CULTURE, BOOKS, SOCIETY: EUROPEANISM AND EUROPEANIZATION
Volume I (1996)
Contents
Studies
Andrei MARGA
Abstract
Europeanisation is a current challenge for all universities nowadays. Thanks to the contribution of the leaders of the European Union, the procedure of universities Europeanisation has been settled. The needs of professions' "common market", increased mobility and connections between National, European and global commitments of universities have been the primary issues. Romanian universities are undergoing at present an ambiguous process of reformation. The "Babes - Bolyai" University in Cluj, one of the most dynamic universities in Romania, has initiated its project: Institutional Development of the University according to these ideals of Europeanisation.
Adrian MARINO
Abstract
The whole modern Romanian culture is characterised by the conflict between Western "forms" and traditional foundations. Are the Europeanisation and personalization of Romanian culture mutually exclusive realities? Can they not in fact cooperate through proper creative solutions? The answer is positive, but the process of co-operation means that many obstacles must be overcome.
Vasile MUSCĂ
Abstract
The poet and philosopher Lucian Blaga is known and acknowledged in Romanian culture as the most profound and creative theorist of "Romanian national specificity". Far from being confined to this aspect, his creativity is an outstanding and original contribution not only to the philosophy of culture and to metaphysics but also to the philosophy of history. The present study outlines the works of this interesting and complex spiritual figure.
Vasile FRĂTEANU
Abstract
The study analyses the philosophical conception of Lucian Blaga, one of the most important Romanian thinkers of this century. The metaphysical philosophy of Blaga is considered to be part of the great trend of ontological - theological thinking, a trend that has come once again to the forefront of philosophical debates in the latter years. The Blagian philosophy has at its core the concept of the supreme being, of God. Unlike the ontological "metaphysics" of Husserl and Heidegger which introduce the concept of transcendence in immanence (in the contents of the human being itself), the metaphysics of Blaga is based on the concept of a transcendence that radically differs from immanence and is realised as such.
Klára JAKÓ
Abstract
The foundation of Báthory University in Cluj represents the efforts of this region to come abreast with Western culture and civilisation. However, the University library does not illustrate only the history of the institution. Its extant collections have outlived the university itself and consequently are precious relics of Transylvanian book - culture in present times also.
Cornelia GĂLĂTESCU
Abstract
The famous historian, researcher and university Professor, Ioachim Crãciun was the founder of the bibliological school in Cluj as well as the initiator of bibliological education.
The results of his activity are manifold: a whole array of specialists and competent librarians have emerged. A large amount of bibliographical works and catalogues have been published and various information tools have been created. In addition, the College of Librarianship with a 3 year course was founded in 1995 at Cluj. The current publications of the Bibliotheca bibliologica series (first published in 1944) as well as the commemorative publication, Philobiblon (published in 1995, at the 75th anniversary of the University Library) reflect the significant importance in bibliological research, which is still going on in Cluj.
Sally WOOD-LAMONT
Abstract
This article relates the experiences of a Scottish Librarian working in Romania for the past three years as a Library Consultant at the Central Library of the University of Medicine & Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. A summary of the work achieved in the automation of the library is given. The problems of overcoming negative working attitudes in workplaces are reviewed during the initiation of a sweeping program of change. Dilemmas of how to transform old mentalities and how to promote initiative and motivation are related. Even offering contemporary Courses in Librarianship round the country, though oversubscribed, fail to be an overwhelming success as new ideas taken back to the
libraries are received often with cynicism and lack of enthusiasm and cooperation. The rather pessimistic conclusion is that unless a radical reform of working practices is considered a priority in Romania, there will be little change in the future.
Ioana ROBU, Ana-Maria CĂPÂLNEANU, Ana TODEREAN
Abstract
The article presents and analyzes the support programs for Romanian libraries and library science developed by the Soros Foundation for an Open Society. In the context of extremely low budgets for libraries the only solution is to turn to other sources, foundations or other non-government organizations. This not an uncommon practice in the more developed libraries in the West.
After a general presentation of the mechanisms of management of the Soros Foundation programs, namely how they developed, who is responsible for the strategy and approvals of applications, the three main programs are described in turn: (1) Support for books and current serials acquisition; (2) Support for inter-library telecommunication and automation of libraries; (3) Support for Training in Librarianship and Library Higher Education. Descriptions include the content of the programs as well as precise details regarding the money allocated. They also attempt to analyze the strong and weak
points of each, based mainly on the impact of the programs in the library community and society in general.
