Int. Libr. Rev. (1973) 5, 471-481

Some Israeli Libraries

BARBARA FOSTER~"

INTRODUGTION

While on a three month research leave of absence from Hunter College, I meandered the length and breadth of Israel, not by camel caravan but far less romantic modern means to assess the current state of Israeli library art. Primarily, I focused on specific Israeli contributions, but at the same time, observed their general library practices. Sometimes Israelis adopt Continental procedures, but for the most part American prototypes prevail. Adoption of foreign methods does not appear to hamper Israeli originality; moreover, they are genuinely eclectic, often taking over the tried and true but still unabashedly ready to design their own.

Especially noteworthy are Israeli librarians, a unique blend of energy and expertise. Though Israeli librarians tend to concentrate more on the technical aspects of the profession, by and large their goals and concerns are familiar. For example, all librarians polled echoed our oft-repeated complaints of shortage of book funds and frightful over- crowding.

Their professional status is somewhat more relaxed, rather less stratified than ours. Though many university librarians are fully "academically qualified," a significant percentage have yet to attain the required M.L.S. degree from an accredited library school. First the truly enfranchised librarian must hold a university degree, followed by two years of course work, only now available at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. At this institution, the program adheres closely to American models, providing up to date training in all aspects of librarianship including computer technology. Unfortunately, for personal or financial reasons a number of potentially qualified individuals are unable to complete this credential; however, they manage to successfully function in a professional librarian's capacity at a considerable reduction. Though professional and clerical tasks are less clearly differentiated, this factor does not seem to adversly affect their library service.

Hunter College, New York, N.Y., U.S.A.

472 B. FOSTER

Another striking variant in the Israeli approach is a European-style emphasis on the technical realms of the profession. Technical services are a highly complex entity staffed by superbly prepared linguists, each at least bi-lingual and most multi-lingual. The catalog and classification functions are customarily separated, each done by trained experts. By contrast, the Reference Department--so prominent in the United States--functions here as subsidiary to or part of the Bibliographic Services, often located in an inconspicuous spot. For example, at the Jewish National and University Library in the main reading room, directional and less complicated queries are handled by non-profes- sionals who funnel the more involved problems to the Bibliographic Services Division in a back alcove (where the department concentrates on preparing bibliographies).

Rather than being a dynamic, independent unit within easy student access, the Bibliographic Services Division adopts a more passive stance, though recently they have been conducting library orientations. By and large, student library competence has been taken as a matter of course since an undergraduate is more mature upon entering the university, both in age and experience, and is considered better able to negotiate library situations.

Unlike their American counterparts, most Israeli undergraduates, men and women, before entering college serve three years in the military. This obligation produces serious career-oriented students, anxious to rapidly wind-up their degree. After army service university placement is far from guaranteed, since competition is stiff. Besides carrying a full schedule, most students hold down full time jobs; those who don't pass muster are not coddled, since the education budget is stringent.

JERUSALEM PUBLIC LIBRARY The central branch of the Jerusalem Public Library, Beit Ha'am (House of Culture) aside from its library function acts as a dynamic people's university. In the afternoon courses are offered in literature, philosophy, language (English, French, Arabic, etc.), Bible, art and music. Because tuition is moderate a sizeable number of Israelis comfortably partici- pate. Moreover, special courses in librarianship are taught by Belt Ha'am librarians each semester. As well, lectures, concerts, and art exhibitions are customary features.

The main building, begun in 1964, contains 250,000 volumes and is prominently located in central West Jerusalem; shortly a new structure adjacent to the old will be ready for occupation. The present two-level

SOME I S R A E L I L I B R A R I E S 4 7 3

facility has a circular staircase connecting the fiction section below with the upper non-fiction tier. The library hours are from 10 a.m.-12 noon and 4-7 p.m. which thoughtfully accommodates the working Israeli. To facilitate usability and browsing the collection is open shelf by Dewey. The book loan period extends from one month to six weeks, which also holds true for color slides and paintings.

For the most part, the central branch caters to the comfortably middle-class adult, often decidedly literate and a devoted library initiate. In fact, Beit Ha'amites are remarkably au courant vis-a-vis the western book world and continually request the latest publications. During my Beit Ha ' am visit the reading room was overflowing with patrons of various ages and nationalities, thoughtfully perusing their chosen books and magazines. Indeed the serious atmosphere was much like that of a respectable public library in the United States.

According to current statistics up to 42 a/c of Jerusalem Public Library members patronize the central building, though sixteen branches and three biblio-buses reach energetically into the boroughs. The administra- tion requires a four pound deposit, or one dollar, U.S., to be refunded when membership is terminated.

