Vilnius University Library
3 Universiteto, LT-01513 Vilnius
Director General – Irena Krivienė
Tel. 268 71 02, fax 268 71 04
E-mail
Director for Information, Research and Cultural Activities – Dr. Marija Prokopčik
Tel. 268 71 01, fax 268 71 04
E-mail
Director for Innovation and Infrastructure Development – Dr. Jūratė Kuprienė
Tel. 219 50 90, fax 219 50 80
E-mail
The Library of Vilnius University is the oldest institutional library in Lithuania and one of the oldest in Eastern Europe. It dates back to 1570, when the Jesuit College and the Library were founded. The College of Vilnius was transformed into the university in 1579, and its Library became the University’s Library.
In February of 2013, a new building of the Library was opened: the Scholarly Communication and Information Centre (SCIC). It became a new reference point in the Library’s history, since it manages to evenly actualize its tasks for two integral information centres.
The Library collection contains 5 492 million items. There are 307 688 manuscripts and documents in various languages, dating from the 13th century up to the present.
The Library is also famous for its collection of rare manuscripts and prints, which consists of 166 455 ancient and rare volumes of the 15th–20 th centuries.
A collection of 93 003 original graphic prints is the oldest collection of this kind in Lithuania. It includes collections of old (17th–the beginning of the 20th century, about 10 000 items) and modern graphic prints.
Since 1965, the Library has been a depository of the United Nations. We receive publications of the General Assembly of the UN and other subdivisions of the following organizations: UNESCO, WHO, IAEA, FAO, ILO, UNIDO, IMF, and ICJ.
The Library is a member of three international organizations: Bibliotheca Baltica, Consortium of European Research Library (CERL), and Association of European Research Libraries (LIBER), as well as Academic Libraries Association of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Research Library Consortium and Confederation of Open Access Repositories (COAR).
In 1998, the Library started digitization of rare and unique documents from its stacks. Scholars, researchers and other people concerned can study manuscript court books of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, collection of parchments via the internet cartography collection (16th–20th c.) of the priest V. Mincevičius, portraits of Radziwill family produced by the portrait engraver Herszek Leibowicz, archives of Radziwill and Sapiega families, collection of autographs of various outstanding persons, kings and noblemen as well as the first Lithuanian book Katekizmas written by Martynas Mažvydas.
The Library participates in the international project of the digitized manuscript cultural heritage Manuscriptorium. The Library is a member of the international project World Digital Library since 2009. In 2011, the Library became a partner inDigital Curator Vocational Education Europe (DigCurV) project, which is a multilateral network, funded under the European Commission’sLeonardo da Vinci Programme. Since 2012, the Library leads the scientific research project Digitization of GDL Court Books, Held in Vilnius University Library, and Creation of Script Data Base, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania. The Library is involved in an exchange of publications with 114 foreign libraries and academic institutions in various countries.
The Library provides services to around 31 860 users.
In 2013, Library users could search for information in 56 subscribed databases (e.g. Web of Science, Science Direct (SciVerse),Springer LINK, Wiley Online Library, JSTOR, Emerald Management eJournals Collection, EBSCO Publishing,IEEE Xplore Digital Library, Passport, American Institute of Physics (AIP) Journals, American Physical Society (APS) Journals, Sage Journals, Annual Reviews, etc.).
Users of Vilnius University Library can develop their information literacy skills using Information Literacy Website since 2009. Work to generate a united and systematic information literacy skills’ upbringing program at the University was continued in 2013. Academic course, which was taught for the Philosophy Faculty students, became an example on how productively and effectively students’ information skills could be cultivated.
Opening of SCIC conceptually changed the community character of University information surroundings: another stage of integration of the faculty libraries was finished: forming two information centres, both linked by united management, administration, and maintenance systems. Information sources and the Library’s maintenance systems for the users of the Library are available 24/7 for the first time in the University’s history. The quantity of publications in the open funds is the biggest in Lithuania, and entirely comfortable as well as technologically progressive study places were created for the Library users.
