Description
The National Library of the Czech Republic holds the leading position in the system of Czech public libraries. It manages and makes accessible almost 7 million documents with an annual increase of 70,000 books. In the past, the National Library served as a central institution for deposition of many book collections from various sources (closed memory institutions, abolished church orders, confiscated property seized during the Second World War, etc.). Most of the deposited funds have never been duly processed and the accurate content is still unknown. The objective of the project is to preserve Czech cultural written heritage by rediscovering of the deposited documents which might be the only proof of existence of their original owners (physical persons, associations) who ceased to exist during the war-time events. Furthermore, they accurately illustrate violent transfers of the European cultural heritage and the manner in which the post-war state administration tried to cope with these remnants of Third Reich. This project intends to map 12 000 documents, create basic records and their description and make them accessible to both general and professional public and to other memory institutions via newly created web portal. The project deals with the documents themselves (mapping their number, recording, safe storing) and their presentation (virtual and physical exhibitions in the end of the project, specialized workshops and seminars), but also with their historical context. A thorough archive survey will be carried out. The research will provide universities and research centers new information sources. Valuable experience will be shared with Norwegian foundation Stiftelsen Arkivet, experienced in presentation of the war-time period to similar audience. Apart from providing contacts on Norwegian experts and promotion of the project, the foundation will organize an international workshop in Norway about the deposited documentation and relics during the war.
Summary of project results
Hundreds of thousands of books ended up in the Czech Republic after they were confiscated and dispossessed during World War II. Originally, such books were kept at libraries of different institutions, unions or private owners. The main objective of the project carried out by the Czech National Library was to document a collection of dispossessed books brought to the Czech territory during World War II or in the years immediately after, stored in the reserve collections of the National Library, catalogue the books in accordance with applicable standards and to store them safely. One of the first project´s tasks was to map and catalogue the collection and to make it accessible to library patrons. Twelve thousand volumes were selected to be provided with basic evidence and description in order to make them accessible to both professionals and memory institutions. The collection became a subject of research and subsequent exhibitions. Archival and historical research was conducted that included also clarification of the legal framework related to the selected books. At the same time, the researchers were also interested in the broader historical context of the books including the reconstructions of stories of original owners. The key findings have been presented to the public through the monograph and exhibitions. In collaboration with the Norwegian institution Stiftelsen Arkivet, the online digital exhibition has been created. Physical exhibitions were held in the Czech Republic and in Norway. They conclude the project, featured the history of reserve collections and presented often complicated and long story of the documents. Lectures on the project implementation, its findings, techniques and research methods were provided to university students.
Summary of bilateral results
Stiftelsen Arkivet has contributed significantly with research, educational and information activities, organizing exhibitions and workshops within the project. The mutual cooperation was oriented on acquiring and exchanging knowledge about historical reflection and history retelling by different theoretical and methodological points of view and by applying an interdisciplinary perspective. Cooperation of the National Library and Stiftelsen Arkivet has been further developed in follow-up bilateral initiatives. Research of provenance signs was conducted, including the selection of twenty owners from the extensive database of booklets and stamps for deeper research. Subsequently, education programme has been created, dealing with the perception of the books and their fate in relation to matters of WW II. Key findings from previous research have been processed and modern interactive tools applied in order to disseminate the results to target groups including researchers and students clearly, by visual demonstration and in a broader context.