Father Jerzy Witczak The Library of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Wrocław the tradition and the future
	The Library of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Wrocław
	This article was translated thanks to the grant received from the Open Society Institute

The library is an institution that, by virtue of its existence, pays tribute and gives testament to the idea of cultural development. A library is a treasury in the form of prints and manuscripts reflecting human creative ideas, intelligence, knowledge of other humans and the world, self-discipline, personal sacrifice, solidarity and mutual effort towards the common welfare. Therefore, a library is a shrine of a creative human spirit that reflects the Divine Inspiration accompanying the process of creation of mankind. (John Paul II - inauguration ceremonies - the Wrocław University Library, 1999).

These beautiful words spoken by the Pontiff, as well as an invitation to ceremonies, are a clear confirmation of the fact that academic environment and the Church are natural allies in creation and development of science and culture. Church libraries in particular can be considered as special, as they allow the use of their valuable collections that have been gathered, stored and maintained throughout the centuries. In fact church libraries were the precursors of institutions of this kind in Europe.

This year, Wrocław University celebrates the 300th anniversary of its foundation. The University, established by the Jesuits in 1702 as Academia Leopoldina, started with two faculties: theological and philosophical. At the same time, 300 years of theology in Wrocław are celebrated along with 300 years of tradition and existence of the library of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology. This seems to be a very good opportunity to present the activities of other church libraries in Poland. Another library of merit, distinction, and longer tradition namely, the Capitular Library must be mentioned here. This library, along with the Archdiocesian Archive, is a treasury of valuable documents, old prints and books gathered by the members of the Wrocław clergy.

Library origins and development

The main collection of the Faculty of Catholic Theology of Wrocław University- as did the entire University Library - was devoured by flames in 1945. Shortly after the end of the Second World War, the then-communist government denied the re-activation of the theological faculty. Therefore, theology could only be studied and taught at the Higher Seminary, which started its activities in 1947. Theological libraries had to be re-created from scratch. The core of the library of Pontifical Theological Faculty of today is the book collection of the library of the Wrocław Higher Theological Seminary. These books were formerly (before the war) stored in the building of Collegium Georgianum at the Cathedral Square.^[1] In 1947, about 15,000 volumes^[2] were recovered from the rubble. Father Jozef Marcinkowski,^[3] the first rector of the Seminary, assisted personally, with loving care, in the process of recovery. The alumni book collection, that of Collegium Albertinum (stored in Karłowice, Przybyszewskiego St.), was either destroyed by the Red Army in 1947, or looted.^[4]

During the Stalinist times a very difficult period for the Church the diocese fell under the management of Father Kazimierz Lagosz. Father Lagosz, appointed by state authorities, did not pay much attention to the Library and its development. In fact, some part of the collection, considered to be a post-Nazi legacy, was destroyed. However, thousands of volumes initially destined for paper mills, were rescued and preserved by Father Wincenty Urban, who later became the Bishop of Wrocław. Father Urban stored the books in the Capitular Library^[5], where they were listed and indexed.

In 1947, a process of creating a small library of Polish theological prints was initiated, and after a Lower Seminary had been abolished, a large collection of fiction complemented the library's collection. Father Franciszek Sšsiadek donated a substantial collection of ascetic books.

The organisation of library activities on a larger scale began in 1958. The years 1958-1970 marked a very dynamic development of a library due to the efforts of the Rector of the Seminary, Father Pawel Latusek, who later became the Bishop (Suffragan) of Wrocław. Father Professor Jan Krucina often reminisces about Father Latusek's huge personal involvement in the process of library development and organisation. Father Latusek not only personally assisted in the collection's re-location, sorting and placement, but also contributed financially on a regular basis.^[6] The collection grew, not only due to local and foreign purchases, but also to bequests of priests. Then, the process of sorting and cataloguing started. The staff of the library of the Catholic University of Lublin assisted with these activities. Father Romuald Gustaw, head of the Lublin library led the team. Wrocław team of librarians managed by Cleric Jerzy Marszałkowicz, the graduate of English philology and library science of Wrocław University. In 1961, two catalogues were created alphabetical and systematic, (following the example of the Library of Catholic University of Lublin) as well as the present structure of a collection. Nowadays, the Library has a main storeroom for magazines, old prints, ascetic books, sermons, manuals, musical scores and fiction, as well as a reading room with reference section. In the years 1961-1964 the process of cataloguing continued (old prints, among others, were photocopied, as it had previously been done in case of old prints colletion of the Wrocław University Library), as well as the expansion of the library contents.

