AZ ORSZÁGOS SZÉCHÉNYI KÖNYVTÁR ÉVKÖNYVE 1963-1964. Budapest (1966)

I. A könyvtár életéből - Gombocz István: Unesco egyezmények a nemzetközi kiadványcsere szabályozására - The new Unesco Conventions concerning the international exchange of publications

their willingness" to exchange their publications. As a new element it was also added: on a reciprocal basis. Thus the main deficiences of the Brussels system were avoided, States may choose their exchange partners freely and they themselves may define which of their official publications are suitable for exchanges. Reciprocity, which was accepted on the suggestion of the United States against some other opinions might ensure a healthy equilibrum. The expert meeting was unable to give an exact definition of the official publications, the list in the Conventions should therefore be regarded of explanatory character but will no doubt facilitate the drawing of lists by the individual countries. Unfortunately the rather confusing words of the Brussels Convention „by the order and at the expense of any national governmental authority" were also kept in the new texts. The bilateral agreements might be useful for States which need a more formal process to implement the convention. „The national exchange authorities shall carry out the exchange of official publications", their role is thus much more important as in the general convention. The convention obliges the States to give their centers the necessary power, materials and financial means which is a very important new achievement of the Unesco convention. Common articles of both conventions Important advantages of the new conventions appear in the articles of identical wording, according to which the States are obliged to ensure for the exchange authorities the most favourable rates and transport facilities, exemption form customs duties. However, it is not clear, whether these benefits are ensured only to exchange „authorities" or to all exchange partners. Overall development of exchanges might be expected by virtue of the paragraphs which ensure Unesco's contribution in the coordination and assistance in exchange activities. Accession by non member States is bound to the invitation of the Executive Board, in spite of the protest of some States. Steps to be taken by Hungary Hungarian libraries and scientific institutions have broadly developed exchanges with foreign countries, although proportions are not always well divided between scientific branches. The ministerial decree of 1960 regulating foreign exchanges dealt already with most of the points now covered by the new conventions and thus represent a good and early achievement regarding exchanges, some of their points should however be modified in the light of the new conventions. Permissions should be allocated in shorter time, the list of the Hungarian official publications should be drawn up and the Hungarian exchange center should receive the necessary help and powers mentioned in the new conventions. Generally speaking the new Conventions might have good results in developing the international exchange of publications all over the world provided a high number of States will adhere to them and those adhering will duly carry out their contents. 54