Since Jerusalem is international, and as a result polyglot of tongue, library policy must complement this diversity by supplying varied language materials. Naturally, books in Hebrew are most numerous; however, in recent years English has captured second place--especially fiction in English. French, German and Arabic are in healthy demand, while Spanish, Russian and Esperanto are making noticeable inroads. Since the '67 war, with the annexation of East Jerusalem, morc and more Arabs are joining the library community. In fact, three new branches and a special biblio-bus have been mobilized to entice Arab subscribers.

Especially programmed to suit contemporary Israeli lifestyles, Belt Ha 'am cheerfully purchases current best sellers, detective stories and science fiction; as well, they encourage readers' suggestions to fill gaps which otherwise might occur. During the pioneer period the imaginative novel was the favored Israeli genre, but as an aftermath of technological progress, classic fiction has lost ground. Instead, according to current calculations, science fiction and detective stories lead the 70's "best seller list". However, Israeli items, children's books, history and bio- graphy still account for impressive circulation figures.

Television, now inundat ing Israel, is opined by some librarians to be adversely effecting circulation statistics. In past years Israel got her T V fare second hand from her Arab neighbors, but now a full fledged T V industry is operative and able to manufacture programs. Comparable

474 B. FOSTER

to the TV rage in America in the late 1940's, whole familics arc en- thralled by this glossy status symbol. To be sure, the programs run the gamut from American detective thrillers to indigenous socio-cultural fare.

Perhaps the TV deluge is not totally negative, since a book has been produced from a popular TV show, and is now a requested item on library shelves. This book is modelled on the Family Affair, which relates the trials and tribulations of the Simchone family in standard situation comedy format. Moreover, frequent "book talk" shows give far flung exposure to local authors.

After a taxing six-day work week one can surely fathom the lure of passive entertainment, rather than expending the energy involved in digesting printed matter. In addition, Israeli bookstores carry an inter- national selection of paperbacks at moderate prices, further competing with the public library. In spite of such stiff competition, Belt Ha 'am librarians have at their command considerable intellectual and human resources with which to fulfill their optimistic expansion of library services.

The Meirhoff branch, established in 1970, was purposely located in the Katamon district to attract the elusive Moroccan, Iranian and Ira- qui immigrant; ill 1972 the library boasts 800 card carrying members, though these have not capitulated without a battle. Meirhoff is open from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. daily (except Saturday).

In spite of a respectable assortment of titles in the standard subjects-- history, literature, biography, etc.--during Meirhoff's first year,-bor- rowers left these subjects undisturbed on the shelves. In general adult response was so phlegmatic and lack-lustre that drastic measures were required to sell the library to the neighborhood.

To be sure, these orientals tended to view this prepossessing modern structure with awe and suspicion. Especially rooted in the breast of the male Sephardi is a firm distrust of the effect of booklearning on his women and children. Going to a public library and borrowing a book without charge was totally incomprehensible to their eastern mentality. Surely their children would become "corrupted" by emancipated ideas, and desert the family hearth. A majority of Katamonites occupy small, overcrowded flats filled to capacity with children and newly arrived relatives; poor lighting and lack of leisure make library visits a lfixury.

Such impediments might have stymied a more fainthearted librarian. Slowly the children, some against parental pressures, are becoming library conscious. At first they were tentative and suspicious, often de- facing and mistreating borrowed items; however, by now they happily accept the book as an old friend to be delicately treasured.

S O M E I S R A E L I L I B R A R I E S 475

One powerful incentive which helped to win the children was Meir- hoff's bright, ultra-functional children's room. Located on a lower level, it is furnished with neat wooden desks and chairs; in fact, the atmosphere is roomier and brighter than most local homes. Moreover, the up-to- date children's holdings--many with artistic cover designs--at once captivate. Word of Meirhoff's delights has circulated so much that the children frequently return to exchange their books in one to three days rather than the full loan cycle.

The day I visited, the children's room hummed with active Sephar- dim happily awaiting the story hour. Some milled and chattered while others browsed among the books and magazines--a few peeped into the card catalog. The twice weekly story hours are so popular that the whole of Katamon is represented. True to form, the children thrill to adven- tures of: Bambi, Heidi, Cinderella, etc. On holidays special parties and structured educational games are planned to painlessly elevate reading levels of the participants. As library expertise increases, these Sephar- dim acquire one of the requisites for meaningful assimilation into the Israeli mainstream.

Another afternoon passed jauntily, as I boarded the biblio-bus to ramble round West Jerusalem, to a distant destination near Hadassah hospital. The clear, crisp winter day complimented my already buoyant spirits as suburb gave way to exurb.