Reconstruction made in the Central Library allowed free access to all the Library’s facilities for the disabled visitors: a hoist was constructed on the staircase of the Library. In the Central Library and SCIC one can find adjustable study places. SCIC purchased soft- and hard ware for the blind and partially sighted visitors.
In 2013, the open funds in the Library’s reading rooms expanded, currently including more than 400 000 publications. Reading rooms have 1,528 work and study spaces, 285 of them are equipped with computers.
Vilnius University community members have an opportunity to use 3 group-work rooms in the Central Library and 5 in SCIC. In one year these rooms were booked for 7110 hours. 8 IT laboratories in SCIC were booked for 3498 hours.
SCIC has 34 individual work rooms, Central Library – 60. All these study places were booked all the time.
Wireless network and Eduroam are freely available in both Library buildings. Spaces of Vilnius University Library have been created with regard to the wishes of readers: those who need quiet place can work in the reading room, the ones willing to discuss certain issues with colleagues can use a place designated for informal communication equipped with settees and tea-tables. SCIC organized a Leisure Reading Room with various literature and board games for the musing and cognitive leisure. SCIC also took concern for the studying parents designing a special space, where they can study in the Library with their small children.
In 2013, the publishing activities of the Library were developed in the following directions: research of printed heritage, personal bibliographic indices, and information publications about the Library. Members of the Library staff published 5 books and 65 articles in various editions.
Three members of VU Library staff were granted a doctoral degree in 2013: Inga Liepaitė for dissertationExpression of ideas and existence of the Lithuanian bibliophilia in the Soviet period; Vincas Grigas for dissertationLibrarian-educator training model in the learning society; Simona Petraitytė for dissertation Framing of the roles of academic libraries in Lithuania (discourse analysis).
Image development is an important part of the activity of each institution. The Library pays special attention to the formation and strengthening of internal and external communication, quick and comfortable provision of information to its clients. In pursuance of this aim, the main means are the Library 2.0 tools and social networking. The number of VU Library social network users has considerably improved both in quantity and quality. “Facebook” was the most successful tool of communication. In comparison with 2012, in 2013 a number of Library’s Facebook profile followers more than doubled. In September the Library’s website underwent a complete reconstruction: its structure, design and content were re-developed. At present, the website is more convenient, user-friendly and accessible via mobile devices. The Library organized and promoted international seminars, exhibitions, its staff had a possibility to attend thematic seminars on the most relevant topics.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania chose the SCIC as the venue for the closing event of Lithuania’s Presidency of the EU Council, which took place on 30th December. More than 400 representatives in the fields of Lithuanian culture, education and politics participated in the event.
On 13th–16th October the annual conference of ICOLC (International Coalition of Library Consortia) for 2013 took place at VU Library, for the first time in Lithuania. It was held by the Lithuanian Research Library Consortium in cooperation with VU Library. The event was attended by 70 participants from various countries.
In 2013, the staff of VU Library organized 736 guided tours in 6 languages, which were attended by 12,083 persons from 33 countries.
Main publications:
S. Misiūnienė, N. Radavičienė. Romano Plečkaičio paminėjimas // Problemos / Vilniaus universitetas. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2013, t. 84, p. 206-209.
T. Čelkis, V. Karpova. Bažnytinės žemėvaldos pavyzdys: trys vienos teritorijos XVII-XIX amžiaus planai // Lietuvos istorijos studijos /Vilniaus universitetas. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2013, t. 32, p. 159-172.
M. Prokopčik, T. Timčenko. Vilniaus universiteto bibliotekoje saugomų LDK teismų knygų skaitmeninimas: nuo atvaizdų gamybos iki tyrimų bazės // Knygotyra / Vilniaus universitetas. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2013, t. 61, p. 278-298.
