General Information
Organization of Materials
Major Libraries
Other Resources
Using libraries abroad will be different from using those here in the States. Knowing the location, hours, and rules for using the library will save you time. You may need to make contacts or present specific documents at the library so planning ahead is important.
University libraries in the Czech Republic very often do not have a large central library with a main collection. Instead, each fakultet (department) has its own library. Access to these smaller libraries can often be limited to the university community or even just the people associated with that department. If you would like to use a departmental library, check with your study abroad program advisor to see what the rules are and whether he or she can arrange a letter of introduction.
Other libraries in the Czech Republic, such as the National Library or any number of Municipal (public) libraries might ask to see your passport, visa, residency papers or student ID in order to gain access to the library's resources. We will go over some requirements for a few specific libraries later in the tutorial.
Make sure you know the rules of a library the first time you use it. The rules may be very different from what you are used to in the U.S. Czech library stacks are often closed, meaning that you will need to ask a librarian to get any materials you need from them. Also, you may be asked to leave your coat, bookbag and other personal belongings in a cloakroom or locker before you enter reading rooms or open stacks. Cell phone use as well as food and drink is more than likely prohibited in the library.
