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A HANDFUL OF DATES FROM THE PAST
This page was created in 1995,
the year of 50th anniversary
of the Library. It is being continued in the unchanged shape. Every passing
day, week, month adds new
chapters to our history ...
Fifty years of the Main Library at the Technical University have already been a large part of the history, and here it is how it began:
The library was created in a year ... remote? and is ... how many years old? We are not quite sure whether it would be correct to mention the accurate date - that any woman hides so well - in spite of its informational mission (and duty). Let's say vaguely that it has accompanied the Alma Mater since the year of its foundation, and it took place in l945.

Let's add that no rich sponsor offered the library  a wonderful collection as a birthday present. We must mention the fact, however, that by offering valuable gifts many private donors, institutions both in Poland and abroad and  publishing houses, have laid the foundation for the collection - stored in two rooms by four people and far from the University buildings.

And yet, contrary to all foul winds and post-war gales, the library kept on growing! It kept on moving closer and closer to the University, its organization developed, the premises enlarged, the collection increased, it also gained a better equipment.

This is how it began:
BG_photo
(foto taken about 1970)

And this is how it developed:

1945
The very beginning of the library life
under the affectionate care of The Library Commission.
The collection in total: 930 volumes.
1948
The things have been put straight!
The first set of rules and regulations
of the Main Library of the Technical University was drawn up.
Life has been made easier for some of the users due to the opening of
  the Chemistry Library at the Faculty of Chemistry.
The collection in totall: 10.806 volumes.
1945 - 1950
Formal period of vacancy in the management - no director
- in other words life in the library is supervised by the  Library Commission.
Institute libraries are founded.
1950
We have the boss!
Since the 1st September the director has been Stanislaw Pelinski, Ph.D.
1954
The  Chemistry Library joins the Main Library
as the Chemistry Reading Room.
1956
Hurrah! Full-time library service posts have been introduced!
We are not who-knows-what-kind-of staff any longer, but we are the LIBRARIANS !
It seems all right - but what will the descendants say?
!!! The Director of the Library - in the University Senate !!!
It has finally been noticed that we work in four divisions,
and such a structure of the Library has been confirmed.
1950 - 1957
Rapid development of the collections.
1957
31 December 1957 :
 There are  72 Institute Libraries in the Technical University ,
and the total  collection   in the university library network:
36.116 vol. and other library items.
1958
The library has been moved to new,
"temporary" premises in the Textile Faculty building.
"Temporary" must be understood as "for ever" (up till now, at any rate).
What about the DIRECTOR ? His voice is decisive in the Senate!
1958-1962
Formal period of vacancy in the management again!
However, somebody must be in charge. The library is  successfully run
by Mrs Zofia Sokolowska , and later by Mrs Irena Augustyniakowa.
The total collection in the library network: 226.635 vol. and other library items.
1963
There is a director again -Jan Walewski, M.A. - a lawyer.
His term of office brought a beginning of the collection of standards and patents,
intensified  selection of the collection, started  documentation
of  scientific, research and published work, and made the library join
the educational activity at the University.
1963 - 1973
The Library is growing in force.
There are 8 divisions and the library is developing its
reference and information activity.
1973
There are 45 librarians.
Mrs Jadwiga Przygocka, Ph. D. has been  a director since the31st December 1973.
Her term of office denotes the years of regular trend to strengthen the position of the library
both in the University and beyond it, and it is also the period of further intensive development.
The years of work headed by dr J. Przygocka brought about visible improvement in working
conditions and  use of  the collection, the development of research and educational activity ,
a beginning of  the library computerization and enabled off-line access to foreign data bases.

1975, 1976, 1981
There is no room in the "temporary" premises at the Technical University.
The collection concerning the civil engineering, food chemistry
and electrical engineering can be accessed in the branch libraries
at the respective faculties. So the branch libraries of Civil Engineering
and Architecture, Food Chemistry and Electrical Engineering Faculties are founded.

