Art. 1: Marta Grabowska,
Information networks dealing with the European integration in Poland.

Information networks on European integration created by the European Communities as well as the European Union in Poland are presented in the article. Information activities of the Polish Government in the field of European integration are also described.

Art. 2: Mariusz Robowski,
RFID technology in libraries.

The article discusses the application of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) in libraries for identification of library items and for antitheft purposes. A relatively new feature of RFID is its application in automatic inventory, in self-service check out stands and in devices for automated sorting of returned items. Different forms of protecting library collections by using RFID technology have been specified. Main suppliers of RFID equipment for libraries have been presented.

Art. 3: Barbara Wojdyla, Marta Wojtczak,
Preventive conservation - Torun workshops.

In May 2004, the Centre for Paper and Leather Preservation of the Nicolaus Copernicus University and the University Library in Torun, held lectures and workshops on preventive conservation of works on paper. The meetings were conducted by Claude Laroque, conservator and lecturer at the university in Sorbonne. The term and goal of preventive conservation, conceived as a new scientific discipline and a new way of looking at protecting collections, was described. The workshops, which took place in the storage rooms of the NCU Library, aimed to familiarize attendees with the method of inspecting collections and storage rooms supporting the development of a comprehensive preventive conservation programme. Participants of the Torun meetings were very pleased with the content of the workshops, which were interesting and educational. The new attitude towards the conservation of collections, which is more extensive and providing more possibilities to conservators as well as librarians, which is becoming more widespread in Europe, was delivered in a straightforward way.

Art. 4: Stefan Miedzinski, Kazimierz Nicinski
Monument protection in the event of armed conflicts and crises.

The article discusses the law on monument protection, established on July 23, 2003. The law considers all subjects in the possession of cultural monuments, including library collections, which constitute the national library resources. The new law recognizes the common rule, adopted by European Union countries, which argues for building a uniform system of protecting monuments from the dangers during times of peace and war. The author describes the particular stages of protective measures.

Art. 5: Ewa Potrzebnicka,
Blue Shield.

The Blue Shield is an international non-government body, acting as a cultural equivalent of the Red Cross, founded in 1996 by the agreement of four organizations (ICA, ICOM, ICOMOS and IFLA). Blue Shield works to provide the authorities with the expertise and contacts essential during armed conflicts or natural disasters. Its function is not only international, as it promotes implementation of measures locally, as well. On March 8, 2002, a Polish national committee of the organization was created, whose activities are described in the article. On July 23-24, 2004, the first international meeting of National Committees of the Blue Shield was held. The resolutions of the meeting were recorded in a declaration, which is the most recent document on the protection of national heritage of every country.