Father Latusek, who assisted in the re-organisation and development of the Library and, at the same time, assumed a role of the spiritual leader of this initiative had always hoped for the full and complete re-activation of theological department in its pre-war form. He used to say that, in order for this department to come into being, one needed three elements: the students, the decent library and qualified staff. Once these three came together, then, everything was ready for the Vatican authorities to award the Seminary a full academic status. The Library was already very well prepared to function in its capacity of an academic workshop^[7] when the decision of the Vatican Congregation for Education (for Seminaries and Educational Institutions) finally came in February of 1968. The Theological College was acknowledged as the Pontifical Faculty of Theology, with all its privileges of its pre-war form.

The Library's activity within the scope of the Theological Faculty.

There is no available data for the re-construction of a full list of the Library's contents at the time of its re-instatement as theological faculty and recognition of its academic status. It is known, however, that efforts made towards its development continued. In 1970, Father Józef Majka became Rector of the Faculty. He followed in the footsteps of his predecessor regarding the care of the Library. Thanks to foreign donations at that time, the library was receiving all significant theological periodicals from Germany, Belgium and France. In the seventies, the Library was subscribing to over 100 of Polish periodicals, and 100 of foreign publications. The number of books was steadily increasing. According to the report prepared by J. Marszałkowicz, on the 21st March of 1978, the Library had 75,000 items in its possession (about 100,000 volumes), 4,500 book checkouts were registered in one year, and 5,000 readers visited the Library. Three years later, (on June 31st, 1981), the collection had 118,000 volumes among those: 91,000 monographs, 5,368 old prints and 21,000 periodicals. In the following years, from 2,000 to 4,000 items were catalogued previously purchased, donated or passed in the form of bequests.

A significant progress in library activities and function was marked in 1988, along with the appointment of Father Dr. Tadeusz Fitych as its Chief Librarian. Dr. Fitych authored a very comprehensive and innovative set of guidelines for the Library's function. This plan incorporated the Library's computerisation, development of scientific information, sorting and maintenance of old prints collection, publications, close co-operation with other libraries in the city, continuing education for the staff, and fundraising. At that time, a fair number of secular students continued their education at the Faculty, thereby altering the Library's profile. The Library was becoming more open.

In 1989, the state officially acknowledged the existence of pontifical universities by signing the agreement with the Conference of the Polish Episcopate regarding the status of pontifical academies, on 30th of June 1989. Following that, the Library of the Higher Theological Seminary in Wrocław was adequately re-named, and is now The Main Library of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology and Metropolitan Seminary in Wrocław. The Library's new name reflects its changed status.

Unfortunately, at the same time, the deterioration of economical situation of the country took its toll on the Library; foreign aid and donations decreased significantly, too. The Library rebounded slightly, thanks to the co-operation (since 1991) with the State Committee for Scientific Research. This institution has been of great help to the Library, assisting with the conservation of old prints, book acquisitions, magazine subscription and computerisation. The Library's main goal, determined by its profile, is to gather possibly the largest amount of theological and related publications appearing in Poland. That is why, the Library's scope of interest stretches to other scientific humanistic fields (philosophy, history, psychology, pedagogy and religious studies) which complement theological issues. Most significant foreign theological publications (encyclopaedias) are considered as well. Undoubtedly, the Library's collection is an invaluable contribution to Wrocław academic environment. The Library of the Theological Faculty is the sole library in the city to systematically gather material on the subject of contemporary theological issues of the Catholic Church and, to a lesser degree, on the subject of other Christian religions.

