C. Csapodi, E. Moravek et al.(szerk.): The Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1826–1961.

I. The History and Tasks of the Library of the Academy of Sciences

(6) As regards periodicals, the field of collecting is, through the exchange of the ACTA published by the Academy, more comprehensive, in the interests of basic research. (7) In certain branches of basic research it provides in advance for the acquisition of basic special liierature from abroad. (8) Of ancient books it acquires chiefly the works important from the point of view of the history of science. As far as manuscripts are concerned, it collects mainly those connected with the Academy: documents on the Academy, dissertations for the degrees of Candidate and Doctor of Sciences. With the funtions and field of collecting mentioned above the Library has adapted itself to the national library system. When required, it also takes part in the work of the international organizations connected with its character (UNESCO, ASLIB, FID). At present the Library's stock includes about 870 000 items of which some 200 000 are manuscripts. The annual accession generally comprises 16 000 volumes. Ovei and above these figures, the significance of the Library and the value of its collections lie in the fact that, as the library of the Academy, it is an important institution of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences which direct the scientific life of the whole country and in that, as a general large research library, it collects exclusively scientific material. The Library is under the immediate supervision of the President of the Academy. In agreement with him, the Minister of Education exercises professional control over it. The increased new tasks have made it necessary to organize further departments and divisions to develop a more satisfactory system of library managements, to increase considerably the staff and to ensure adequate financial funds as well as space. (As regards the latter, the Library has in spite of t he new establishments, not been able in every respect to keep pace with the requirements posed by its rapid development.) The Library consists of the following units: (1) Management (and Finance Office) (2) Acquisition Department 14