The old prints and their circulation

Abstract

The article concerns the circulation of old prints in Polish research libraries. The author refers to her experiences of work in the old prints reading room, the University Library in Wrocław, and to the analysis of circulation in 15 other Polish libraries storing at least 20 000 volumes of old prints. Referring to the results of a questionnaire survey, the she states that the main problem of old prints circulation in Poland is their protection against theft and destruction. Therefore she offers a few postulates concerning indispensable works on Polish old prints collections. She states that: register is required and systematic microfilming of cimelia stored in old prints departments. Registration of maps and drawings from particular copies of old prints is urgent, which significantly limits their theft. The promotion of old prints should also be developed, in particular among school youth.