1984
We celebrate the 40th birthday
The 40th Anniversary Session takes place in Lodz-Konopnica on 13-15 September.
1985
The beginning of the library computerization.
1988
The beginning of "reigns" of the present  library director,
Mrs. Czeslawa Garnysz, M.A.
The first computer edition of  the scientific works published by  our academic staff.
1989
The first microcomputer and Micro CDS/ISIS packet.
BG_photo1
1990
Local area network.
1992
Introduction of  CD-ROM data bases services.
Installation of the LECH BMS system .
1993
A beginning of the computerization of branch libraries.
We introduce  the computer registration  loans system.
1994
We are  connected to the Internet.
A Project of Automation of Academic Libraries in Łódź has been forwarded to  the American
Andrew Mellon Foundation.
1995
The opening of the periodicals new store rooms and reading rooms of back issues.
Preparations for the access to foreign on-line informational service STN International.
The A. Mellon Foundation estimated our project kindly and we were granted financial support.
The University grants us local Ethernet network cabling.
Since November our pages are accessible on the Internet!
Our WWW Home Page is alive and keeps on changing from one hour to the next.
And first "historical" Home Page has been kept as a souvenir.
Since then it has had a few different shapes, one of which we want to save as a remembrance.
1996-1998
Implementing a new library system HORIZON. System installation and exploring
accompanied by a thousand pages of documentation (perhaps more).
Training, training, training... New data format "USMARC"
has imposed the necessity of filling in about 100 fields
in order to make a bibliographical description of one book.
It is still tougher with the periodicals!.
But it is enough for the user to "click" once to know what the library offers.
This is why it is worth doing!


card
The plastic card is in reality even more attractive. On the back side you can find our historical ex libris and full range of the Library addresses.
1998
At the beginning of the academic year 1998/99 The Main Library bid farewell to meritorious library computer system LECH of long standing.
It was a home-made system too weak for the present requirements.
We have been preparing for two years to work with new strong - HORIZON.
It's here, it's working!
The book catalogue is accessible in the Internet.
Excuse its imperfectness. Two years have been a short period, and we have also managed to implement a computer loans registration in this system
(in the testing version since August, in full version since October 1998. As far as we know it gives us a leading position in Poland!.
We also issue modern plastic cards for the user (they even seem to be attractive).
Photos taken in October 1998
The Computer Catalogue (Room 210)
Computer loans in our new system "Horizon"
BG_photo2
BG_photo3

1999
Chemical Abstract Service awarded our Library
with the honour title "CAS Signature Library"
accompanied by the anniversary plaque.
We were entitled to this privilege on the occasion of accumulation
of the complete set of "Chemical Abstracts" as early as 1918.

BG_photo4

2000
SABINA - the System of Automation of Science Library Information
was born! Our readers can access
CD-ROM data bases and other net services
of TU of Lodz Main Library.
In accordance with the rules of licences SABINA
is accessible on the University net only.
2001
Starting from the new academic year our readers
reserve books in computer library system,
by SABINA even remote reservations are accepted!
(You won't see receipt slips any more).


BG_photo0
2002
During summer holidays '2002 we were moving.
After all these years the nice (see to the left), historic(!) and modern equipped, big and comfortable 
MAIN LIBRARY NEW HEADQUARTERS
opened on 23.09.2002. 
The new address is: 
ul. Wólczańska 223; 90-924 Łódź, Poland 
Telephone numbers ad electronic addresses remain the same.
2003
Our readers are already accustomed to the new library address, yet they still can find something new with each visit here. There are now public accessible self-service Xerox copiers in the Reading Rooms, Catalogue Room and Open Access Stacks. The Library have opened Science Book Stack (see photograph on the right) and Periodical Stack for Patrons. The number of computers destined to TU users has considerably increased, they are accessible not only in Computer Workshops but also in the Reading Rooms and Open Stacks.
2003 continuation
At the end of the year, after years of fruitful "reign", and after completing the work of move the Library to the new premises, Ms Czeslawa Garnysz retired, ceding authority to the present Director Mr. Błażej Feret.

