Group of Federal Government and Federal States on Library Matters developed out of the Inter German Group of Library Experts shortly after unification was formalized. Hirsch and Jammers in the introduction to the final report of the Working Group summed up the feeling with which it was established:

After the re-unification we wanted to lay the foundations for the integration of both German library systems together, for the renovation of scientific libraries, for the preservation and consolidation of public libraries and the construction of modem, cosmopolitan book collections in all libraries of the new states. (Hirsch and Jammers 1993, p.5)

The role of the Working Group was to formulate practical plans for the future of German librarianship. Library experts, local administration people, representatives of the library associations and cultural organizations co-operated to enable the realization of the plans. The recommendations made by the group were circulated through the State Fachstellen and the professional press to the librarians, who were responsible for putting the plans into action and transform the localities. The Group is unique in that there has never before in Germany been such "an intensive and effective form of concentrated action in the library field" (Hirsch and Jammers 1993, p.6).

The Inter-German Working Group on Library Affairs concluded (Rosner 1993, p.8), that the following areas needed immediate attention: - legal safeguarding oflibrarianship of the GDR - long and short term help programmes for structural decisions - rebuilding of book core collections - development of budget models and norms - development of pay scales - new format for education 37

- clarification of the equality of qualifications and employment grades - safeguarding of existence of public and special libraries - co-ordination of umbrella organizations and service efficiency

To achieve this six working groups (AGs) were established: AG 1 Public Libraries AG2 Staff and Education AG3 Collection Development for Academic libraries AG4 Regional and Central Services AGS Library and Information Technology AG6 Structural and Legal Affairs

A programme for immediate and long term measures was drawn up to achieve renewal in the new states quickly and efficiently (Rosner 1993, p.9-!0). The areas of highest priority were those of education and book selection and to preserve public libraries in local authority funding. In the education sphere, a federal government funding programme had donated IS million DM by the end of 1990 for teaching and study materials. Professional education was also advanced through the establishment of Fachstellen in each state. However, an original plan to prepare a library legislation document similar to that of the GDR was abandoned, as the federal structure of the German State obstructed efficient operation of such a law.

The working groups fostered co-operation between all libraries in the East and West. The re-orientation of working methods was aided through partnership programmes between libraries and library associations of the old and new states. By the beginning of 1993, all new States had taken part in such a programme. This was recommended rather than the creation of new institutions in the East. The West German infrastructure and knowledge could be utilized more quickly and effectively this way, so in the future East German librarians could establish their own institutions. (Rosner 1993, p.ll). 38

AGl: Public Libraries The aim of this group was to aid the integration of Eastern public libraries into the new political, cultural and social conditions (Dankert 1993, p.17). The group was composed of experts and independent advisors from both East and West. Initially the West German members acted as advisors for their East German colleagues.

Objectives of the First Working Group The major priorities (Dankert 1993, p.20) of the working group were formulated to guarantee the security of public libraries through the following measures:

- collection development funds - further education - renovation - mobile libraries - information material for staff and users.

Problems of Using Western Standards The general difficulties of transfering library objectives, norms and standards from the FRG onto the libraries of the former GDR soon became clear. Expectations were simply too high, even at 1973 standards. Renewal, along with the financial and staff reductions was a difficult process, in the light of government expectations of operating in a market economy so soon after unification (Dankert 1993, p.21).

The establishment of state Fachstellen to aid renewal projects and professional problems to support the library management networks of the East was greeted with enthusiasm. Brandenburg, Sachsen-Anhalt and Sachsen have fully operational Fachstellen, Thiiringia has yet to receive firm state backing, and Mecklenburg­ Vorpommem remains without an operational Fachstellen at the beginning of 1994. 39

Problem of No Legislation The library central organizations and committees felt it necessary for future development to compile an acceptable library plan. The Bibliotheksplan '73 was redrafted in consultation with the DBI and Library Associations and circulated to around 3000 full-time libraries for approval. It was hoped that a full paper - Bib/iotheksplan 2000, would be completed for presentation at the Fifth German Library Congress in Leipzig in 1993 (Dankert 1993, p.18). By September, 1994 it was still not known if the Bibliothekspan 2000 had been finalized. The work of the central organizations in library renewal projects and the publications of the Bund-Ltinder-AG contained recommendations for all libraries, and the future objectives began to acquire national significance.

Collection Development Policy The political changes of unification quite obviously necessitated dramatic changes in collection development policies in the East. It was estimated that I 0% of fiction and children's literature, and 15% of Non-fiction was no longer suitable; in total, almost 40% of GDR stock was unusable in the new library system (Dankert 1993, p.24). New demands were being made on the public libraries for previously banned authors and there was an increase in requests for western literature. Whilst formerly politically sensitive subjects such as economics, law, religion, as well as I.T., computers, travel literature, science fiction, trivia and audio-visual media were in huge demand (Ewert 1992, p.934).

There was suddenly an enormous scope for stock selection, but this necessitated guidance. As well as the selective bibliographies already mentioned, the AG 1 and EKZ (Central Supply Centre for Public Libraries) initiated a collection development seminar for Fachste/len to run, concentrating on user orientated methods of stock renewal (Dankert 1993, p.24). The problems of collection development are well documented in the literature. A massive increase in publishing activity from 7,000 titles per year in the GDR, to an approximate total of 70,000 in 1994, was noted from Mecklenburg­ Vorpommern in the north (Nordkurier, 1994), to Dresden in the south (Martin 1992). 40

All studies also noted a doubling of workload, and a steady decline in staff and budget allowances (Nordkurier, 1994; Martin, 1992 ).

Primary Problems In outlining the main problems of East German libraries, Rovelstad (1992, p.223) noted the following points:

library · collections were outdated and one-sided due to the ideological restrictions. Areas such as political theory, law, economics were the worst, having been the most politically sensitive. Reference sections in academic libraries were particularly poor, and were not considered as coming up to standard for modern research requirements. Materials about foreign research achievements were usually absent, and there were insufficient textbooks available. Renewal of academic libraries was vital if East Germany was to recover quickly.

Renovation was first to occur in the academic libraries, judged as an educational priority. The FRG government, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschajt [German Research Association] and the Volkswagen Foundation provided grants for this purpose (Rovelstad 1992, p.223).

In public libraries: there was a shortage of light entertainment material and popular magazines. Foreign literature, except that of other Communist Bloc countries, was sparse. There was also no travel literature or materials such as cookbooks, because they had been considered as low priority items. Library buildings were found to be in poor condition. A general lack of storage facilities, work space, modern office and library equipment e.g. photocopiers, microfilm was reported.

Rovelstad concludes that a comprehensive renewal and preservation programme was essential. 41

A book donation programme, advertised under the slogan of "Citizens Donate Books" was set up by West Gennan libraries and people to help improve the collections of East Gennan public libraries. Public libraries, library agencies and library associations came together to provide professional and administrative assistance. Book drives were organized to develop contacts for storage and transport of the items collected. Even business organizations e.g. E. Merck Phannaceutical Company was involved through the work of its librarian. Book dealers across Europe contributed e.g. Swiss Association of Book Dealers contributed 25,000 titles (Rovelstad 1992, p.223). Subscriptions to journals, duplicate books, and back issues were also included in the book drives. Bibliographies of suggested titles for acquisition were published e.g. Lektoratsdienst of the Public Library Association; these also appeared in the professional press (Rovelstad I 992, p.225).

Transfer to Local Government Control One of the major changes facing the librarians of the East was the imposition of municipal self-government, a prominent feature of the West Gennan Federal system. The administrative system of the GDR had given individual autonomy to the Gemeinde [municipalities] and Kreis councils, who were now responsible for public library funding (Wimmer I 993, p.320).

The first working group of the Bund-Ltinder-AG (Bibliothekswesen) applied itself to the issue of the transition from the centrally organized public library system of the GDR to one of municipal self government mentioned by Wimmer (1993). The group worked to ease the inclusion oflibraries into the new administrative structure (Dankert 1993, p.20), and to educate the newly established officials and mandatory representatives in the Land and local authorities of their unfamiliar responsibilities towards public libraries (Dankert 1993, p.29).

The Bund-Ltinder-A G I collaborated with the federal government, the Ministry of Arts and Education, town councils, cultural officials and public libraries themselves, in the new Ltinder in the production of a series of reports and recommendations for equipping and financing libraries in the East. Numerous papers and recommendations 42 were released to the professional press or through the DBI covering standards and duties, stock and budgeting recommendations, administration, and integration into the Land constitutions (Dankert 1993, pp.20-21 ).

The transfer of responsiblity meant that the local authorites could determine the future of their public libraries and had implications for the GDR system of Kreis libraries. Under the new structure ".. .libraries funded by one municipality were not supposed to perform central services for libraries of other communities" (Wimmer 1993, p.320). Therefore, many small rural libraries and issue points lost their supporting institutions and had to close. In 1990, 736 institutions were responsible for central library functions, in 1991 this had dropped to only 495 and is continuing to decline.

The structural re-organization into Gemeinden [municipalities] has had a drastic effect on the network of libraries in the former GDR. Many of the new Gemeinden are small and rural, and therefore not very well endowed financially; they are certainly not able to support an effective library with qualified staff. This, combined with the Western recommendation for mobile libraries to serve communities with a population of less than 5000, has led to the closure of many small, rural libraries and book issue points (Wimmer 1993, p.320). The federal government and the Bund-Ltinder-AG (Bib/iothekswesen) in 1992 financed a programme of 30 mobile libraries for rural and suburb services. The programme was fully operational within two years i.e. by the timethis study. In Brandenburg the scheme has been hailed as retaining the efficient network of the GDR. By the end of 1992, 1,200 issue points in Brandenburg had been replaced by mobiles and book issues were up by two million on 1991 figures (Bibliotheken in Brandenburg 1994, p.11 0).