M. Prokopčik, I. Fedorovič, R. Šalna, N. Giniotienė, A. Dzisevič, L. Aškelovič. Adomo Mickevičiaus poemos "Gražina" interpretacijos XXI amžiuje = Interpretacje poematu Adama Mickiewicza "Grazyna" w XXI wieku : tarptautinės konferencijos medžiaga / sudarytojai: Marija Prokopčik, Irena Fedorovič, Rimantas Šalna; redaktoriai: Nijolė Giniotienė, Rimantas Šalna, Irena Fedorovič, Alicija Dzisevič, Leokadija Aškelovič; vertėjai: Irena Fedorovič, Rimantas Šalna, Alicija Dzisevič, Leokadija Aškelovič // Vilnius : Vilniaus universitetas, 2013. 62 p.
MAIN PUBLICATIONS
Books
1. Stundžia, B.: bibliografijos rodyklė (1974–2012) / Vilniaus universitetas. Baltistikos katedra, Vilniaus universiteto biblioteka; [compiled by Peciulkienė, S., Kivilšienė, R., Zvėgienė, J.; ed. Urbonavičienė, E., Peciulkienė, S.; spec. ed and author of introductory article Vytautas Rinkevičius]. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2013, 124 p.
2. Vilniaus universiteto bibliotekos kirilikos leidinių kolekcija: 1525–1839: katalogas / Vilniaus universitetas, Vilniaus universiteto biblioteka. Mokslinių tyrimų ir paveldo rinkinių centras; compiled by Kažuro, I.; [consultant Rankelienė, S.; translation by Gudavičienė, K., Lavrinec, L.; vocabulary by Račius, V.; cirilic texts by Trapnauskaitė, I.; photos by Malaiška, R.]. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2013, 472 p.: iliustr., faks. – Indices: p. 413–457. – Annexes: p. 458–467. – Bažnytinių knygų aiškinamasis žodynėlis: p. 468–469. – (Fontes et studia historiae Universitatis Vilnensis).
Scientific publications, dissertation synopses
3. Grigas, V. Bibliotekininko vaidmuo informacinio raštingumo ugdymo kontekste. Lent. – Santr. angl. – Bibliogr.: [70] pavad. // Bibliografija 2010–2011 : mokslo darbai.. Vilnius, 2013, 68–79.
4. Grigas, V. Sistemų teorijos taikymas kuriant bibliotekininko edukatoriaus ugdymo koncepcinį modelį, taikomą profesionalius bibliotekininkus rengiančioje studijų programoje. Santr. angl. Bibliogr.: [19] pavad. // Tiltai. 2013, Nr. 3, 165–190.
Internet access at: http://www.ku.lt/leidykla/files/2012/09/Tiltai_2013_3.pdf
5. Grigonis, E. Из истории возвращения книжных коллекций. Rus. – Santr. angl. – Bibliogr.: 2 pavad. // Здабыткi: дакументальныя помнiкi на Беларусi / Нацыянальная бiблiятэка Беларусi. 2013, vol. 15, 150–156.
6. Liepaitė, I. Lietuvos bibliofilija sovietmečiu: istoriografinis aspektas. Santr. angl. Bibliogr.: 47 pavad. // Knygotyra. vol. 60 (2013), 147–161.
Internet access at: http://www.vu.lt/leidyba//dokumentai/zurnalai/K%20N%20Y%20G%20O%20T%20Y%20RA/Knygotyra%202013%20-%2060/147-161.pdf
7. Prokopčik, M. Akademinių bibliotekų veiklos vertinimas kaip kokybinių pokyčių valdymo priemonė: informacijos išteklių vertinimo bandymas Vilniaus universiteto bibliotekoje. Santr. angl. – Bibliogr.: [63] pavad. // Tiltai. Nr. 1 (2013), 87–103.