 
2004
The event of the 2004 year 
was
The International Conference
"Polish Academic Libraries 
in the European Union"
organized by TU of Lodz Main Library,
held in 
Łódź, Poland,
on June 23-25, 2004.
Active cooperation with NUKAT - The National Union Catalogue - the union catalogue of Polish research libraries that use integrated library systems.
Our library contributed to NUKAT in 2004, since then it is  serving librarians as a source of ready authority and bibliographic records for our local catalogue. As one of contributors we also enhance NUKAT and so help providing readers with information on the documents collected by Polish research libraries.
At the end of 2004 the Library started the long-term project named "Elektroniczne Zasoby Biblioteki Głównej PŁ"["TU of Lodz Main Library Electronic Stock"]. Digitalization of chosen journal titles and chosen lecture courses is meant to preserve the stock and to facilitate access to our users. "Elektroniczne Archiwum Zbiorów Chemicznych BGPŁ" ["Electronic Archive of Chemistry Stock of TU of Lodz Main Library"] is on the Internet , unlimited access. The preparation works to digitalize manuals and lecture courses were undertaken (choice of titles, arrangements with authors) as well as digitalization of some chosen books.
As to nice trifles making life easier, in 2004 we have introduced a new pattern of library card. Its reverse is equipped with a magnetic stripe, after loading it you can pay with such a card for photocopies at self-service machines.
Hall in front of Science Ref. Div., 3rd floor 2005
In 2005 the electronic stock has been moved to dLibra system platform. So now it is accessible at  Biblioteka Cyfrowa Politechniki Łódzkiej (eBiPoL) [Digital Library of Technical University of Lodz].
Wireless Hot@Spot - starting April 2005 in the main building of the Library there is the wireless access point to the Internet. All users coming with their wireless-enabled notebooks (or simply notebooks plus  Wi-Fi card) can immediately access our University net with all data bases and services accessible in TU of Lodz domain.
Starting November 2005 patrons can return books any time, by using the book depositories (book bins), one of them located at the main entrance of the Library.
Reminders by Email - Starting June 2005 patrons are informed by email 8 and 3 days before due date  that they should return books to the library or get an extension.

2006
On the 14th June, 2006 the Senate of Technical University of Lodz has passed The Statute of Technical University of Lodz (in Polish). According to § 32 of the Statute the unit previously named "Biblioteka Główna Politechniki Łódzkiej" = "The Main Library of Technical University of Lodz" is currently named  "Biblioteka Politechniki Łódzkiej" = "The Library of Technical University of Lodz".
zdjęcie z konferencji
2006
Technical University of Lodz Library  organized the second conference
"Libraries of the XXIst century. Will we survive?"
Conference for librarians with participants from abroad
held in 
Łódź, Poland,
on June 19-21, 2006.
 zdjęcie z konferencji
2007
Beginning from April 2007 the Library has got HAN server = Hidden Automatic Navigator that enables remote access to most electronic resources
for TU Faculty, Staff and Students (those who have the valid Library Card).
***
Library Horizon OPAC has a new version WebPac 1.9, upgraded in August, 2007. The new version with new interface
allows remote ordering of books as well as self prolongation.
***
Our new activity - Art Exhibitions! Some photo exhibitions were organized in past years, now we start on regular bases.
In November there was the vernissage of "Caught in he act of reading" photo exhibition that become pretty popular, so the rooms on the first floor gained the name of "Biblio-Art Gallery" and a promise of more exhibitions.

2008
Technical University of Lodz Library  organized the third TULL Conference
"Libraries role in teaching process and in scientific research"
25.06.2008 – 27.06.2008
***
All first year students got  Electronic Student Cards. Some appointed librarians were engaged in producing and printing ESC for the whole University. ESCs have become automatically Library Cards, after registering them by our staff  in the library system "Horizon".
Students do not have to enrol at the library, they are our patrons since the moment of obtaining the Card!
At the same time the way of logging to the system has changed, now we use the Student book/ID no. and the PESEL no.
***
In the Biblio-Art Gallery 5 art exhibitions took place! Additionally  2 exhibitions were organized in the Chemistry Library.
 		2008 Conference

2009
At the beginning of the year the Library received 6 fully equipped computer workstations for disabled
- blind, visually impaired and  physically handicapped persons (Opening...).
All the needful people may use them with no necessity to enrol the Library. We invite you to take advantage of  those computers!
more info...
The book cover ***
In September the book was issued "Biblioteka Politechniki Łódzkiej : ponad 60 lat historii"
[The Technical University of Lodz Library: over 60 years of history]
written by our longstanding director - Czesława Garnysz.
The book is accessible in the Reading Rooms of the Library.
 Author's dedications
***
The Biblio-Art Gallery finished the year with the number of ten organized exhibitions! (You may browse the archival "notes".)