Statistics Relating to Libraries The massive problems of economic and political re-organization have absorbed most of the financial resources available. Wimmer (1993, p.321) rightly comments that ".. cultural issues are accordingly not given top priority." 43

The national library statistics carried out by the DB! underline this trend. In 1989, the GDR statistics showed a total of 6,256 libraries, organized in 1,139 library systems. By 1990 this had decreased to 2,946 libraries in 1,098 systems, a drop of some 53%. (However,it should be noted that after 1990 West German methods of data collection were applied the East Germany, which could have contributed to the sharp decrease.) What is clear, however, is that between 1990 and 1991, a further 974 libraries closed, and in 1992, the statistics show there was only I, 771 libraries remaining in the old GDR, an overall decline of72% (Heisse 1992, p.873; Wimmer 1993, p.321).

In many cases (98 between 1990 and 1991) complete library systems were eliminated, depriving communities of access to libraries. These were generally replaced by mobile libraries for economical reasons. The above example of Brandenburg illustrates one of the successes of this program. The Trades Union and business libraries have fared the worst. Almost all of these have been forced to close since unification (Wimmer 1993, p.320-321).

A comparison to West German public libraries (Table 1, Heisse 1992, p.873 and Wimmer 1993, p.321) over the same period shows that there has been a slight increase in the numbers of libraries, and a marked increase in the numbers of library systems.

Table 1. Official Statistics on Libraries in the Old States.

1989 1990 1991 Number of Library Systems 1,112 1,143 1,177 Number of Libraries 2,875 2,905 2,943 Number of Staff 9,709 9,883 10,098

Table 2. Official Statistics on Libraries in the New States.

1989 1990 1991 1992 Number of Library Systems 1,139 1,098 1,000 972 Number of Libraries 6,256 2,946 1,972 1,771 Number of Staff 6,796 5,908 4,556 4,167 44

Staff

The number of people employed in East German libraries has also declined, due to rationalization of GDR employment policies. Staff had to be reduced to make the Eastern libraries more economically viable. Part-time and older members of staff were the first to go, and there were many redundancies in the wake of library closures. The reduction in staff positions as shown in the official statistics has continued (Table 2), with a drop of some 38% from 1989 to 1990. A scheme known as Arbeitsbeschaffungsmassnahme ABM [Job Creation Measure] was introduced in 1991, where staff not regularly employed by the community, but are paid by a special federal government fund. At least I 0% of all library systems in the New States were operated by ABM-Staffin 1991. However, this scheme was due to be cut back in 1993 because of financial constraints and rising unemployment (Wimmer !993, p.321). There has, therefore, been much job insecurity since unification, a problem found in all areas of the East (Dankert 1993, p.23). However, a comparison with the West, (Table !), reveals that full-time staff in the public libraries of the old states increased over the same period.

In 1991, the administrative reforms were completed and library staff became graded according to the Western BAT Bundesangestelltentarif [Statutory Pay Scale]. This should guarantee equal pay scales across Germany (Dankert 1993, p.23). However, discussion with an East German Library student revealed that price rises in the East have meant a decline in salaries in real terms for the Eastern librarians (Interview with A. Wemer, 1994).

Because of the high number of libraries involved in the GDR library system, despite these drastic reductions, in 1992 "the number of libraries and staff per inhabitant [was] still higher in the East than the corresponding numbers in West Germany" (Wimmer 1993, p.322). 45

Eastern Germany: 27.78 librarians per 100,000 inhabitants 11.8 libraries per I 00,000 inhabitants 2.4 media items per inhabitant

West Germany: I5.65librarians per IOO,OOO inhabitants 4.4 libraries per I 00,000 inhabitants 1.16 media items per inhabitant

Also in I 992, 557 library systems in Eastern Germany operated in communities with less than 5,000 inhabitants, compared to only 45 libraries in Western Germany (Wimmer 1993, pp. 32I-2). Whether this still remains the case given the move towards mobile libraries is unlikely.

Planning measures in the East have been, through necessity, more concrete than those in the West. State funded Fachstellen have been established in most New States (see later section) and a regional library development plan has either been issued, or is in the stage of development. "Only a few of the old states have achieved such a planning device" (Wimmer I 993, p.322). The current re-organisation of the Gemeinde and Kreis districts into "GrojJkreise", or larger financial and administrative regions, will have a profound effect on the library services, hopefully for the better in the rural areas, "where libraries often form the only cultural institutions" in the area.

Access to Libraries The DB! National Statistics in I 992 calculated that in the East, libraries had an average weekly opening time of 21.4 hours. There were no GDR figures available for comparison, but a steady increase in opening hours has been noted since unification I 9. 7 in I 990, 22.9 in I 99 I. Libraries in the West, on the other hand, have experienced a decrease in the average weekly opening times from 27 hour in I 989 to 24 hours in I 99 I. Whether this has something to do with the rationalization measures being imposed all over Germany is not known (Hiibner I993, p.483). 46

User numbers and issue figures also reflect a downward trend in the years immediately following unification. In 1989, 1991 and 1992, libraries in Eastern Germany lost up to 50% of their users. In contrast, libraries in West Berlin and in towns on the former border were inundated with demands by East German readers (Ewert 1992, p.931). For example, the Amerika Gedankenbibliothek had 600 new registration per day in 1990, compared to approx. 60 before November 1989. This is due in part to the many closures, where readers simply lost their facilities, but also reflects the fact that collections in the East German libraries were no longer able to satisfY the new demands made on them by the people of the ex-GDR, anxious for information to enable them to cope with the political, social and economic changes occurring. It is estimated that on average 40-45% of East German stock had to be removed and replaced by up to date literature (Wimmer 1993, p.323).

Financial Aid The book donation programmes could only give limited help in this situation Government grants were vital in renewing the libraries of Eastern Germany. Estimations of the extent of funding given to the former GDR varies in the literature. Wunmer (1993) puts the figure of federal support for cultural projects in the new States at one billion DM in 1991, 77 million DM of which went to academic and public libraries. However, the report of the Bund-Lander-AG:Bibliothekswesen puts the figure at 300 million DM (Dankert 1993, p.l9). In 1992, Wimmer states this total figure was reduced to 900 million DM, whereas the Bund-Lander-AG report quotes this as 200 million DM in 1992 (Dankert 1993, p.19). Reductions have continued, despite the campaigns for a continuation into 1993. Public libraries in particularly rural areas still depend on this government and Land support for survival. Wimmer ( 1993, p.323) states that if the economic situation of many Gemeinde does not improve soon, the fate of many libraries will be sealed when government support and grants dry up.

The Future Increases in user numbers are continuing. In 1992, library usage had increased again by an average of 45%, a trend which looks set to continue as Eastern libraries re-open 47 after extensive renovation and stock renewal programmes. In some areas library use is higher than in 1988 (Wimmer 1993, p.323).

However, once again it appears that political expediencies control the fate of public libraries. As local authorities are pressed to "work in a more citizen orientated and efficient way", public libraries of the East have to cope with a struggle for existence, proving their worth and consolidating their services. Additional costs are often being shifted onto the user in a bid to improve the financial situation (Wimmer 1993, p.324).

The lack of a firm library law to guarantee finance and standards for services is seen as a threat to the existence of public libraries. The BDB [Federal Association of Library Associations] has prepared an update of the 1973 Bib/iotheksplan '73, the Bibliotheksplan '93 paper. It aims to redefine model structures and library functions to aid local libraries, plan long term objectives, and also act as a basis for library planning on a national level (Wimmer 1993, p. 324).

Library and Professional Organizations The two German library associations were officially unified in February 1991 at a meeting in Gottingen Public Library. The official name remains the same - the Deutsche Bibliotheksverband DB V. The DBV Ost [the Eastern Library Association] had a much larger membership than its western counterpart, due to the large number of public library authorities that existed in the GDR (Hoare 1991, p.333). Unlike the British Library Association, the German DBV is an association of individual libraries: a separate organization exists for professional membership.

The professional associations of Western Germany had no equivalent in the East. Therefore the Eastern librarians were recommended to join the appropriate Western Association e.g. the Verein der Bibliothekare an Ojfentlichen Bibliotheken VBB [Union of Public Librarians]. Libraries continue to be represented in public by the umbrella organization the Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Bibliotheksverbdnde BDB [Federal Association ofLibrary Associations] (Wimmer 1993, p.315). 48

The library associations have encouraged co-operation and friendship between East and West, sponsoring many exchange visits. They have sponsored "positive initiatives to develop public libraries ... through deliberate political action and ... co-operation from Western colleagues." Many of the librarians tried to create a feeling of national librarianship after unification with this "spirit of friendship" between Western and Eastern colleagues (Hoare 1991, p.333). However, this atmosphere is often marred by the assumption that "... the person from the west is seen as the expert, the person from the East the one to learn" (Lehmann 1993, p.164). This assumption has caused much bitterness for Eastern librarians, who are often aruaous to preserve the positive achievements ofthe past 40 years (Hoare 1991, p. 333).

Library Schools and Training Library training was an essential means for ensuring the future of the library system. The fundamental approach to library and information science had to be re-orientated, and based on a new philosophical foundation, introducing "western literature and reference sources, bibliographic tools and modem information technology for all library operations." Rovelstad ( 1992) also comments that the "updating of professional knowledge was viewed as imperative to employment security and continued professional activities" (Rovelstad 1992, p.225).

To cope with re-orientation, library school courses have increased in length from 3 to 4 years since unification. Courses with an ideological aim have been removed (e.g. compulsory courses in Marxism-Leninism). These have been replaced with courses on management, (covering legislation for work, service evaluation), marketing, collection development, and information technology.

After a common foundation year, students can study in two streams of specialization - public or "scientific" (academic) librarianship. Cologne and Hamburg schools also now offer a course in business information [Information und Dokumentation]. Media courses are being developed. Courses such as these are being introduced to reflect the changes in German librarianship and the trend towards computerized techniques. Since unification (i.e. students graduating after 1990), degrees and diplomas are 49

recognized across Gennany. The Leipzig and Berlin courses were the first to introduce the new diplomas (Interview with A. Werner, 1994).

In the GDR, the teaching programme was orientated to central leadership, planning and propaganda. Widespread refonn was necessary to re-direct library education towards the demands of the changing library system of the East. Original hopes to maintain some traditional elements of East Gennan librarianship were soon dashed by the implementation of Western practices, requiring their wholesale inclusion in the education programmes. Central control in the GDR and emphasis on political education, had resulted in a programme containing limited practical education, when compared to Western standards. Advances made outside the Eastern Bloc were regarded by the Central Committee as having little relevance (Boden 1990, p.851-852).