The Library's book collection consists of over 4,400 catalogued old prints of which 460 appear in Graesse's and Brunet's bibliographies. The themes are predominantly theological, philosophical and legal, however, historical and philological topics are also present.^[8] At the moment, the majority of the collection (with the exclusion of precious manuscript prepared by the curator, Adam Skura, in 1992-93) is catalogued in the form of photocopies this task was completed in the years 1961-64. In 1994, a long-term project of sorting of the entire collection of old prints was undertaken. Photo-catalogue was to be amended as well. This task was abandoned at the entry "Beck" when it appeared that a significant part of the collection was still in storage not catalogued. This discovery prompted inventory works and the process of cataloguing of the remaining 1,700 volumes. These activities ended in 1998. During cataloguing, many XVI century prints were identified, as well as some incunabulae. This process came to an abrupt halt with the passing of Adam Skura in 1998. At the moment, all registered old prints await re-activation of work. These valuable documents are also in need of conservation. In the course of the past nine years, thanks to generous help of the State Committee for Scientific Research, approximately a few dozen of volumes yearly have been restored about 300 prints cumulatively.

As of January 1st 2002, after over 30 years, the book collection's make-up is as follows:

• 124,700 volumes reference section
• 6,150 volumes old prints
• 22,800 volumes periodicals
• 3,000 unpublished master degree's theses (and doctoral theses) Jointly, there are 156,000 items.

The collection of magazines consists of about 2,000 titles, with 105 national (current) and 80 foreign.

The Library's activity in 2000/2001 can be described as follows:

• 850 active users (1,540 library cards issued)
• 288 outside users (University of Wrocław and other universities)
• 6,100 book checkouts
• 3,500 visits at the reading room.

In time, the ever-growing collection and increasing number of users called for more space. Naturally, the archdiocese s authorities with Cardinal Henryk Gulbinowicz and the Rector of the Faculty were well aware of this issue. Therefore, towards the end of the 70-ties, a bold, long-term idea was conceived that of a construction of a new library facility at Idzi St., in the neighbourhood of the Church Of The Holy Cross. On the 31st of March 1980, the Voivode of Wrocław approved the construction plans for year 1980. In 1982, a competition for the best architectural project was announced and, a year later, on the 24th of May of 1983, a team of three winners-architects, (Leszek Konarzewski, Stanislaw Lose, and Roman Grudziecki) began their work. The facility, (with 6,500 m2 of space), was destined to hold to 500,000 volumes. Preliminary archaeological works and surveys lasted till the end of 1985, and the permit for initiating the actual construction work was issued on January 16th of 1986. In his pastoral letter, destined for the Day of Celebration of Resurrection in 1986 and announcing a 1,000th anniversary of the Wrocław diocese, Cardinal Gulbinowicz wrote: "Our millennium will be marked by the erection of the new library building of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology".^[10] The construction works, along with gathering necessary funds lasted for the few following years, however, due to mounting economic problems (post-1989), further construction was put on hold indefinitely. In 1993, due to Cardinal Gulbinowicz's initiative, a considerable storage space was rendered available at the recovered Archbishops Palace, at No 1, Cathedral Square. A periodical section was transferred there and a reading room with readily available reference section created. Unfortunately, inadequate space and unfavourable arrangement of rooms did not allow for the transfer of the main part of the collection. Thus, the issue of a new site remains open.

To summarise this historical glance at the Library, one should acknowledge the contributions made by its successive heads: Father Antoni Miotek (1968-1970), Father Stanislaw Pawlaczek (197 1972), Father Kazimierz Wojton (1972-1988), Father Tadeusz Fitych (1988-1993), Father Andrzej Siemieniewski (1993-1995), Father Jerzy Witczak (from December 15th of 1995, and before then, deputy Chief Librarian). Other members of staff should be mentioned as well: Jerzy Marszałkowicz, Sister Edmunda Podolska and Sister Teodozja Zipser (Elizabethan nun, till 1988). Gradually, the number of secular members of staff increased up to eight people at present. A team of clerics has been performing all auxiliary duties all the time.

Computerisation of the Library

Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine a modern library without computers. At his appointment as Head of the Library, Father Fitych was well aware of this fact. Therefore, in 1989, the initial projects of the Library's computerisation began. The preliminary (conceptual) stage was completed in 1990/1991 academic year. The search for suitable software and hardware came together with similar initiatives at other libraries. On 29th of June 1991, a conference on the computerisation of church libraries took place, organised by Father Krzysztof Gonet, Head of the Theological Metropolitan Seminary in Warsaw. All participating libraries accepted MAK software as a common tool. Also, uniform format of catalogued data was agreed upon (based on MARC BN). A formal framework for this co-operation was to be determined by the Federation of Church Libraries (FIDES) - this organisation came into being on 23th September of 1991. Father Tadeusz Fitych was appointed Deputy Head of the provisional board of chief librarians.