2010
From the beginning of the year the Polish name of  one of our branch libraries was changed by the decision of TUL Authorities.
 "Biblioteka Chemii Spożywczej"  (BCS) was changed into "Biblioteka Biotechnologii i Nauk o Żywności" (BBNŻ)
The name of Food Chemistry Library was changed into Biotechnology and Food Sciences Library.


***
From 15.06.2010 to 17.06.2010 took place the fourth conference of the Library of Technical University of Lodz
"Library in a Crisis or a Crisis in a Library?"
Conference session
***
In September 2010 Computer Workshop, Ground Floor, Room 3 was closed.
Enrolling at the Library takes place in Science Reference Division, 3rd Floor, Room 306,
Our Patrons can use computers in Scientific Computer Workshop, 3rd Floor, Room 306, Reading Rooms, 3rd Floor, Room 307,
Open Access Scientific Book Stack, 2nd Floor, Room 209 and Periodicals Reading Room, Ground Floor, Room 9.
You are invited!
 ***
New area for our readers! Readers' Living Room „Luzik” ("Leeway") - ground floor, room 3.
Place to work and rest, internet access for your notebook (local area network and Wi-Fi), jackets, bags and food allowed!
Open when Library opens: http://bg.p.lodz.pl/agodz.htm
You are invited.
2011
There is Wi-Fi wireless radio access to the Internet in the whole TUL Campus (including the Library building).
Since July 2011 EDUROAM certificate is required, every student gets it from their own University.
http://www.eduroam.org/

Labels
***
The Library has decided about introducing fully open access to the shelves. We are opening book magazines for our readers.
Reorganization will last until fall.
In summer, 4 July - 19 September, there were  no check outs.
Lending Division and all magazines were closed, computer catalogue did not allow ordering books.
Our patrons were patient and understanding.
Whole Library staff took part in reorganization works in the magazines.
 Magazine, Library Staff

Free Access 
***
Open-shelf access started in November, 2011.
Open-shelf access areas:
 Periodicals Reading Room and Magazines (ground floor),  First and Second Floor Open Magazines,  Main Reading Rooms (3rd floor).
Borrowing books ways are different.
When library is open: come to the Library in person, find a book on the shelf (first in the computer catalogue, it helps)
check it using self-checking device or in the Lending Library.
Computer ordering is active from 20.00 to 7.00 on weekdays and on weekends (i.e. only when Library is closed);
ordered books can be picked up when Library is opened .


 SelfcheckFree Access

Wikamp e-learning platform
 ***
Starting from current academic year 2011/12, the library orientation classes, delivered so far as traditional lectures, have changed into e-learning courses,
prepared on Virtual Campus of TUL -WIKAMP site (Moodle platform).
According to the TUL President decision all 1st year, 1st semester student are obliged to take part in the library orientation classes.
Polish students who have completed a course within the time limit will receive an electronic card credit  in Virtual Dean Office System. Foreign students have still orientation classes in the Library (Library tour + lecture + presentation of e-resources). On the basis of attendance list they also will receive an electronic card credit  in Virtual Dean Office System.
2012
As of January 2012 in the readers' Living Room „Luzik” see above>> there are some current titles of Polish newspapers: daily papers "Gazeta Wyborcza", "Express Ilustrowany" and "Przegląd Sportowy", weekly "Angora", monthly "Fokus" and "Zwierciadło".
***
Translation
Return to Home Page of the Library of Technical University of Lodz.

Blazej Feret, Izabela Gajda, Czeslawa Garnysz, Miroslawa Lont, Elzbieta Rozniakowska, Ewa Wozniakowska,
Webmaster: Malgorzata Filipczak; email:webadmin@bg.p.lodz.pl*** last updated  February 3rd, 2012.