Guide to Jagiellonian Library

The Jagiellonian University Library in Krakow is one of Poland’s two national libraries, and a major international resource for the study of Poland, Austria-Hungary, and Eastern Europe in general. In cooperation with the Centrum Zdalnego Nauczania (E-Learning Center) of the Jagiellonian University, the Library has created a multimedia guide titled, „Jagiellonian Library for beginners.” It is aimed to help in using the Jagiellonian Library by providing an introduction on becoming the Library’s patron, on searching for materials, and on the rules governing the use of the reading rooms. The text is accompanied by numerous photos made especially to illustrate the guide’s content. The guide is further enhanced by maps, screen captures, and a short film. The guide contains also interesting facts on the recent and past history of the Library. The guide is aimed mostly at patrons who have never used the Jagiellonian Library, although the creators hope that even experienced users will find something of interest within it. The guide has been prepared in two versions: one for Jagiellonian University students (holders of USOSWeb accounts), the other for otuside users. These two versions can be accessed from the Jagiellonian Library Homepage (http://www.bj.uj.edu.pl). After accessing the Jagiellonian page, go to the bottom of the menu posted on the left of the homepage, where you will find a green-on-white banner, „Biblioteka Jagiellonska dla poczatkujacych”. After clicking on the banner (unless you are a Jagiellonian student and a USOSWeb account holder) skip to the middle of the page and follow the directions under the blue PEGAZ logo. The instructions ask for typing in the email and a security code visible on the screen. The user is then mailed a URL which leads to the guide. The guide itself is easy to navigate, since it is divided into broader menu topics, which are later subdivided into more detailed menus leading to in-depth information, all richly illustrated. This new resource, so far available only in Polish, should prove a valuable asset for all scholars planning a visit to the Jagiellonian.