In the 1991/92 academic year the implementation of the first stage of computerisation took place. The MAK software was purchased, as well as hardware (two 386 PCs). Computerised catalogues of the main library and magazine section were made. In May of 1992 the cataloguing of acquisitions started and, at the same time, the build-up of the main computer catalogue of the Library. Since then, all acquisitions have been fully computerised, also, catalogue cards, inventory lists, and certificates of studies. Computer databases of bibliographies of theological publications were prepared (WROBIT - Wrocław Theological Bibliography and WWK - Wrocław Church News) separately. Also, within the scope of FIDES activities the bibliographies of magazine series "Communio" and "Homo meditans" were listed.

Towards the end of 1993, the next important step in the process of computerisation was taken local computer network was installed in the rooms of the Library (a server and six computer stations), of which four are destined for the use of readers. The second semester of 1993/94 academic year saw the publication of own catalogues and bibliographies on the network, as well as databases exchanged with other Polish church libraries. Also, the Bibliographical Guide data were made available to users, as was the "ATLA Religion Database on CD-ROM". Finally, the catalogue of valuable old prints of the Pontifical Faculty was published.

1994/1995 academic year marked the continuation of implemented processes, as well as the conversion of the old catalogue into its computerised version (this is an on-going process). At the end of June of 1995, the computerised catalogue had about 11,000 entries and the network was gradually expanding.

The following year, the Faculty, having joined other Wrocław universities in the process of computer networking (WASK - the Wrocław Academic Net, on the 4th of May, 1994), was connected via fiberglass link with the WASK network in February of 1996, thereby gaining access to other universities databases and the Internet.

Further expansion of the network was implemented after the closing of 46th International Eucharistic Congress (25th May 1st June 1997), following other investments made in preparation for the Congress. In the beginning of 1997/1998 academic year, the Library received a new server with Novell IntranetWare software. In May of 1998, another local network in the other Faculty building started its activities dealing mostly with the magazine department. A reading room with periodicals only was created with access to four computer stations. This network is connected to the Library's main building (situated at the No 14 Cathedral Square). The users of periodicals section were granted access to the library's database in 1997 (after the Library had joined WASK). The already available databases were complemented by Bibliografia zawartości czasopism (Bibliography of the Periodicals Contents) and "Old Testament Abstracts" on CD-ROM . Since March of 1998, the Library's web pages have been available on the Internet, as well as its experimental copies of the main catalogue and certificates of studies theses (those came from Theological Metropolitan Seminary in Warsaw). The decision about discontinuation card catalogues was made on December 31st of 1997. Entries listed since 1998 have been computerised, too.

In September of 1998, a fully computerised lending library was initiated in MAK system. Bar code labels and new library cards were issued, a new computer station was placed in the lending library's rooms and new procedures implemented. Thus, all book checkouts have been computerised since 1988, and the users can check for book availability on their own.

The long-lasting efforts towards the automation of the Library were crowned in 1999 by granting an on-line access to library databases and bibliographies gathered on own server. The address is as follows: http:/www.ptt.wroc.pl. Since then, growing interest of readers with this Library's resources has been noted. The server's statistics show these databases and bibliographies popularity. In 2001, over 34,000 inquiries from 1,300 various user addresses were registered and, at present, about 5,500 queries are registered monthly It is worth noting that the Library's catalogue of Polish church books is the third largest (beside Theological Metropolitan Seminary in Warsaw and the Society of Jesus Scientific Library in Cracow, not taking into consideration much bigger libraries as those at the Catholic University of Lublin, the Pontifical Academy of Theology in Cracow, the Cardinal Wyszyński University) be found on the Internet.

In summary, it is necessary to quote some current data regarding the level of computerisation of the Library. As of 1st June of 2002, the computer network consists of 19 computer stations, and the database of the main catalogue contains 35,000 descriptions (48,000 volumes 40% of the entire collection of monographs). The computer catalogue comprises all books gathered since 1982, as well as previously acquired books. The Committee for Scientific Research is still assisting financially with retrofitting an old card catalogue, however, due to the shortage of personnel and inadequate funding, these works are somewhat stalled. The preparations for the conversion of the cataloguing format to MARC21 (USMARC) are well advanced and proceeding smoothly.