For the present, two bookmobiles operate in West Jerusalem, while another concentrates on the Arabs of East Jerusalem. However, these biblio-visits are a temporary expedient until proper branches can be constructed. About 3 p.m. daily (except Saturday), these buses under- take their winding hygeria to the outer reaches of Jerusalem, thereby drawing these distant dwellers into the library orbit. By and large the biblio-public is under 15 years, since adults prefer to visit a branch more equipped for their specific needs.

Alter considerable riding we reached our destination, where young Sephardim (eastern) and Ashkenazim (western) immigrants milled excitedly. The towheaded Ashkenazim mingled joyfully with the darker hued Sephardim--all anxious to board the approaching library on wheels.

Each child may take home four items, after registering a modest three pound deposit, which is later returned. This ultra-modern English vehicle has limited space, so only 10 children can comfortably board at one time. As more children entered, the assembled multitude outside seemed to increase proportionately. A bookmobile visit is scheduled for two hours, but often more time is required to fully accommodate the throngs of excited Israelis. Mostly the bus handles easy Hebrew books

476 13. FOSTER

and magazines, making no attempt to provide the in-depth coverage of the usual children's room. Naturally, when the bus visits East Jerusalem, the stock consists mainly of Arabic items.

In some cases, adult immigrants join their children in bookmobilia. I witnessed a colorful woman garbed in an Indian sari carefully cradling Jane Eyre while her son examined books on baseball. On the whole, adult titles are scarce since the extant few are quickly borrowed. The bookmobile atmosphere is so animated and casual that one quickly understands the exuberance and devotion of its patrons.

My biblio-bus escapade only further reinforced my optimism con- cerning the future of libraries in Israel. The local librarians have utilized the most advanced techniques to attract and maintain a public. Modern technology, plus a humanistic approach, is gaining library adherents among a mdlange of individuals who in their own country might have been relegated to illiteracy. In such a positive climate, this American li- brarian felt immediately comfortable, and further, positively optimistic.

T E L - A v I v UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

The University of Tel-Aviv Library is located in Ramat Aviv, a suburb. Upon entering this new facility (1961), one encounters a tasteful exhi- bition of modern paintings and arts and crafts; comfortable chairs en- courage student-faculty fraternization. In spite of a security guard opening purses, the overall atmosphere is inviting.

The central library, of split-level design, for the present contains the bulk of their 250,000 volumes; however, within six months another floor will be added. A network of departmental libraries supplements the main facility. Generous library hours from 9 a.m. to 9.45 p.m. encourage students to make use of this open shelf assemblage. A very active inter, library loan system by Telex is operative, enabling them to speedily obtain materials from all over Israel, and they are presently expanding their holdings of microfilm and microfiche to augment research facilities.

Further on is the main reading room with the bibliography alcove composed of many familiar subject bibliographies set up by Dewey and alphabetical order. As well, this section purveys reference informa- tion and generally assists borrowers. A busy main loan desk circulates general and special reserve items, with general books going out for one month. A series of functional study carrels permit students to remove materials from adjacent shelves for consultation.

An upper level houses the current periodicals reading room which now receives 4,000 titles in assorted languages; other back issues in bound volumes are integrated into the various reading rooms. Periodical

SOME ISRAELI L IBRARIES 477

holdings are clearly visible by title on an easily manoeuverable cardex, all languages interfiled by alphabetical order. Some popular American favorites such as Time and the New Yorker are represented along with a selection of newspapers, such as the New York and London Times, International Herald Tribune, as well as current Israeli samples. A special reading room is set aside for historical Hebrew newspapers.

Othes reading rooms are composed of standard reference and circu- lating items in an open shelf plan which has, so far, generated positive feedback. However, the open shelf system is possibly related to the enor- mous pilferage of books, which disappear at an alarming rate. To short circuit this depletion a new system of checkpoints is in the planning stages.

At Tel-Aviv liberal staff time is directed toward catalog maintenance. Located in the main reading room are the card catalogs: one alpha- betically by author with only main entries, a classified catalog in the Latin languages by Dewey number, plus supplementary catalogs in Hebrew, Arabic and Slavic languages. Authority cards are an integral part of the classified catalog, rendering the customary shelf list extrane- ous. Corrections, revisions and verifications of the card files are accom- plished from 7.30 to 9 a.m. before opening to the public. By and large, the administration finds Dewey adequate for Tel-Aviv's purposes, and has no plans to re-classify by Library of Congress--possibly because Dewey was adopted after in-depth feasibility studies and consultations with English and American experts.

