European Union Depository Library ín Hungary

Abstract

Following the decision of the European Commission in 2000, the European Union Depository Library was offi-cially opened in the Library of the Hungárián Pariiament in January 2001. Based on somé other articles about the establishment and functioning of the depository collec-tion, this article concentrates on user attitudes and the reference services the iibrarians provide. In the begin-ning of its operation, the main subjects of user queries received in the depository library were EU history, institutions: the European Pariiament and its functioning; the accession process and its documents; legislation of associated countries; processes, decisions and cases of the European Court of Justice. Time is passing and queries are becoming more and more concrete, i.e. legislative background of audiovisual policy; quality measures for dental services; legislation on children toys; waste water management; petition rights etc. In 2002, there were 950 registered users and 1500 queries received in the depository library. The main users are the assistants of MPs, university students and profes-sors, ministries, lawyers. The library staff provides the Hungárián observers in the European Pariiament with information, background materials, too.