Libraries of Russia: Moscow authorities implement the project on upgrading of capital libraries

June 9, 2012, in the framework of the 7th Moscow Book Festival, was presented the concept of the project "Open Library", the main idea of which is to make the libraries of Moscow more attractive, having created on their basis full-fledged cultural centers. Head of the Department of Culture of Moscow, Sergei Kapkov said at the presentation of the project, that already in a year the capital's residents will see the results of its implementation.

"Our purpose is to open the library for people, to create new centers that form the meanings and the atmosphere of the city, to create a discussion platform. We want libraries to become the city drawing-rooms", said S. Kapkov.

Beforehand the Department of Culture in Moscow, with the participation of the publisher Boris Kupriyanov and architect Alexander Sverdlov, conducted a study on the current state of the capital's libraries. The study, involving 133 libraries, has affected problems as of both the depositories and their potential visitors.

According to Boris Kupriyanov, participants of the study were trying to determine what difficulties appear at a person, who comes into the library and tries to take there a book. "In 90 percent of cases a person without a residence permit cannot use the library. In 30 percent of the cases it was denied, if you are registered in another district. In 60 percent it caused difficulties if you live in another residence area. Children over 14 years cannot use the children’s library. And the adult’s one under 14. As a fact, the electronic catalog is in 50 per cent of libraries, but it is not complete"-, Kupriyanov gave a brief summary of the study.

Besides, Sergey Kapkovy announced the idea of ​​turning small libraries, not being in demand among the citizens, to a kind of "intelligence centers, where you can get advice on different issues, or browse e-books, surf the Internet".

It is known that the launch of a similar project on improving the image of the city libraries was recently announced in St. Petersburg.