Internet access at: http://www.ku.lt/leidykla/files/2012/09/TILTAI_2013_01.pdf
8. Prokopčik, M. Managing change in academic library: the case of Vilnius university library = Upravljanje sprememb v visokošolski knjižnici: primer univerzitetne knjižnice v Vilni. Angl. – Bibliogr.: [31] pavad. // Knjižnica : revija za področje bibliotekarstva in informacijcke znanosti = Library : journal of library and information science. Vol. 57 (2013), 2/3, 179–196.
9. Prokopčik, M. Vilniaus universiteto bibliotekoje saugomų LDK teismų knygų skaitmeninimas: nuo atvaizdų gamybos iki tyrimų bazės. Santr. angl. – Bibliogr.: 33 pavad. // Knygotyra, vol. 61 (2013), 278 –298. Internet access at:
10. Timčenko, T. Digitization of the court book collection of Grand Duchy of Lithuania: challenges and decisions. Iliustr. – Angl. – Santr. angl. – Bibliogr.: 14 pavad. // Здабыткi: дакументальныя помнiкi на Беларусi / Нацыянальная бiблiятэка Беларусi. 2013, vol. 15, 22–31.
KiOther publications: articles, reviews, translations
11. Katilienė, I. Išleistas dar vienas Vilniaus universiteto istorijos šaltinis: [apie knygą „Liber extraordinarius provincialis = Ypatingoji provincijolo knyga“]. Iliustr. // Tarp knygų. 2013, Nr. 11, 11–12.
Internet access at: http://www.lnb.lt/leidiniai/spausdinti-leidiniai/tarp-knygu/archyvas
12. Krivienė, I. Biblioteka kaip fizinė erdvė žmonėms vis dar yra reikalinga: [pokalbis su VU bibliotekos generaline direktore]; [kalbėjosi] Vaida Stundytė. Portr. // Apžvalga. 2013, Nr. 5, 10–15.
Internet access at: http://apzvalga.eu/irena-kriviene-biblioteka-kaip-fizin-e-erdve-zmonems-vis-dar-yra-reikalinga.html
13. Krivienė, I. Moderni biblioteka – pažangaus universiteto veidas. Iliustr. // Spectrum. 2013, Nr. 1 (18), 4–5.
Internet access at: http://naujienos.vu.lt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Spectrum18.pdf
14. Krivienė, I. VUB Nacionalinis atviros prieigos mokslinės komunikacijos ir informacijos centras. Iliustr. // Tarp knygų. 2013, Nr. 3, 9–11.
Internet access at: http://www.lnb.lt/leidiniai/spausdinti-leidiniai/tarp-knygu/archyvas
15. Misiūnienė, S. LMA nariui Romanui Plečkaičiui būtų 80. Portr. // Lietuvos mokslų akademijos žinios. 2013, Nr. 4, 10–11.
Internet access at: http://lma.lt/media/k2/attachments/LMA_zinios_2013_nr_4.pdf
16. Misiūnienė, S. Romano Plečkaičio paminėjimas. Problemos. Vol. 84 (2013), 206–209.
Internet access at: http://www.vu.lt/leidyba//dokumentai/zurnalai/PROBLEMOS/Problemos%202013%2084/206-209.pdf
17. Rėza, M. L. Trumpas Augsburgo išpažinimo istorijos Prūsijoje išdėstymas; trans. Form Latin by Klingaitė-Dasevičienė, N., trans. from German by Citavičiūtė, L. Bibliogr. išnašose: 26 pavad. // Raštai / Martynas Liudvikas Rėza; compiled by Citavičiūtė, L.Vilnius, 2013. Vol. 2: Religijotyra: traktatai: krikščionybės istorija Lietuvoje ir Prūsijoje, 151–160.
18. Varnauskienė, E. MKIC – viskas lankytojams. Iliustr. // Tarp knygų. 2013, Nr. 3, 12–14.
Internet access at: http://www.lnb.lt/leidiniai/spausdinti-leidiniai/tarp-knygu/archyvas