The process of refonn was facilitated by assistance from West Gennan library schools and universities, particularly in the provision of up to date text books. e.g. Leipzig received help from Stuttgart and Hamburg (Boden 1990, p.852). The sixth working group of the Bund-Liinder-AG:Bibliothekswesen was responsible for ground work with the federal and State governments to facilitate rapid transfonnation of courses. Early research enabled the library schools of Leipzig and Berlin to offer new courses for the 1990 academic year (Werner 1992, p.33). In 1990, the Berlin library school was accredited by the Berlin-Humboldt university, and Leipzig was granted the status of a Fachhochschule [technical college, equivalent to British polytechnics] enabling the conferral of Diplom-Bibliothekswesen [Diplomas of Library Science]. Therefore, students graduated with fully valued diplomas (Werner 1992, p.33).

The question of the value of qualifications gained in the East before unification has been a very delicate subject. The heavy ideological content of pre-unification courses in the GDR had grave consequences for the prospect of equal value to FRG qualifications. The Treaty of Unity (Article 37 Part 1), had guaranteed the validity of a higher education qualification in that part of Gennany where it was gained. However, it did not grant Eastern qualification the same value as their Western equivalents (Werner 1992, p.337). Following the recommendations of the Bund-Liinder-AG 50

Bibliothekswesen, a conference of the Kultusministerium [Ministry of Education and the Arts] met to finalize the relative values of all higher education qualifications (Wemer 1992, p.338). In the library field, it was recommended that pre-unification graduates should undertake one year of additional study to gain a Fachhochschule diploma. Distance learning and day release courses were available for this at Leipzig from 1992 (Wemer 1992, p.33).

Other innovations to the library courses included a six month practikum [work experience]. The teaching of cataloguing and bibliographic control came up against the problem of differing federal policies. There is some degree of difference from Land to Land on methods of bibliographic presentation which needs urgent standardization (Boden 1993, p.54).

The speed of the unification process resulted in the urgent need for quick and effective action in the educational sphere to secure the future of East German librarianship and to ease the transformation period. The Bwzd-Ltinder-A G 6 worked closely with the library associations and the Ministry for Education and the Arts towards the stability and professional re-orientation of East German library training, along the lines of the established West German programme (Wemer 1992, p.32). Schools of librarianship are now under the aegis of the DB! (Schrnidmaier 1991, p.213).

Institutions and Organizations

The FRG and the GDR had national library institutions, whose structures and functions in national library affairs were similar in many ways. Firstly, both states had national legal deposit libraries and centres for national bibliography services - the Deutsche Biicherei in Leipzig and the Deutsche Bibliothek in Frankfurt am Main. Secondly, three research, advice and service centres for public and academic libraries existed: the Deutsches Bibliotheksinstitut DB! in West Berlin, while the Zentra/ lnstitut fiir Bib/iothekswesen ZIB and the Methodisches Zentmm fiir Wissenschafiliches Bibliotheken MK were both in East Berlin. Thirdly, two .large general research libraries existed as successor organizations to the Preufiische Staatsbibliothek [Prussian State SI

Library], preserving its function and status: the Deutsche Staatsbibliothek in East Berlin and the Staatsbib/iothek PreufJischer Kulturbesitz [State Library of Prussian Culture] in West Berlin. It was imperative for the future of a national German librarianship that these organisations should be merged and that new concepts for work and organisation should be found (Wimmer 1993, p.311 ).

Unification of institutions The National Library- die Deutsche Bibliothek A section of the German Unification Treaty called for the establishment of a National Library institution under public law, which would encompass both national library institutions of East and West. The Deutsche Bibliothek in Frankfurt am Main, the Deutsche Biicherei in Leipzig, and the Deutsches Musikarchiv in Berlin, were to be brought together under the name of die Deutsche Bib/iothek to form the first 'National Library' of Germany (Lehmann 1993, p.l63). This would be a national library with the three centres distributed across much of German territory, an institution representative of the library traditions of all parts of the German State.

Planning of mutual guidelines for the de-centralized institutions began in January 1990. The introduction of a solid infrastructure and modem technology to the Deutsche Biicherei in Leipzig was a first priority. Efficient communications and online access to the three establishments was vital to ensure maximum efficiency. To achieve this, common standards for processing in Leipzig and Frankfurt had to be achieved; western methods were introduced through extensive education and personnel exchange programmes (Lehmann 1993, p. 163-164). In 1991 the two National Bibliographies of the GDR and the FRG were merged to form a single German National Bibliography.

Duties were allocated between the two main institutions on the basis of individual strengths. Frankfurt, the headquarters, is the centre for development and information technology and represents the Deutsche Bib/iothek on relevant national and international bodies concerned with information and communications technology. It also has an advisory committee for standards in library affairs, although this education function will decline as Leipzig grows in experience (Lehmann 1993, p.l66). Leipzig 52 has continued its work as a centre of book preservation and conservation. Techniques have been much improved by a Bund Government grant for a de-acidification facility, which was operational from 1993. Paper splitting and micro filming also form important areas of work. It performs a vital function in the preservation field in Germany and has made great innovative advances since unification (Lehmann 1993, p168).

The total collection of the Deutsche Bib/iothek numbered 12.5 million items in 1993, of which the Deutsche Biicherei, Leipzig held 7,123 million. Processing of acquisitions takes place at both locations following common guidelines. A uniform numbering system exists encompassing all locations (Lehmann 1993, p 170).

Both Frankfurt and Leipzig are legal deposit repositories, each receiving one copy of printed publications. Leipzig has sole responsibility for collecting "Germanica" (i.e. translations from German and Foreign literature about Germany). Processing at Leipzig was originally subject to verification in Frankfurt before input into the central database. This practice was discontinued in 1992. (Lehmann 1993, p17J).

The Deutsche Bib/iothek is keen to share its experiences with other libraries in new Lander and offers a broad range of bibliographic services. It is a member of many international library organisations and chaired the Task Group for European Library Affairs (EUBIB) in 1993. A partnership with the National Library of Prague has enabled many Eastern Countries to share from the experiences of the Deutsche Bibliothek (Lehmann 1993, p 173).

The two collections of the PreujJische Staatsbibliothek [Prussian State Library], the Deutsche Staatsbib/iothek and the Staatsbib/iothek PreujJischer Kulturbesitz were also re-united, under the name of Deutsche Staatsbib/iothek Z!l Berlin. The Deutsche Staatsbibliothek was the central research library of the GDR and was part of the GDR National Library along with the Deutsche Biicherei Leipzig. The PreujJische Staatsbib/iothek was Germany's largest library. During the Second World War, the collections were evacuated for safe keeping. After the war, the collections remained 53 divided between the occupation zones and two libraries were eventually established (Landwehrrnayer 1993, p53-4).

Reuniting the collections involved widespread rearrangement and re-orientation. The structure, functions and collections of the two libraries had to be integrated and re­ partitioned between the two buildings (Landwehrmayer 1993, p55). Eventually, the old Deutsche Staatsbibliothek building, renamed Hmts 1 housed pre-1955 material, and the Staatsbib/iothek Preuflische Kulturbesitz (Hmts 2) housed post-1955 works; as a modem building it was more suitable for future expansion (Landwehrmayer 1993, p.58).

The union of the libraries of national importance has had great significance in the formation of a national german library system (Lehmann 1993, p164). Both Lehmann and Landwehrmayer conclude that union was both a "cultural and physical process" (Lehmann 1993, p164), and that " ... close co-operation alone was no solution; unification meant a real merger, it meant integration .... .into one united and undivided whole." (Landwehrmayer 1993, p55.) The process of unification is a theme running through the whole of German life in the 1990s. Landwehrmayer, in a recent article about the re-unification of the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, reflects the unification of the two German States, systems ...

... as diametrically opposite to each other as they were inextricably interconnected, when suddenly as an effect of the unification .... they found themselves as similar, but at first, separate powers ... (Landwehrmayer 1993, p.54 ).

The Deutsches Bibliotheksinstitut DB! The immense need for advice, further education and information services, within the new federal states, as well as the necessary co-ordination of nation-wide projects and activities, required the focused efforts of the DB!, the Zentra/ Jnstitut for Bibliothekswesen (ZJB) and the Methodisches Zentrum for Wissenschaftliche Bib/iotheken (MZ) (Wimmer 1991, p.312). 54

Since the beginning of 1990, the DB! has had contact with its sister organization in the GDR, the ZIB and the MZ. Together they formulated a task profile for the extended DB!, which after January 1992 covered all German libraries after the dissolution of the ZIB and MZ. The necessary extension of staff was drawn primarily from ex-ZIBIMZ employees (DBI 1992, p.2); other new staff had to be brought in to advise on areas new to the DBI, such as legal issues and business information (DBI 1991, p.l587). The number of employees was considerably expanded from c. 90 to c.140 (Wimmer 1993, p.312). Services, although available for both Old and New States, were targeted to the New States. The DBI hoped to build a co-ordinating and communication function to strengthen co-operation and mutual work of public libraries in East and West Germany, to provide the necessary continuity for a German library service (DBI 1991, p.l588).

The new functions are primarily co-ordinating and educational. Further education, research and advice for libraries in both old and New States is available on such topics as library organization and management, legal issues, data processing, public relations (including marketing). Collection development is a particularly important issue for public libraries of the East, faced with the necessary task of replacing their stock within a very short period of time.

Unification demanded a co-ordinated approach to the maintenance of the various classification and cataloguing rules, such as the RSWK [Rules for Key Word Cataloguing]. The DBI, therefore, has a technical department to provide advice. It works as the Office of the Working Group of Regional Cataloguing Networks, and acts as a management base for the many projects initiated in the cause of German library renewal. The DBI still retains responsibility for the National Library Statistics, covering both East and West libraries. The DBI has also extended its bibliographic databases such as the Zeitschriftendatenbank ZDB [Central Database of Periodicals in Academic Libraries] to cover the New States (Wimmer 1993, pp. 213-313). As well as an advisory service, the DBI is expanding to foster international library relations. Working in a European context, it acts as a National Focal Point for EC library projects in Germany, and also works with libraries in Eastern Europe, with 55 whom it has much experience to share (DBI 1992, p.6). Within Gennany it works to improve the local area library networks set up after unification and will shortly become the data processing centre for the Berlin-Brandenburg cataloguing network (Wimmer 1993, p.313).