Book purchasing is accomplished through two agencies in Israel that order about 90% of these titles abroad. So far, a co-operative acquisi- tions policy is not operative between university libraries; but a standing committee of library directors meets at least six times a year to consider questions as expansion of interlibrary loan and the formation of a viable union catalog.

Recently a library orientation program has been developed to assist entering freshmen; tours and special meetings with classes are divided up among the professional staff. Tel-Aviv is a remarkably, bright and pleas- ant facility, calling to mind a medium sized middle-American library. All the necessary research tools are handy, as well as some more rarefied works. They are in the process of building an innovative theater collec- tion and are painstakingly acquiring a wide range of book and non-book sources. Besides, they maintain a well-stocked art and music room com- pletely equipped with the latest in listening machines.

J E W I S H N A T I O N A L AND U N I V E R S I T Y L I B R A R Y

A more mature institution begun in 1895 with 8,900 volumes, the Jewish

478 B. rOSTER

National and University Library encompasses a three-fold function: university, national and public library. Though a sizeable portion of the budgetis mandated for university priorities, private individuals are also welcome to use their resources. The central repository at the Givat- Ram campus will shortly transfer their social science and humanities sections to Mount Scopus, which now houses the programs for American students. The main unit will become the science center. About 130 librarians plus numerous non-professionals staff this closed stack unit and its twenty-nine departmental supplements. At present, their two million volumes are organized by a cumbersome accession number order, dating from 1936; however, conversion is foreseen to an auto- mated system. With stacks loaded to 94% capacity dangerous bottle- necks occur in the flow of materials, with students forced to wait at least 45 minutes for circulating items. To streamline this unwieldly circulation operation, an automated punch card system is now being tested.

Important features in the centrally located main reading room are the circulation desk and the two main card catalogs, by author and subject. The subject catalog is classified by Dewey with the author catalog split into three sections: Latin characters, Hebrew, Yiddish, Russian (Cyrillic languages) and Arabic. To facilitate catalog usage and main- tenance, feasibility studies are underway to develop a computerized catalog. Some recent modernizations in cataloging flow are: photo- graphing and recording of ten thousand title pages to decrease their unprocessed backlog, closer co-ordination and use of L. C. copy, rush processing of materials upon faculty request and further centralization of pre-catalog bibliographic checking.

A liberal selection of reading rooms reinforce the main one, which has recently added circulating textbooks filed by subject. The Judiaca read- ing room specializes in the linguistic area, as well as all fields in the Jewish purview; especially noteworthy are their travel items on Eretz Israel from the middle ages to the twentieth century. Continually ex- panding the Asian and African studies room, experts have begun in- dexing of maps and periodicals. This year several orientation lectures were delivered to students of the Institute of African and Asian studies. Other active reading rooms include: art, philosophy and, of course, periodicals. The periodical section subscribes to sixteen thousand current titles with back issues interfiled with the book collection.

Under the aegis of Bibliographic services, a forceful library instruction program in English and Hebrew introduces in-coming freshmen to the library. In 1970, lectures at the beginning of the year were presented to more than 18 student groups. Lately, an audio-visual method has been

S O M E I S R A E L I L I B R A R I E S 479

tested along with a sprightly instruction booklet in English and Hebrew. Since the Six Day War the number of Arabic readers from East

Jerusalem has risen, concomitant with a steady increase in Arab stu- dents over the years. Though 90 ~ of the Arabic students read Hebrew, they prefer texts in their own tongue. While heavily concentrated in political science, Arabic studies and African and Asian affairs, they now request books on all subjects. In the past ordering of Arabic titles has been cumbersome and time consuming, but a reliable dealer in East Jerusalem has expedited this process considerably.

The library administration discounts Arab terrorism as a major threat to libraries. Only one violent confrontation occurred in 1968 when an Arab girl placed a bomb in the cafeteria, shattering the sur- rounding glass but causing no loss of life or book. Security is rather cursory and relaxed, while more troublesome though not dangerous is the high percentage of book loss, particularly among the American students at Mount Scopus. In fact, book losses are so severe the adminis- tration is contemplating the installation of an expensive electronic network. Since a lengthy waiting period is entailed in book ordering from the United States, students prefer to "permanently borrow" the reference copy. Another drawback to such rapid expansion is the noisy, overcrowded reading rooms, always filled to capacity.

Very pressing, as well is the influx of Russian students not yet fluent in Hebrew and vocally demanding literature in their own tongue. Surprisingly, Russian book ordering is progressing at a great rate at extraordinarily reasonable prices, though the demand still far exceeds the supply. Moreover, properly trained librarians, fluent in Russian, are required to service this new public.

