An overview of some libraries and their computer systems in the Czech Republic and Slovenia: a visitor’s impressions

Before running workshops on electronic library developments in the Czech Republic and Slovenia in 1996 and 1997, visits were made to several libraries in order to become aware of current developments. In the Czech Republic the ALEPH system is being used by the National Library whilst the TINlib system is used in many other libraries including those visited at the Parliament and at the University of Economics in Prague. A Czech system was being implemented at the state research library at Kladno that was also visited. In contrast, a centralised system, COBISS, was used in all the libraries visited in Slovenia; these included the National and University Library, Maribor Public Library, Maribor University Library and the Central Technological Library. The Internet is widely used in libraries in both countries. The paper provides descriptions of the libraries visited and their use of electronic library systems, along with brief details of material covered in the workshops.