Initially there was much fear within Gennan librarianship, that the central and important functions of the DBI within the re"structuring programme of the GDR libraries would be constrained by a lack of support from the federal government and other responsible political bodies. In 1991, the DBI commented that:

The alignment of library work in the old and new states ... and the realization of efficient regional library networks are tasks which the DBI will strive for, but which depend as much on the support of the political and financial authorities as the libraries working towards these ends. (DBI 1991, p.l588).

In 1992, the federal Ministry for Education, Science, Research and Technology pledged financial support for project work, and the funding for the DBI as a whole was fixed in a joint programme between Bund and liinder (30:70%). In 1992 this amounted to 15.5 million DM (DBI 1992, p.5). The most important work of the DBI is set to continue.

Professional Journals The major professional journals were consolidated into national publications to encourage the exchange of professional experiences and ideas, and thus " ... serving as a catalyst for change and a facilitator for contacts between librarians from East and West Gennany" (Rovelstad 1992, p.221 ). The Eastern Zentralblatt jiir Bibliothekswesen was merged with the West Gennan Zeitschrift for Bibliothekswesen in 1991, under the latter name. The new publication sought to cover the subject area of both fonner titles. Rovelstad (1992) believes the journals played a vital role, as librarians, particularly from the East "... desperately needed to develop insights into each others problems and goals, and to explore the possibilities of shared responsibility and operations" (Rovelstad 1992, p.222). 56

Conclusions The process of renewal has been a complicated and often controversial one. A clash of opinions on the path most suitable for East German librarianship most certainly existed. Integration was a necessity, for a secure future, but it also meant that something would be lost, had to give, in order that a way forward could be found. Unfortunately for the East Germans, it was to be their highly valued "jlachendeckendes Bibliotheksnetz", their blanket network of libraries. Ideological connections, lack of finance, economic and political instability presented a combined threat. As Dankert comments that:

.. .in the process of political development it became clear ... that the survival of public libraries in the former GDR could only be secured through aligning themselves to the administrative and organizational methods of the FRG public library system. (Dankert I 993, p.26).

However, she goes on to say that the West German experts often tried to "fulfil a utopia not achieved at home (i.e. in the FRG) in the new states" (1993, p.25), therefore often setting objectives that were impossible to achieve, given the financial constraints and nascent administrative structures. This caused an understandable reaction in the East, where, as Martin (1992, p.12) remarks, "they were doing their best to lay the "ghosts" ... without letting themselves be pushed aside and replaced by West German modes of operation".

Despite the West German claims that a feeling of mutual responsibility existed for the future of a German library structure (Dankert 1993; Rosner1993), which undoubtedly it did, it was usually more on the part of the West German planners than the East German librarians who were on the receiving end of the rationalizations and re­ arrangments in their working environment. The future of East German librarianship must have looked very uncertain in 1991, when the functions of their central institutions (ZIB, MZ, the Deutsche Biicherei) were absorbed into their Western counterparts, and the Eastern structures closed down. Dankert rightly comments (1993 p.27) that it could not have been easy for representatives and employees of these 57 bodies who had worked hard to preserve the character of librarianship in the GDR under the prevailing conditions.

However, towards the end of the AGI working existence, the West Gennan advisors were becoming increasingly unnecessary, as East Gennan librarians became more at home with the re-organization. New sets of problems arose, stemming from economic weakness and threatened cessation of culture programme funding. In conclusion, Dankert claims that there were only geographic differences in the library field at the end of the work of the AGI.

In the study which follows the principle aim is to assess the developments in Eastern Gennany since unificationas seen by the librarians themselves, and to ascertain to what extent their views reflect those of the official reports. 58 Chapter Five

Patterns of Change in Practice

Introduction

The following study of 22 libraries in the new Bundeslander is compared to an official report of the Deutsche Bibliotheksinstitut. This was submitted to the State Fachstellen and Land governments to give an overview ofthe developments as seen by the official body of German librarianship, and also by the libraries themselves.

Stock

Table 3 illustrates the general decrease in library stock, as the collections are being weeded of inappropriate material. Many of the libraries report I 993 as the year this process is due to be completed. However, replacement of stock is wholly dependant on the amount of funding received for acquisitions purposes. There has been insufficient money available to maintain collections at any level, given the amount of material that has been removed (up to 400/o of the stock over 2 to 3 years).

Table 3. Changes in Average Library Collection I988-I993.

State Books Journals Audio Visual I988 I99I I993 I988 I99I I993 I988 I991 1993 Brandenburg 10137I 79420 6I4I6 I72 I05 I49 I0570 I0460 9898 Sachsen 32I473 257260 13166S 135 4470 4504 45932 45884 37388 Sachsen- I 128IO I06I80 8275 I24 I20 64 I1364 I I438 11696 Anhalt Mecklenburg- I69784 I42933 I2972I I76 I74 I76 20953 I832I 2280I Vorpornrnem East Berlin 239I80 I92862 I7I758 90 313 5I4 4I874 36054 34I22

The official statistics on public libraries with full time staff also reflect this downward trend. Approximately 45% of the collections available in I 989 are no longer available for use 59 (DBI 1993, p.3). The statistics also record that 9,323,000 items have been added to replenish the collections. Other libraries surveyed revealed a drop of 18 million and replacements of 9 million. On the whole, for every 20% of the collection which were replaced with new items, there remains 25% which is irreplaceable at the present time (DBI 1993, p.3), and therefore leaves the library stock permanently depleted. The process of exchanging materials at this rate was only possible through the dedicated work of the library staff, together with financial contributions from the local authorities, the federal states and the federal govermnent, as well as action taken by public libraries and partner towns in the old states, as mentioned previously.

Decline in book material was evident from all the questionnaires returned, and also the official publications recording changes. However, an interesting development is illustrated in the non-book media. An upsurge in new media ranges has been reported in the literature, and the survey proved this to be correct.

Subscriptions to journals on average suffered a decline in 1990 immediately following unification. These then stabilized, and some have shown a substantial growth in 1993 (see Table 3). Audio-visual media is a little less consistent. Some libraries show a rapid increase in 1990, only to fall in 1993, others illustrate the tendency to dip in 1990 only to rise to a higher level in 1993. Audio-visual items are a relatively new media. Very few libraries had access to CDs and computers, let alone computer games and other modem media in the GDR Librarians are consequently still discovering the potential and demand for audio­ visual material, and, given sufficient financial backing, adjusting their stocks accordingly. The results however, do show a surprisingly high level of audio-visual stock in 1988.

Comments in the questionnaire universally record a vastly increased demand for audio­ visual items. Therefore many libraries have had to impose charge, to contribute towards increased acquisition in this area. The DBI, however, record a 1.7% drop in the average stock of audio-visual materials in 1992 (DB I 1993, table A4). 60 The sudden drop in the number of journals published in the GDR is reflected in the decline in the number of journal subscriptions in 1990. Many former GDR journals and papers ceased publication after unification, or merged with west German counterparts. This caused something of a crisis in the publishing industry of the East, who rapidly lost contracts and output consequently declined. The librarians therefore had to familiarize themselves with the journals available in the unified Germany; a vastly increased range of titles was now on offer, but at a higher price than those of the GDR. The drop in home production and rise in prices made more subscriptions impossible. A backlash against any GDR authors and works also caused an increased demand for Western sources of information. The literature documented several donation programmes of subscriptions to ease this problem (e.g Rovelstad 1992; Wunmer 1993). Rapid changes in technology and the socio-economic and political systems also made Western sources of information vital. East Germans needed information on the new system to aid their acceptance of, and ability to deal with, life in the newly unified Germany.

Since 1990, numerous courses on stock selection and budget allocation have been run by the state Fachstellen, DBI and Library Associations. This has enabled hbrarians to cope with the vastly diversified market of titles and information. These courses have assisted librarians to make informed choices on subscriptions, and best allocate the limited financial resources available for acquisitions. This in itself has acted as a method of stock regulation.

Issues Additional comments from the librarians contacted revealed that journals and audio-visual material constituted the areas of biggest growth in loans. Many stated that the book collections needed further updating to completely satisfY new demands. Brandenburg library, as well as many others, commented that because of this, the journals are used far more than before Unification, and have experienced an increase of I 5% on 1988 figures. Children's libraries have also experienced a boorn, through the introduction of new ranges to encourage reading e.g. talking books. One of the major libraries in Mecklenburg- · Vorpommern, Stralsund, commented that there had been a strong increase in the demand for non-fiction, on subjects as diverse as computers, law, economics, history and travel. 61 Other libraries have commented on increases in demand for light entertainment literature so called Unterhaltungs!iteratur [conversation literature]. This was unavailable to a large extent in the GDR Examples such as cookery and light fiction are given.

Dresden Stiidtische Bibliotheken, a large network of city and suburban libraries, comments that the new trends in format and genre of literature on loan is very much due to the changes and re-orientation in society, which have led to the development of new interests and the freedom to explore them. This also allows access to subjects, authors and titles which were previously forbidden, and therefore unknown to many people before 1989.

Overall, the total numbers of issues declined rapidly from 1989 to late 1991; users were losing confidence in information provision in the East, and the libraries, publishers and cultural funding bodies were trying to adapt to the new situation. Closures left many people without any library support whatsoever. Three years after unification, of all the towns and Gemeinde which previously had a library in the GDR, only 33% retained an operational institution in 1992. This meant that 19% of the population no longer had direct access to a library. However, it must be remembered that the GDR had a very comprehensive library infra-structure, as detailed in the work of Wunrner (1993) and in Chapter Four. Despite these closures, the libraries of the East still had a higher level of staff and stock items per inhabitant than those in the West (1992 figures).