Pontifical Library's co-operation with the scientific environment.

The Library of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology and its staff provides services to all interested in the subject of theology. Its collection is available not only to the staff and students of the Faculty, but also to outside users (the reciprocity agreement). According to 2001 statistics, 10% of all checkouts were performed by outside readers.

A publication entitled, Wykaz wydawnictw ciągłych gromadzonychw wybranych bibliotekach naukowych Wrocławia (The register of periodicals at scientific libraries of Wrocław) contains data about foreign periodicals to which libraries in Wrocław currently subscribe. It is clear that the Library of the Faculty is the leader of foreign subscriptions, with the majority of French and German language titles.

The Library of the Faculty and of the Seminary maintains contact with the National Library in Warsaw, as the latter is the source of the latest information about new foreign publications and newest databases on CD-ROMs. The Library also maintains a book exchange with the libraries of the University of Białystok, The Cardinal Wyszyński University in Warsaw and theological faculties in Opole and Poznań. There is also an exchange of books with other universities.

The Library of the Pontifical Faculty, having founded a Federation of Church Libraries on 18th March of 1995, (FIDES), is the leading institution in this environment. Therefore, its closest and fullest co-operation is with libraries-members of this group. The results, due to mutual efforts and hard work, are impressive regardless of the fact that this particular group of libraries has to manage with considerably less financial aid and resources than state libraries. Evidently, the Library of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology in its present shape seems to be more than adequately prepared to enter the structure of the University of Wrocław, following the lead of other university centres in Poland.

Footnotes

[1] One needs to point out that the students of the pre-war Catholic Faculty of Theology of Wrocław University were predominantly candidates for priesthood. During the period of four years, they lived at the seminary of Collegium Georgianum and attended classes at the University. Mostly, they used the resources of the University Library, however, they had at their disposal a small collection of reference, ascetic and historical books. The fifth year of their studies was their preparatory time for taking the final vows. At that time the students stayed at the seminary of Collegium Albertinum and attended their classes there. See. E. Kleineidam: Die katholisch-theologische Fakultät der Universität Breslau 1811-1945. Köln 1961.

[2] See. W. Urban: 30-lecie Wyższego Seminarium Duchownego we Wrocławiu (1947-1977). "Colloquium Salutis" 1983 nr 15, pp. 267-268.

[3] W. Bochnak: Działalność administracyjno-gospodarcza Wyższego Seminarium Duchownego we Wrocławiu. [In:] 50 lat Wyższego Seminarium Duchownego we Wrocławiu. Ed. by I. Dec, K. Matwijowski. Wrocław 1997, pp. 79.

[4] According to the note found in the archives of the Wrocław Metropolitan Higher Theological Seminary, Rector Józef Marcinowski and Cleric Jacek Czapliński visited the old seminary twice regarding the matters of the library and its contents. During their first visit, they only managed to take a look at the book collection (improperly stored and not secured), whereas their second visit and attempt at the contents recovery from the Soviet military command was unsuccessful they were not even granted an interview.

[5] See. W. Urban: ibidem, pp. 267.

[6] J. Krucina: Formacja teologiczna alumnów. [In:] 50 lat Wyższego Seminarium Duchownego we Wrocławiu. Ibidem., pp. 55.

[7] Ibidem.

[8] See. Starodruki cenne księgozbioru Biblioteki Głównej Papieskiego Fakultetu Teologicznego i Metropolitalnego Wyższego Seminarium Duchownego we Wrocławiu. Ed. by A. Skura. Wrocław 1993.

[9] See. Sprawozdanie z działalności Biblioteki Głównej PWT i MWSD we Wrocławiu w roku akad. 2000/2001. [In:] Biblioteka Papieskiego Wydziału Teologicznego we Wrocławiu [on-line]. Access mode: http://www.pft.wroc.pl/pft/bg/sprawozdanie.html.

[10] "Wrocławskie Wiadomości Kościelne" 1986 no 39, pp.60.

Translated by Dorota Jaglarz