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Since the historic first seminar in 2001, this will be the fifth meeting overall. Our semi-jubilee invites a small reflection on how the library-architecture relationship has evolved over time and the various challenges faced by library building care in the Czech Republic. Without delving into too many details, we can state that for several decades, this area stood completely outside the sphere of interest – development was stagnant. Library buildings became outdated, and their care was generally neglected; the dialogue between architects and librarians was not at the necessary level. However, a gratifying change has occurred. From several angles, new horizons have opened, and people have started to recognize names like Rem Koolhaas or Frank Gehry... Collaboration between architects and librarians began to evolve and improve, interest from investors and, of course, the general public followed. It now seems that the old and inadequate libraries are slowly but surely being phased out. Dozens of libraries are undergoing reconstruction, and many more are being built.1 And how does the history of the Library and Architecture seminar fit into this development? It is inextricably linked with it. We have been shaped by current issues and tried to respond to them retrospectively. After all, if we take a look back at previous seminar topics, we uncover some questions that seem to characterize the respective period. In 2001, the focus was on major foreign inspirations; people looked around and traveled to learn and see how things were done elsewhere. The third seminar in 2005 turned again to the area of library interiors and addressed the issues of furniture appropriateness and overall equipment of library spaces. To what extent these topics have been successfully addressed in the seminars is a question for someone else. However, the fact that this year's seminar will see its mentioned fifth continuation is a sign of certain success.
As in previous years, we would also like to focus on the current topic, which should be the future of the National Library in Prague. For several years, we have been closely monitoring the efforts of the National Library to improve its services, whether through the reconstruction and restructuring of the current Clementinum building or the construction of a new building. We believe that now, at a moment when the discussion about the future of the National Library has somewhat stagnated, is the right time for its reopening. This should involve representatives of experts from various opinion camps who will reflect on the fundamental question of whether it is necessary to build a new building or renovate the current one. The organizers of the Library and Architecture seminar will attempt to create conditions for an open dialogue around the round table about the library, which symbolizes the education and culture of our country.
We believe that the participation of managers from both Czech and foreign libraries, architects interested in the construction of new libraries or who are designing them themselves, and other guests will ensure the necessary quality and level.