The numbers of library closures also had an effect on issue numbers (and numbers of registered users) of the libraries remaining. The immediate effect of these closures was to push users to libraries in other areas, themselves struggling to cope with their user demands. This made a complicated situation worse and led to many people abandoning their libraries. However, improvements in the services by 1992 and the increasing prices of books slowly brought users back into the libraries. By 1993 user numbers were increasing again, often to levels higher than those previous to unification. Figure 3 and 4 illustrate the trends in user behaviour. The decline in population through emigration also affected numbers of potential users.

Figure 3. Changes in Issues 1988-1993

5000000 +------1

01988

J--.-----1c 1991 01993

Brandenburg ~ecklenburg- Berlin Sachsen Sachsen­ Vorpommem Anhalt

Figure 4. Changes in Registered Users 1988 -1993

0 1988 1------ta 1991 01993

5000

0 Bnmdenburg Mecklenburg­ Berlin Socbsen Socbsen­ Vorpommem Anhalt 62 Many of the closures have since been replaced by a regular mobile library service in rural and suburban areas, and it is estimated that 800,000 to one million people will be served by a mobile service by the end of 1994. The DB! claim that one third of the three million people who lost their hbraries will be re-included in the library network through the mobile library services (DBI !993, pp.2-3). However, out of the 221ibraries who responded, only 3 hbraries operated a mobile service: one in Sachsen-Anhalt, one in Sachsen, and one in Mecklenburg-Vorpommem (the only service established before unification).

The majority of the libraries contacted had not been threatened by closure themselves, but several libraries in their regions, including branch libraries attached to them had been affected. A total of four libraries (two in Sachsen-Anhalt, one in Sachsen, and one in Berlin) had been faced with possible closure. One urban library system was the victim of partial closure, as some suburban branches were closed down and their duties and stock transferred to other libraries in the system. Libraries who were directly threatened responded with strong tactics to ensure their survival. Publicity work through the local press and media was used to highlight the library's plight, and citizens were involved in protests to preserve the services.

Libraries that did close were pre-dominantly branch libraries and small rural part-time institutions. These are slowly being replaced by mobile libraries. The Works and Trades Union libraries suffered the worst losses. Many were completely closed down.

Opening Hours The investigation of the average weekly opening hours for public libraries in each State revealed no consistent trend. Figure 5 shows that, whilst in Brandenburg and Sachsen the average opening hours have declined or remained roughly constant, in Mecklenburg­ Vorpommem and Sachsen-Anhalt, the average hours open increased quite markedly. In Sachsen-Anhalt this upward trend is still apparent. However, in East Berlin, there was a dramatic increase in 1991, which dropped equally as dramatically by 1993. A comparison with the official statistics (Table 4), shows that the majority of libraries contacted for this survey opened for a longer time period than the official statistics of the DBI calculated. 63 This, could be due to the fact that only a small sample of libraries took part in this smvey, whilst those ofthe DBI are based on national answers.

Table 4. Official Statistics on National Average ofPublic Library Opening Hours. STATE 1988 1991 1993 Brandenburg 30.9 28.6 29.1 Sachsen 31 32 30 Sachsen-Anhalt 38.3 49 53.7 Mecklenburg- 41.7 45.7 45.7 Vorpommem East Berlin 128.3 148.9 111.2 Official Statistics - 20.9 21.4 (1992 figure)

The fact that opening hours remained fairly constant, or increased, despite the general downward trend in other areas of the service is an interesting phenomenon. In a user­ orientated institution such as a public library, one would expect that the opening hours to reflect user numbers. This has not exactly been the case. Figure 4 shows that user numbers did indeed decline in 1991 to dangerously low levels in many libraries. The reasons for this have been well documented. Numerous library closures, a fall in public confidence, and a general movement of the public away from all things associated with the former GDR. Gesine Hi.ibner (1992), in a discussion of the DBI Statistics of 1991 noted that " .. the users retreated, to a greater or lesser extent." In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the number of active users in 1991 fell to 72% of those in 1990. In Brandenburg, where 82% of 1990 users were counted in 1991. Sachsen-Anhalt experienced a 73% drop, Sachsen 78%, and Thiiringia with 79.5%. Across the Eastern States there was, therefore, an average decline of 23% in public library users between 1990 and 1991 (Hiibner 1992, p.586). However, 1992 showed a clear increase in the numbers of users. The DBI Statistics showed a 32% increase on the 1991 numbers of people using public libraries (DBI 1993, p.5). This promised a re-emergence of user confidence in public libraries, a trend reflected in the libraries contacted. Figure 5. Changes in Weekly Opening Hours 1988-1993

! 100 +------1 ~ &'o j 60 +------~ 40~114lfil 20

Bnllldenburg Mecldenburg­ Berlin Sachsen Sadtsen­ Vorpommem Anhalt

Figure 6. Changes in the Average Total of Library Staff 1988-1993

80

!::::: 70 .!! r:n 60 ~ ..0 50 ;.::5 01988 '- 0 40 c 1991 30 E- 30 01993 Q) 00 ....<0 20 ~ ~ 10 0 Brandenburg Mecldenburg- Berlin Sachsen Sachsen­ Vorpommem Anhalt 64 Staff There have been many changes in the area of library personnel. Figure 6 shows there has been a clearly visible downward trend in the number of staff employed at all levels. The official statistics show that in 1992, 2629 of the 6796 members of staff employed full-time in libraries had been lost, a reduction of almost 39%. This national figure has much to do with the widespread closures. However, 7.3% of this figure have been replaced by the ABM staff discussed in Chapter Four. In real terms the reduction stands at 31.4%. On average in 1992 there were 4 librarians for every 10,000 inhabitants of the library service area, compared to 5.3 per 10,000 in 1989 (DBI 1993, p.4).

The libraries taking part in the survey also revealed reductions in staff numbers, some quite dramatic. These were mainly due to rationalization measures, where staff was decreased through the natural wastage of part time or older members of staff. Other libraries stated that all staff without library qualifications were made redundant. This does not mean staff was limited to "professional" librarians in the British sense, as in Germany, library assistants also have a range of library qualifications. Changes in library functions also led to reductions. Many libraries lost their responsibilities as Stadt- und Kreis- hbraries. This means that libraries were converted from being a central library at the head of a large district to one limited in service area to a town, and hence staff had to be made redundant, as their duties no longer existed.

These structural and functional re-organizations led to library duties being re-organized amongst remaining staff. The main libraries in the major cities also stated that they lost posts through the closure of their "methodological" departments. These were formerly responsible for providing smaller hbraries in the district with professional advice. However, Dresden has increased its staff numbers through the establishment of a Lektorat [Editorial Office]. This is responsible for research, user surveys, and improvements in professional methods, e.g. collection development and classification.

Figure 7. Institutions Lending the Most Support 1988-1993

8 Wld-Lander-AG I I I I I 1 I Libraries of FRG I I I I g Fachstellen I I I I I I ·~ 2 DBI ·~ I I I I I ..S DBV I I Land I Govt. I I I 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 Libraries Receiving Help 65 Further Training Most librarians agreed that some further training was necessary. The areas cited as being most urgent were those of:- collection development and book selection management, planning and work laws user enquiries/demands budget allocation new information technology and library methods, such as cataloguing and classification rules.

There was no specific retraining progranune organized, but the DB!, Fachste/len and Library Associations held regular seminars and issued recommendations to introduce new procedures t·o all Eastern librarians. Exchange visits to partner libraries in the old states also proved to be of great use in familiarizing Eastern librarians with the new working methods. In Berlin, every suburb was allocated a partner hbrary in the Western sector. It is hoped these programs will be instrumental in laying foundations for future national co­ operation on library matters.

Help During the Unification Process Figure 7 shows the institutions which the survey respondents noted as being of the most help during the transitional phase. The government and Land governments were essential for financial aid (see financial section). The professional organizations for professional support and technical advice. The Library Associations were invaluable in the production of written guidelines. Partnership progranunes were a valuable source of help through donations of books, materials and money. This was facilitated by the currency reforms of 1990. However, it should be noted that some libraries commented that not every western structure was transferable to the East, and this caused problems. The librarians also feel that the meetings and seminars with colleagues from other regions have become increasingly infrequent as unification recedes further into the past and librarians are expected to carry on developments themselves. One library in Sachsen commented that 66 there were certainly more possibilities for the exchange of work experiences in the former GDR, but mentions that the decline in meetings is almost certainly "a question of cost."

Besides central help from the DB/ and Library Associations, the Fachste!len were valued, as they were "regional" Land based institutions, who were familiar 'l'

Library Automation The majority of libraries contacted were not yet automated. As automation is a very new area of development (access to computers was severely restricted in the GDR), automation seems to be limited to larger libraries or those forming part of a city network were communications are important. Installation of computer systems is dependant on sufficient finances. Most systems have been funded by one off grants from the Land or federal governments. In some cases (primarily large cities), the town financed the implementation of automation, generally introduced by degrees with acquisitions and cataloguing being the first functions to be automated.

The transfer to automation is not only new in the Eastern States, but also in the West, where public libraries are moving towards automation. Academic and scientific libraries were the first to receive funds, as modernizing higher education was a priority. In 1990 a university renewal programme grant was made available to Halle-Wittenburg University to facilitate the establishment of a computer network. Working with the university computer centre has meant that the library now has access to online databases and the Internet.

Charging Policies The policy of exacting fees for services is closely linked with the financial problems faced by most libraries. Of the libraries contacted, all imposed a charge for overdue items in each of the three years in question.

An interesting development has been in the introduction of a yearly subscription for using hbrary services. This appears to be mostly in Sachsen, where six out of the seven libraries 67 who responded imposed an annual fee ranging from five to twelve Deutsch Marks per year [approximately two to five pounds] for an adult, and one to three Marks for a child (20 pence to one pound]. Another system in use was seen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where subscriptions were payable on a single or family membership card system, encompassing either loans of books alone, or books and videos. These annual subscription systems are fairly recent developments, most being introduced in 1993. Charges are generally imposed for loans on videos , and are on average roughly one Mark.

Charges have generally increased since unification, to cope with increasing costs of acquisitions, modernization and administration. Also to cover the cost of introducing new services such as photocopying, as weU as older services such as reservations and inter­ library loans.

