In Ústí nad Labem, the second scientific library began operating at the end of January

Ústí nad Labem, February 10 (ČTK) - A second scientific library has started functioning in Ústí nad Labem at the end of January. The North Bohemian Scientific Library (SČVK), which is older than both institutions, is not pleased that both institutions have similar names. Its management is concerned that this may cause confusion, for example when returning borrowed books. This was stated by the director of SČVK, Aleš Brožek.
The Scientific Library UJEP opened on January 28 on the campus of Jan Evangelista Purkyně University (UJEP). Its director is the brother of the head of SČVK, Ivo Brožek. It had been in a trial phase so far and will start functioning fully on Monday, February 11, when the summer semester begins at the university. "We are not glad. We are somewhat hurt that when the rector spoke about the university’s successes, he said that there would finally be a proper scientific library in Ústí. This stung us a bit, as he presumably does not visit our library and cannot compare. As for professional publications from foreign databases, we are comparable to faculty libraries. On the other hand, I am also glad that there is a certain competition," said Aleš Brožek.
So far, there have been no serious complications during the brief overlap in the operations of both libraries. "It is still early to evaluate it. So far, there has been one delivery from interlibrary loan services that was meant for them (Scientific Library UJEP). We sent it to the correct place and emphasized that we are two different libraries," said Aleš Brožek.
The university does not share his concern that similar names of libraries will lead to confusion and complications. "The name of the university library, Scientific Library UJEP, is directly related to the university and corresponds to its profile," responded the director of the Scientific Library UJEP, Ivo Brožek. Its building was constructed on the university campus from June 2011 to last August. The designer of the building was the firm SIAL architects and engineers s.r.o. "The construction costs were approximately 105 million crowns," said Ivo Brožek. The library building is part of the newly constructed Multifunctional Information and Education Center UJEP. The total costs of its construction amounted to 300 million crowns.
The university library has about 4,700 registered readers. However, it is not only for UJEP students and teachers; anyone can become a reader. "To register, one must present an identification card and a photo or a Mifare standard chip card with a name and photo issued by another institution, such as the Inkarta of Czech Railways or an ISIC card," said the director.
The word "scientific" has been in the title of SČVK since 1979, when it was named the State Scientific Library of Maxime Gorky. According to its director, SČVK has about 13,000 registered readers. "Considering that Ústí has about 100,000 inhabitants, that is roughly 13 percent. Compared to Liberec, it is less; we are about at the same level as Karlovy Vary. Interest in culture is lower in the basin area, we cannot compare ourselves with Olomouc and other university cities, where this number is significantly higher," stated Aleš Brožek. The library attracts readers with the option to borrow e-book readers and plans to acquire a bibliobox as well. This is a box where readers can return books 24 hours a day. The cost of this device is around 100,000 crowns. "We have submitted a grant application. If it works out, we could obtain the bibliobox during this year," he said.