In the service of the library. Status and obligations of employees Baworovianum in Lviv and the Library of the Scientific Institute in Ternopil as an institution of cultural heritage

Abstract

Wiktor Baworowski was the creator of one of the most interesting and significant collections of manuscripts, old prints, graphics, numismatics, paintings and other „national souvenirs”, with the specificity of his library focusing on the book collection documenting Polish culture. In order to preserve and multiply scientific and artistic collections, he founded a foundation, later managed by the National Department. The text presents the views of Baworowski and his heirs on the status, education and scope of duties of employees of the foundation libraries in Lviv and Ternopil. Initially, the librarian was primarily a polyglot mainly with a humanistic education, he was seen mainly as a scientific researcher and then a librarian, which was reflected in the structure of positions. The basic duties of librarians included, firstly, the protection and collection of collections, and secondly, access to them, which was associated with the work of recording and developing the collections. The library should serve not only as a center of scientific work, but also cultural, conducive to raising the state of national consciousness, which is why Baworowski also planned to create a publishing house, a bookshop, a museum at his scientific plant, as well as to organize other activities promoting book and reading.