Publicity Public relations have always been an important part of public library promotional work, to encourage readers to come into the library, and make use of its offered services. However, this aspect has become of increased importance since unification. Not only must libraries entice readers back into the Eastern libraries after the drop in use in 1990-1991 but they must also re-establish their position in the community as an important cultural institution, and thus justifY their funding from already hard pressed local authorities. In this climate, public relations and active marketing of services has become an increasingly important aspect of a librarian's work.

A variety of events were held at the libraries contacted, each targeted a different age/social group. Colourful events, introductory library tours and reading competitions were often held for children. Exhibitions, author readings, discussion evenings, often with a specific slant, e.g. the environment of "Frauenstammtisch" [an evening especially for women's interests] were common across the new States. Town events were often used t\) promote the library's work e.g. the annual town festivals, or national occasions such as a Bucher.friihling [Spring of Books] or Woche des Buches [Week of the Book], when exhibitions and events were held throughout the week. 68

The local press was also used for advertizing, through articles about the library. This was an excellent medium through which to acquaint the public with events in the library world since unification, and reassure potential users that the library concerned was still in operation, keeping it and the services offered very much in the public eye. One library in Sachsen-Anhalt provided a copy of these articles. They concerned the reported "death of libraries", and how this has led to all but three libraries closing in the area. The report concentrates on how the recent developments since unification have affected the three remaining libraries (Ohle and Marx 1994).

Leaflets for user information seem to be a common occurrence. Several libraries included a copy of theirs in the questionnaire reply. They all appeared bright, colourful and very professional, introducing services, opening hours, and a map of where to find the library, and stops of the mobile service (if applicable). Some (Jiiterbog and Leipzig) included a brief history of their buildings (Leipzig was founded in 1677). Funding for the leaflets varied. Dresden had obtained sponsorship from a local hotel group, others were produced solely by the library concerned. This spirit oflocal businesses coming together for mutual support is very encouraging, and gives an insight into how the library is integrated into the local community since unification. Many libraries also advertise a user cafe as part of their services, e.g. in Dresden Youth Library.

User Ordnungen or rules are also issued, outlining the functions of the library " a public institution of the town of...", and the services, charging policies and house rules applied in the library. It also includes a statement of the library's conunitment to user interests and requirements through the maintenance of an up to date collection.

User power is a great determinant in securing financial support. Therefore, many libraries are increasing the amount of public relations work they do, to attract more users, and build a firm foundation of public support. 69 Finance The change from a centrally funded and financially administered system to one of de­ centralized local responsibility, coupled with changes in library practice, was one of the two greatest problems affecting libraries after unification. Everyone expected change and widespread improvements in library services, and still do. But the question of finance is at the core of the problem, and the key to a successful completion of the transformation process.

In the centralized system of library services in the GDR, many librarians were not responsible for budget allocation decisions, as these were made centrally within the regional hierarchical system to which the individual horaries belonged. Since unification this has changed. Librarians must take responsibility for the allocation of the budget allotted them by the town councils - a huge change in role.

The whole system of financial support for libraries has undergone radical change. The absence of a strict library law, and the transfer of the provision of horary services to a voluntary code in the federal state constitution has also had an affect on financial resources. Funding for libraries is now wholly dependant on the level of commitment for library services felt by the Land and town authorities. It is, therefore, subject to vast di1ferences across the country according to population density, material wealth, and extent of other cultural commitments in the region. Another important factor in this debate is the di1ferent criteria used to determine areas of priority for information institutions. These would certainly di1fer between those of the GDR, and those of the FRG. The local municipalities will not be as committed as the GDR to the upkeep oflarge libraries in small regions.

In the immediate aftermath of unification, the West German government made a substantial amount of money available for cultural renewal projects in the new states. In 1992, 284 million DM were made accessible for libraries with full-time staff in the East, 66% more than the total expenditure on the whole library system in the GDR in 1989. The federal government and state grants in the years 1991 and 1992 amounted to 11 5 million DM, 23% of the total expenditure of public libraries over the same time span. The federal 70 government and states therefore canied a substantial part of the library budgets in the first years after unification, to facilitate modernization, rebuilding, and re-orientation programmes. However, even given these support programmes, local authority expenses for public libraries rose by 50% between 1991 and 1992, as government support began to dry up, and local authorities had to bear an increasing proportion of library funding. Increasingly, libraries were forced to close, or severely cut back staff and services, as funding sources shrank further (DBI !993, p.4). Money available for uncompleted stock renewal and renovation work is increasingly scarce, and since 1992, there has been a 30% decrease in money for book acquisitions across the whole country. The Western libraries are also feeling the economic squeeze.

Alternative methods of financial support have been sought. The Stadtische Bibliotheken in Leipzig have established a citizen sponsorship programme the Verein zur Forderung der Leipziger Stadtbibliothek e. V. [Union for the Preservation of the Leipzig Town Library]. For a yearly subscription of 12,-DM (50,-DM for businesses), members can take part in cultural events, whilst supporting the renovation of their library. Other libraries, such as Brandenburg and Bad Elster have founded sponsorship programmes. The manager ofBurg library in Sachsen-Anhalt was quoted in an article in the Volkstimme newspaper, suggesting that if every citizen paid 4 DM per year for the use of the library, it would enable them to keep up to date with the new user demands. The manager regrets that it is now impossible to provide comfortable reading facilities, exhibition rooms and full bookshelves free of charge. Here, as in many libraries across Eastern Germany, plans are ready for further development, but they Jack sufficient funds for their realization.

In a consideration of the changes in the amounts of funding, it must be remembered that before 1990, two separate currencies existed in Germany. Unification in 1990, caused instant price rises in the East, despite the guaranteed exchange rate of I: I. This caused a drop in the real value of wages and budgets. This decline in real value led to a doubling of costs, or even quadruple, as in the case of Quedlinburg, Sachsen-Anhalt. Dresden records· a 25% drop in money available, but increases this to 50 % in real terms, and many other libraries stand in agreement. Another more recent complication has been caused by the re- 71 organization of municipal regions. The 188 Kreis districts are being re-structured into 87 GrojJkries districts (DBI 1993, p.4). Many Stadt- zmd Kreis- libraries who lost their broader functions in the original reforms are regaining them as a result. Many towns are, however, reluctant to fund the additional hbrary tasks this entails in supporting other libraries in the area who come under other town funding bodies.

A solution to this problem is the creation of a Kreisergiinzungsbibliothek, [District Exchange Library] such as existed in the GDR This is being considered in Burg, Sachsen­ Anhalt, but the increase in staff duties, and therefore salaries, the increased staff numbers and training required is more than many town authorities can afford in the short term.

Conclusion This study has covered just a few of the many effects that unification had on public libraries in Eastern Germany. It would be impossible to cover all the implications involved. Many of the solutions have not yet been found, or are still in the planning stage awaiting further financial backing. However, the stance taken by the librarians who responded to the questionnaire proves that they reacted with determination to protect the services they had worked for throughout the era of the GDR, and ensure they continued into the next phase of German history. 72

Chapter Six New Horizons

It has been five years since the Berlin Wall was breached on 9 November 1989, opening the floodgates to the influx of freedom and democracy into the East German State. The effects of this have been felt across the re-united German State, and repercussions have been evident in all walks oflife.

In the public library sphere determined efforts have been made to transform the often archaic conditions of the GDR institutions into modem, efficient information centres, fit to cope with the vastly diversified information world and an increasingly confident reading public, hungry for exposure to the new media available.

A strong commitment to the development of the library sphere in Eastern Germany is evident from all replies received during this study. But also a regret at the loss of the ... comprehensive library structure of the GDR. The Library Law and the strict hierarchical nature of local networks, with their integration with central methodological institutions created a system of librarianship which co-operated on information provision, albeit of a prescribed nature. Many librarians in the East have felt a sense of alienation as public libraries are separated into their municipal regions. There are fewer opportunities for the exchange of experiences, at a time when this exchange is of most value.

In the wake of the loss of the Library Law comes the necessity to find a constitutional basis for the library service. The legal basis of individual library institutions is often quoted in the pamphlets of library house rules distributed to users. Chernnitz states that the library is "a public institution of the town of Chernnitz", and therefore all residents of the catchment area are entitled to use it. It also outlines the constitutional basis for the library, its various branches, policies and house rules. This legal statement enables the library to justify its existence to the towns authorities and citizens and justify the public funding it receives. This is an important reflection on the changed administrative and financial system of support experienced by Eastern 73 libraries, and an example of how they have adapted. The input of the town and local authorities by way of funding can also justifY their influence on the collection development; some of the larger library networks in cities are subject to consultation and monitoring by their local authorities (Dresden).

However, it seems that just as the system is settling after the upheavals of 1990-1991, a new round of administrative reforms is announced. The re-organization into GrojJkreise will have untold repercussions on a library system which is only just beginning to settle into its new operating patterns, and funding bodies will once again be changed.

It is obvious that the problems facing the east, in the economic field have now become a national affair. The Volksstimme a local paper of Sachsen-Anhalt reported the BDB as saying that public libraries of Germany are threatened and in "great danger" of a "creeping wave of closures." This decline is also no longer a question for the East alone, also "in the West, public libraries are complaining of dramatic cuts in state and local authority funding."

The general decline in libraries is, according to the BDB, also no longer a question of old or new states, in the West the public libraries are also complaining of dramatic cuts in funding and which are consequently threatening their services (Volkstimme, 1994). Because of this, the spokesperson continued, the "citizens rights to free information are being tested." An interesting statement considering the former nature of Eastern librarianship. However, the widespread nature of these problems should encourage a national exchange of experiences to overcome them and create an improved overall service in the new nation state.

However, Eastern libraries have bridged the gap and adjusted to the new system. Many innovative ideas have sprung up in answer to demand. Examples include the "Info-shop" in Erfurt, the ''User-Bank" in Berlin-Prenzlauer Burg, both offering up to date information on current affairs (Ewert I 992, p931). Closures of libraries have led those that are left to alter their services to close gaps in the market. In Leipzig for 74 example, the non-fiction children's and youth section has been enlarged to cover the closures of many individual children's and youth libraries, while others such as Dresden, are developing each suburb site as specialist core collections, to enable a much broader collection to be stocked city wide by avoiding duplication.