Fulfilling their national function as a depository, the Hebrew Uni- versity of Jerusalem receives two copies of each title published in Israel, much like Library of Congress. Besides, they issue Kiryat Sefer, the nati- onal bibliographical quarterly begun in 1924, and maintain the Insti- tute of Microfilm of Hebrew manuscripts, painstakingly copying Hebrew manuscripts from all over the world. Their division of Music and Sound Archives gathers treasures in all areas of Jewish music, especially vanishing ethnic varities; this department houses a varied assemblage of tapes, scores and records. In fact, the department presents regular public programs to make available their musical treasures. For example, in January of 1972 they presented a lively program of Bedouin wedding music.

As complex as the Library of Congress in scope and function, the Jewish National and University Library manages to provide superior service on each level. However, they refuse to bog down in giantism

480 B. FOSTER

and constantly examine technological mediums to further improve their effectiveness.

HAIFA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Haifa University Library, begun in 1951 and housing 180,000 volumes, is more restricted in scope and function. Located in a "workers' city," Haifa's library adopts a practical approach. Far from downtown Haifa, though with a non-residential policy, it exudes a commuter atmosphere. To accommodate the urban user, this open stack facility stays open from 8.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (except Saturday) and has a four week loan period.

Independent , as well as practical, Haifa runs buses on the Sabbath, while features of their library philosophy appear likewise unique. One of the few libraries to employ the Library of Congress classification system (aside from Haifa's Technion) they did not hesitate to take this indepen- dent step in spite of professional criticism. Because of this committment, they prepared a subject catalog in English, not the usual classed type so common in Israel. Therefore, English is de rigeur for op t imum use of Haifa's facility.

Unlike other Israeli libraries, Haifa's administration is dedicated to a centralized system, doing away with the customary departmental net- work. To avoid frequent unplanned duplication in ordering, so common at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is the arguement put forth in favor or this centralizing attitude. Naturally, this stance contradicts faculty preference-- they delight in their own bailiwicks-but so far the administration remains firm.

At Haifa they are sensitive to the language preferences of their multi- national readership, and especially in the Russian language, they are making a concentrated effort to fill this void. Another small, but vocal element is the Spanish speaking Latin American group, particularly intent on Spanish language items. Works in Spanish on Jewish subjects, now almost non-existent, are often requested. Unlike other institutions, Haifa has a stated policy of frequently acquiring a title, in several differ- ent languages. Of course, this policy rather limits their budget flexibility and total range.

The Arab students are also speaking up, and as they compose at least 10% of the community, their highest ratio in Israel, their preferences can not be ignored. I n recent years specialized assistance by an Arabic studies librarian has become available, plus a special Arabic catalog. Haifa is fortunate to have the services of an excellent book dealer in East Jerusalem, which speeds the flow of sought Arabic items.

Haifa's library staff plays an active role in library instruction. Here

S O M E I S R A E L I L I B R A R I E S 481

their Bibliographic Services Division is especially conscious of the need to remedy the shortcomings resulting from inadequate high school and public libraries. Forays into the classrooms, an attractive brochure and specially designed tours are generating positive response. In addition, the reference staff maintains a comprehensive pamphlet file and pre- pares an index to selected periodicals in Hebrew. At this juncture, they have not delved into microfilm as have TeI-Aviv and Jerusalem.

As a result of pressures since the Six Day War, culminating in un- precedented growth in both student users and collection size, Israeli library facilities face serious stresses and strains. However, characteris- tically, these growing pains are absorbed by appropriate adaptation of technological advances and optimum use of staff potential. Budgetary stringencies mandate severe stretching of resources by extension of inter- library loan and co-operative purchasing agreements. Confronted with users from every conceivable corner of the world, speaking every lan- guage, remarkable innovations and expertise have produced superior research centers. In Israel they are extraordinarily fresh and flexible and willing to endlessly adapt rather than be straight-jacketed by out- moded concepts.

The ancient Hebrews were known as "children of the book," and Israeli libraries respectfully maintain this hallowed tradition. In fact, they go history one better by creating not only respectable but out- standing libraries.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Brass, L.J. (1971). Library development and education for librarianship in Israel. Pacific Northwest Library Association Quarterly, 35, 95-32. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem [excerpt]. Reprinted from the Hebrew University of

jerusalem, 1966. The Jewish National and University Library; Report on the activities in the year 1970. March,

1971. Kaplan, Andrew. (1970). Libraries in a state of siege. Wilson Library Bulletin, 44 (10),

1046-1053. Rosenthal, Avram. (1957). Exper;ences at the Hebrew University Library in Jeru-

salem. ALA Bulletin, February, 1957, 111-115.