I968-I969

The deep impact on Czechoslovak librarianship of rapid changes in the country in the last three years. The more open expression of professional opinion led to calls for reform in government policy and control, access to stock, improved central services and better financial provision. Some progress was achieved, and independent librarians ’ associations founded. The invasion of August 1968 revealed a profound awareness of national identity and professional tradition. The desire remains to preserve continuity with the past while pressing for reforms in library administration and services, but some such efforts are now being frustrated. THE NATIONAL SITUATION Within the last three years Czechoslovakia’s national life has undergone a series of changes unparalleled in Europe since 1945 in their rapid succession, their varied directions and-arguably-the depth and complexity of their impact on the individual citizen. The major political events of the period are inevitably the highlights of any history: Mr. Dub~ek’s election as first secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist Party on 5th January 1968; publication of th