Burg library in Sachsen-Anhalt states that this state makes provision for public access to books in libraries in Article 36.3 of the state constitution and asserts that:

" ... with its most important asset, the collection, it reaches the broadest levels of the population, every age group, and is an institution which has the broadest results from a modest financial expenditure."

This attitude reflects the new principles and philosophy now evident in the public libraries of the former GDR, statements of which are evident in the official library documents. There is much emphasis on open accessibility to the stock, whether materials held in the library itself, or obtainable from other sources. Dresden Stadtische Bibliotheken state an uncompromising commitment to user orientation, in fact the user is positively encouraged to play an active role in defining the nature of their library and its collection. Staff have risen to the challenge of providing users with practical information to help them make the transition to democracy. It is a path that the people and the libraries have taken together, and hopefully this will reap many successes in the future.

The whole situation in Eastern Germany is a paradox of great achievements and positive aspects on the one hand, and on the other one of losses, through redundancies, closures, lost materials and decayed buildings, with finances struggling to fund improvements. Susanne Thier of the DB! sums up the situation:

The topic is one of such complexity and broadness, that is impossible to discuss all the implications of unification on public libraries. The process of renewal is still underway and so this study can only be a report on the situation at the moment, and address the issues arising. 75

The author sincerely hopes that a way forward can be found to enable the Eastern public libraries to fulfil their potential and rightfully take their place in a national library service. They have struggled long and hard to maintain an effective service in the face of many difficulties and truly deserve a bright future.

New Perspectives Rosner (1993, p.12) believed that in 1992, the goal of setting up library work in the old and new states on an equal basis was far from realized. The economic difficulties caused by transferal to public funding in the East had been exacerbated by the rapid renovation programmes. The speed of conversion, although essential, given the wide reaching political and structural changes, and the increase in work standards has made an already complicated progress worse. Government financial aid has been steadily · reduced since the immediate grants of 1990 and 1991, so libraries who were still struggling to meet new demands in I 992 were harder hit. Rosner concludes that the "situation in the new Lander is one of on the one hand, high growth in library use, and on the other, one of economy measures, personnel reductions and delayed rebuilding; while in public and special libraries, also one of library closures" (Rosner 1993, p.l3).

The rapid political developments also meant that firm plans were outdated soon after their conception (Dankert 1993, p.28). Both caused difficulties for the institutions working towards renewal.

Hirsch and Jammers (1993, p.138-!39) see the future of German librarianship in computerization and the opening up of regional systems to a national standardized system, to enable national and international I.T. and communications networks. They see this as the way to improve literature and information provision, given the lack of a national legislation to aid the establishment of a national library system. They believe this will enable public libraries to become "politically emancipated, critically in tune and responsible to their public." 76

Recommendations for Further Study This study has been an interesting and rewarding period of research in itself. However, given the fact that many developments are still occurring, it would be interesting to repeat the project in another five years time, to ascertain whether the Eastern librarians consider themselves to be a part of a "German" Library Service, or whether differenc~s are still apparent. As this study concentrated mainly on public libraries, it would also be interesting to carry out a similar project on other types of library, in particular academic or special research libraries. The literature consulted for this project revealed that structures were set up for renewal in this area before public projects were initiated. It would be interesting to discover how well these structures are operating.

Another area worthy of study could be the technical aspects not covered in this report. For example, catalogues have had to be totally rehauled due to new methods and rules for cataloguing and classification of stock. New key words and national standards are necessary if national computer networking is to be introduced to libraries in Germany. 77

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Questionnaires Fragebogen

1. Name der Bibliothek ------Admesse______

Telefon, ______TeleFax______2. Name und Stelle der Person, die diesen Fragebogen ausfilllt:

3. Einwohnerzahl des Bibliotheksgebietes:

Teil A : Bibliotheksdetails Bitte beantworten Sie die folgenden Fragen moglichst ausfiihrlichfilr die bezeichneten Jahren. Wenn die Auskunft nicht erhaltlich ist, bitte zeichnen Sie mit '---' an. Abkiirzungen benutzt: J =la; N =Ne in (bitte umkreisen Sie)

4. Anzahl von Bibliotheksmitarbeiter: 1988 1991 1993 Dip1om- hauptamtlich Bibliothekar nebenamtlich Bib1iotheks- hauptamtlich assistent nebenamtlich Sonstige: hauptamtlich nebenamtlich

5. Anzahl eingetragener Benutzer: 1988 1991 ______1993 ______

Buchhestand 6. Gesamtzahlen fiir Bestandsumfang:

1988 1991 1993 Biicher Fach- und Sachliteratur Bellenistik bzw. Romane Zeitschriften A-V Medien

7. Hat die Bibliothek eine Werbekan1pagne erledigt, urn Benutzer anzuziehen? 1988 J IN 1991 J IN 1993 J IN Wenn Ja, bitte weitere Einzelheiten Iiefern: z.B. Ausstellungen, Leseabende______Ausleihe 8. Entleihungen (Jahrestotal) 1988 19Y1 1993 Biicher Fach- und Sachliteratur Belletristik I Romane A-V Medien Gesamtzahlen Auskunft unerhaltlich

9. Gibt es seit der Wende bemerkbare Veriinderungen oder neue Tendenzen bei der Ausliehe (ob an Zahl oder an Kategorien des ausgeliehenen Materials) J IN Wenn Ja, bitte weitere Einzelheiten Iiefern

10. Werden Leihgebiihren verlangt? Bitte an gegebene Stelle umkreisen. 1988 1991 1993 Btic her J I N J I N J IN Zeitschriften J IN J IN J IN Mahngebiihren JIN J IN J IN Wenn Ja, bitte aul3em Sie sich zu einige Gebiihrenveriinderungen.

Lesebedingungen I I. Bitte die gesamten Offnungszeiten pro Woche angeben. 1988 1991 1993 _____

12. Hat die Bibliothek eine Fahrbiicherei? J IN Wenn Ja, wann wurde dieser Dienst eingerichtet?

Bib I iotheksein rich tu ngen 13. Hat die Bibliothek ein Computersystem? 1 IN Wenn Ja, wann wurde das System angeschlossen? 14. Wer hat die EDV-Anlage finanziert? 15. Welche Funktionen sindjetzt automatisien? Wann wurde sie automatisien? Erwerbung J I N Katalogisierung J I N Ausleihe J I N Benutzerkatalog - On!ine J I N - Gedruckt J I N Sonstige (bitte nennen) ------

16. Nimmt die Bibliothek an eine EDV-Verbund teil? J IN Wenn Ja, mit welchem Bibliotheken? ------

Teil B : Bestandsaufbau 17. Haben Sie eine Bestandaufbaupolitik? J IN Wer entscheidet die BUcherauswahl? (bitte umkreisen) 1988 1991 1993 Bibliotheksmitarbeiter J IN J IN J IN das lokale System J IN J IN J IN die Gemeindeverwaltung J IN J IN J IN Kreisregierung!Landesregierung J IN J IN J IN Staatsregierung/Bundesregierung J IN J IN J IN Sonstige J IN J IN J IN (Nennen Sie bitte das entsprechende Behorden oder Personalstelle)

Wenn die Bibliothek ein geschriebenes Dokument zur Bestandpolitik hat, so ware es sehr hilfreich, wenn Sie eine Kopie beilegen ktinnten.

18. Arbeiten Sie beim Bestandsaufbau mit anderen Bibliotheken in Ihrer Gegend zusammen? Bitte umkreisen. 1988 J IN 1991 J IN 1993 J IN Wenn Ja, wievie1 Bibliotheken umfaBt das System? Bitte erkliiren ______

19. Handelt die Bibliothek mit Femleihe? 1988 J IN 1991 J IN 1993 J IN Teil C : Personal 20. Hates irgendwelche Ver'.inderungen seit der Wende an die Personalstruktur gegeben? J IN Bitte Einzelheiten angeben .

.•

21. Haben die Veranderungen im Bibliothekswesen seit der Wende zusatzliche WeiterbildungsmaBnahmen fUr die Bibliotheksmitarbeiter erforderlich gemacht? J IN Wenn Ja, in welchen Bereichen waren sie notwendig?

22. Gablgibt es ein besonderes Weiterbildungsprogramm?

Teil D : Bibliotheksfinanzierun~ 23. Wer finanziert die Bibliothek? Bitte umkreisen und die zustandigen Einrichtungen spezifizieren. !988 1991 1993 Stadt 1 IN J IN 1 IN Kreisregierung!Landesregierung J IN J IN J IN Staatsregierung!Bundesregierung J IN J IN J IN Sonstige J IN J IN J IN Bitte sonstige Behorde angeben. 24. Gibt es andere Finanzierungsquellen? Zum Beispiel: 1988 1991 1993 B licherverkauf J IN J IN JIN Zimmervennietung J IN JIN JIN Sponsorschaft J IN JIN JIN Sonsige (bitte angeben) JIN J IN J IN

25. In welcher Hinsicht hatte die Wende einen Einflul3 auf den Etatsniveau? Bitte die entsprechende Nummer umkreisen. beachtliche <------keine ------> wesen tliche Abnahme Veranderung Zunahme 1 2 3 4 5 Weiteres bitte angeben.

Teil E : Hilfe wiihrend der Obere-ane-szeit 26. Bekam die Bibliothek oder einzelne Mitarbeiter irgendwelche Unterstlitzung oder Beratung wahrend der Wendezeit, etwa von:- Regierungsministerium J IN Landesministerium J IN Bibliotheksverband J IN Deutsches Bibliotheksinstitut J IN Bund-Lander Ag- Bibliothekswesen J I N Fachstellen J IN Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft J IN Wissenschaftsrat J IN Offentliche Bibliotheken der alten Bundeslander J IN a. Wenn Ja, bitte weitere Einzelheiten angeben.

b. Sind Sie der Meinung, dal3 diese Unterstlitzung I Beratung von Nutzen ware? J IN Bitte alil3ern ______27. Ist die Bibliothek an einem Partnerschaftsprogramm mit einer Bibliothek aus den alten BundesHindern beteiligt? (bitte umkreisen) J IN Wenn Ja, welche? ______

28. Gibt es dieses Program noch? J IN a. Wenn Nein, warum nicht? Bitte auBern.

b. Wenn Ja, war dieses Program nUtzlich? Bitte auBern.

29. War die Bibliothek nach die Wende von SchlieBung bedroht? J IN Wenn Ja, wie haben Sie das Uberleben der Bibliothek gesichert?

30. Gab es Bibliotheken in Ihrer Gegend, die geschlossen wurden? J IN Wenn Ja, bitte auBern.

31. Gab es Bibliotheken in Ihrer Gegend, die nach der Wende zusammengeschlossen wurden? J IN Wenn Ja, bitte auBern. ______

Teil F : Zusiitzliche Anmerkungen 32.Sind Sie der Meinung, daB gewisse positiven Aspekte des DDR-Bibliothekswesens in dem seit der Wende entwickelten System fehlen? J IN Bitte auBern. 33. Wenn Sie zusatzliche Anmerkungen Uber die vorangehenden Themen haben, bitte benutzen Sie den folgenden vorgesehenen Stellen.

Ich bedanke rnich herzlich ftir Ihre BemUhungen mit diesem Fragebogen. lhre Erfahrungen werden mir sehr he! fen. Bitte lhre Antwort an mich in den beilegenden RUckumcshlag senden:­ Kirsty A. Brown, Department of Information and Library Studies, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leics. LEII 3TU. England. oder telefax: 0044-509-223053 Bitte Ihre Antwort spatetens den 25.Juli 1994 ankommen lassen! Questionnaire

1. Name of library------Ad&ess______

Telephone. ______Fax______

2, Name and job title of person completing form:

3. Population of area served:

Section A : Library Details Please fill out the following questions as fully as possible for the years indicated. If the infonnation is unavailable, please indicate by '---' in the appropriate place. Abbreviations used: Y =Yes; N =No (please circle).

4. Number of Staff:

1988 1991 1993 Librarian Full-time Part-time Library Full-time Assistant Part-time Other Full-time Part-time

5. Number of registered users: 1988 1991 ______1993, ______

Stock

6. Total annual figures for library stock: 1988 1991 1993 Books Non-fiction Fiction Journals A-V Media

7. Does the library use promotional activities to attract users?

1988 Y /N 1991 Y/N 1993 Y IN

If Yes, please give brief details Issues 8 Annual totals of loans 1988 1991 1993 Books Non-fiction Fiction A-V Media Total figures Data unavailable

9. Has the library noticed any changes or trends in the material being borrowed before and after Unification? Yl N If Yes, please give details:

10. Does the library impose charges for loan services? 1988 1991 1993 Books YIN YIN YIN fuurnals YIN YIN YIN Overdue items Y I N Y I N YIN If Yes, please comment on any changes in charging patterns.

User Access I 1. What is the weekly total of opening hours? 1988 1991 _____ 1993______

12.Does the library provide a mobile library service? Y/N If Yes, when was it established?

Library Facilities 13.Is the library automated? YIN If Yes, when was the system installed? 14. Who provided the funds for installation? 15.Which functions are automated? When were they installed Acquisitions Y!N Cataloguing Y!N Circulation Y!N User catalogue- Online Y/N - Printed Y/N Other (please specify) ______

16.Is the library automated under a local system programm? Y/N If Yes, how many libraries does it involve? ______

Section B : Collection Development 17.Does the library have a collection development policy? Y/N If Yes, who is responsible for it? Please circle as appropriate. 1988 1991 1993 Library staff Y/N Y/N Y/N Local library system Y!N Y!N Y/N Local authorities Y/N Y/N YIN Federal state/ Bezirk ministry Y/N Y/N Y/N Government/ State ministry Y/N Y/N YIN Other Y/N Y/N Y/N (Please specify relevant authorities or staff position)

If the library has a written policy document, it would be very helpful if a copy of it could be sent with the return of this questionnaire.

18.Does the library cooperate on collection development with other libraries in the district? Please circle. 1988 Y/N 1991 Y IN 1993 Y IN If Yes, how many other libraries does it involve? Any comments ______

19.Does the library participate in inter-library loans?. 1988 Y/N 1991 Y/N 1993 Y IN Section C : Staff 20. Have there been any changes in staff organization or grading since Unification? Y/N Please comment

21. Have the changes in librarianship since Unification necessitated further study or training by staff? Y IN If Yes, in which areas was additional study necessary?

22. Is there/has there been a special training programme?

Section D : Library Funding 23.Who is responsible for providing library funds? Please tick and specify relevant departments. 1988 1991 1993 Town Y/N Y/N Y/N Kreis/Land Government Y/N Y/N Y/N State/Federal Government Y/N Y/N Y/N Other Y/N Y/N Y/N

Please specify the appropriate authorities. 24. Are any other methods used to raise funds? For example: 1988 1991 1993 Book sales Y I N Y I N Y/N Room rents Y/N Y/N Y/N. Sponsorship Y/N Y/N Y/N Other (Please specify) Y/N Y/N Y/N

25. In what way has the amount of funding been affected by unification? (Please circle the appropriate number) Decreased<------No change------>Increased substantially substantially

1 2 3 4 5 Please comment

Section E :Assistance During the Transitional Period 26. Did the library or individual staff receive any advice or support during unification era and subsequent period? For example from: Federal government Y IN Land government Y/N Library Association Y IN German Library Institute Y/N Working Group of Government and State on Library Affairs Y /N State Library Office Y IN German Research Council Y IN Science Council Y I N Public library in the FRG Y/N a. If Yes, please give details.

b. Was this advice/support felt to be beneficial? Y/N Please comment. ______27. Was your library involved in a partnership programme with a library from the Federal Republic of Germany? Y IN If Yes, which one? ______

28. Is this programme still continuing? YIN a. If No, why not? Please comment.

b. If Yes, was this programme useful? Please comment.

29. Was your library threatened with closure? YIN If Yes, how did you ensure the survival of your library?

30. Were there any libraries in your area that were threatened with closure? Y IN If Yes, please comment.

31. Were any libraries in your area merged with other libraries? YIN If Yes, please comment.

Section F : Additional Comments 32. Do you feel any positive aspects of librarianship of the former G.D.R. are lacking in the changed system of librarianship since unification? Y IN 33.If you would like to provide further comments on the above issues, please feel free to outline them below.

Thank you for your time in completing this questionnaire- your assistance is greatly appreciated. Please return in the envelope provided to:- Kirsty A. Brown, Department of Information and Library Studies, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leics., L£11 3TU, England. or fax: 0044-509-223053 by 25th. July 1994. Appendix Two

Glossary of Terms Glossary

(A.) (B.) Bezirk(e) Administrative district. The GDR was split into 15 'Bezirke'. In the FRG Bezirke form the second tier of administrative organization.

Biicherhal/e Bewegung 'Bookhall movement' of the early twentieth century to establish libraries for public use.

Bund German federal government. Bundeslander(n) German federal state(s) Bzmdesrepublik Deutschland (BRD) Federal Republic of Germany (FRG)

(C.) (D.) Deutsche Bib!iothek German national library in I 991 from the union of the Deutsch Biicherei, Leipzig Deutsche Bib/iothek, Frankfurt am Main Deutsche Musikarchiv, W. Berlin Deutsche Bibliotheksverband Library Association of the GDR Deutsche Bib!iotheksverband (DB V) Umbrella organization oflibrary associations in the FRG

Deutsche Kulturbund 'German Culture Society', a mass organization of the GDR Deutschen Demokratischen Republik (DDR) German Democratic Republic (GDR) Deutsche Bibliotheksinstitut (DB!) German Library Institute of the FRG

Deutsche Staatsbibliothek Part of the national library of the GDR in East Berlin. Formed out of the division of the PreujJischer Staatsbibliothek (P.) PreujJischer Staatsbibliothek Prussian State Library. Divided during the war, to form Deutsche Staatsbibliothek E. Berlin Staatsbibliothek PreujJischer Kulturbesitz W.Berlin (Q.)

(R.) Richtungssstreit Controversy in the early twentieth century over the direction the newly founded public libraries should follow

(S.) Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands (SED) Social Unity Party. Communist party of the GDR Staatsbibliothek PreujJischer Kulturbesitz The western part of the Prussian State Library collection

Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin Re-united collections of the Prussian State Library. Staatliche Biicherei Stelle(n) See Fachstelle(n) Stasi Popular name for the Ministerium fiir Staatssicherheit

(T.) Tag der Deutschen Einheit Public holiday on the 3. October on the 'Day of German Unity'

(U.)

(V.) Verein der Bibliothekare an Offentlichen Bibliotheken (VBB) Library Association for qualified public librarians Verordnung iiber die Aujgaben 'Statute on the Functions of the Library System' des Bibliothekssystems (BVO) SED Party Resolution amounting to legal regulation of the library service

Volkskammer Peoples Parliament of the GDR. Controlled by the SED

(W.) die Wende also die Wiedervereiningung German unification Wessi Derogatory term for West Germans used by East Germans after unification (E.) Einkaufszentrale fiir 0./fentliche Bibliotheken (EKZ) Supply Centre for Public Libraries

(F.) Fachstelle(n) State Library Office Also Staatliche Biicherei Stelle(n) (G.) Gastarbeiter 'Guest Worker' term given to foreign workers in Germany, usually from Turkey

Gemeinde(n) Smallest administrative division Giftschrank 'Poison cupboard'. Found in GDR libraries for the deposit of items banned by the Party

GrojJkreis Further administrative reforms planned for the re­ structuring of German local authorities

Gnmdgesetz Constitution or 'Basic Law' of the FRG

(H.), (I.), (J.), (K.),

(L.) Land(Ltinder) Individual Federal states of the FRG Landkreis Third tier of administrative organization of the FRG

(M) Methodisches Zenlntm (MZ) Methodological Centre for academic and scientific libraries

Ministerium fiir Staatssicherheit Ministry for State Security, the secret police of the GDR

(N.) Neuen Bundesltindem Five 'new' federal states created m the former GDR after unification

(0.) Ossi Derogatory name for the people of Eastern Germany used by West Germans after unification. (XYZ.) Zentra/Jnstitut fiir Bib/iothekswesen (ZJB) Central Institute for Librarianship in the GDR Zentral Kommitee Central Committee of the SED. Centre of power in the GDR