Volume II (1997), no. 1

CULTURE, BOOKS, SOCIETY: AXIOLOGICAL OPENINGS AND CLOSURES

Contents

Studies

Vasile FRĂTEANU
Institution:
"Babeş-Bolyai" University, Cluj-Napoca, Department of Philosophy
Abstract

The author proposes a new - connective or relational - model of understanding axiology. Axiology can be formed in an authentic manner if it accepts to have permanent reference to the world of man and  his experience. Then it has to take into account other branches of philosophy: ontology, gnoseology, the philosophy of language, the philosophy of conscience etc. Axiological research proper must start from the evaluative utterances; these and not the isolated words represent the basic units of all axiological thought. However, these utterances themselves have a relational nature as they combine descriptive and prescriptive aspects. The "axiological predicate" has the same structure: it is formed as an "ontological-evaluative symbol" in every value-judgement.

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Andrei MARGA
Institution:
Rector of the "Babeş-Bolyai" University, Cluj-Napoca
Abstract

Preparing for European unification requires a conceptual clearing-up. From the point of view of unification Europeanness must be judged according to institutions and culture, not by the geography and history of Europe. However, the institutions are objectifications of culture, therefore the dissensions concerning affiliation with Europe belong to the field of culture. In the author's opinion European cultural specificity consists of the following facts: a) it activates the behaviour characterized by economic rationality, allowing for the estimation of profitable results; b) it is a culture of effective administration supported by law; c) it promotes personal liberty conceived as the autonomy of the individual; d) it is a culture of systematic research and of transforming reality according to the individual objective; e) at the same time it is a spiritual culture capable of the thoughtful use of traditions.

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Adrian MARINO
Institution:
Romanian Association of Professional Writers
Abstract

Ethnocentrism, xenophobia and cultural chauvinism can get unbridled in many ways. Ignoring cultural relations and dialogue is a sign of anachronism today. The author presents cultural "insularity" from the point of view of the obstacles that hinder its controlling. These obstacles are: a) irreducible and intolerant peculiarity and ethnicism; b) isolationism reverted to a political and cultural program; c) a psychological background characterized by typical complexes (victimization, local patriotism, etc.); d) the formation of local hierarchies promoting a "parochial" cultural system; e) the inorganic cultivation of cultural universalism versus multi- culturalism.

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Petru ILUŢ
Institution:
"Babeş-Bolyai" University, Cluj-Napoca, Department of Sociology
Abstract

The sociological study of the recrudescence of nationalism in ex-communist countries must be initiated from the perspective of ethnification. The theories of ethnification are structured according to the paradigms: cultural-attitude which operates mainly within the preponderently irrational elements of ethnification and rational choice which focuses on the calculation of costs and profits. The main intention of the present study is to show the relation between the paradigms is complex and nuanced.

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Camil MUREŞANU
Institution:
Director of the Institute of History of the Romanian Academy, Cluj Branch
Abstract

Cultural life in Transylvania gained momentum in the period between 1933-1940. Together with the gradual synchronization with Western culture there was a friendly emulation between Romanian, Hungarian and German (Saxon) periodicals characterized by the urbanity of morals and manners in most literary debates. These aspects are narrated by Romanian periodicals (Tara Bârsei; Blajul; Gând Românesc etc.), Hungarian periodicals (Erdélyi Helikon) and German ones (Klingsor etc.).

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Károly VERESS
Institution:
"Babeş-Bolyai" University, Cluj-Napoca, Department of Philosophy
Abstract

The study analyses the connections between minority being and minority culture in  Hungarian life in Romania. It begins with the hypothesis that the peculiar image of culture that emerged during decades of deprivation of minority rights distorted the real functions of culture and its institutions in society as well as the intellectuals' image of themselves and their image of culture. This image of culture, which has become a cultural paradigm, is linked to the specific interpretation where minority being is considered to be a deficient and distinct category which inflicts moral duties on those living a minority existence. It endows culture with a distinct value-creating role from the point of view of survival. This interpretation of existence has been gradually infiltrated into culture and is being continuously procreated by its self-reproductive mechanisms. Therefore it continues to exist alongside the image of culture, even after the events of December 1989, although it does not reflect the real needs and endeavours of minority individuals and has become an obstacle to the development of the new processes. This contradiction which has evolved can now only be overcome by the development of a vigorous civil society.

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Silvia DUMITRU
Institution:
Researcher, Special Collections Dept., "Lucian Blaga" CUL
Abstract
Ionuţ COSTEA
Institution:
Researcher, Special Collections, "Lucian Blaga" CUL
Abstract

Librarianship

Nastasia FODOREAN
Institution:
Associate Professor, Bibliology and Information Science College, Cluj-Napoca
Abstract

The study reveals the fact that computers are an integral part of librarianship today. It also attempts to prove that the use of modern techniques can only be really fruitful if the librarian is doubly competent: having an expertise in librarianship and in addition technical skills. This has led to the founding of the College of Librarianship in Cluj, which was also motivated by the existence of a Bibliological School in Cluj between the two world wars.

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Robert DAVIES, Traian BRAD, Adriana KIRALY
Institution:
Project Manager, Carpenter Davies Associates, London ; Director, "Octavian Goga" County Library, Cluj-Napoca ; Head of the Technical Services, "Octavian Goga" County Library
Abstract

The main objectives and most significant findings of the user/nonuser survey designed and conducted at the "Octavian Goga" Cluj County Library are presented, the survey being one of the principal tasks of the Public Libraries Development Project under the European Union PHARE Partnership Programme. In order to support the library management's intention to improve  existing services and to initiate new ones,a study of the following was made: 1) the users'/nonusers' characteristics and main reasons for visiting/not visiting the public library; 2) the degree of using the available library services and the customers' level of satisfaction with these services, and especially 3) the public's needs for new services. The most important conclusion reached is that, although the main reason for library visiting is the use of books (particularly borrowing) and that the overall level of satisfaction with library available services and environment is registered as good, the users'/nonusers' interest for new library services appear  significant. The principal proposals were: an audiocassette, videocassette and CD lending service, a European Union Information service and the most important a Community Information Service. The main information priorities of the latter were: social/welfare assistance, medical/health care, employment, retraining/improving professional performance and leisure/recreation.

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Sally WOOD-LAMONT, Ioana ROBU
Institution:
F.L.A., Library Consultant ; MSc, Director, Central University Library of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca
Abstract

This paper reports the self-financing experience of the Cluj Medical Library, Romania. The recurrent library budget given by the University covers mostly book and periodical acquisitions: other expenses, such as equipment, consumables can only be partially (i.e. 10-50%) covered from this budget, the rest must be borne by the library itself.

In order to continue improvements, the library budget had to be increased by self-financing schemes, therefore a conscious decision was made to introduce fees for additional library services given. The influence of old mentalities are discussed as well as the implications and the results of the scheme.

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Miscellanea

Alin-Mihai GHERMAN
Institution:
Researcher, Academy Library, Cluj-Napoca
Abstract
A Bibliography of Local History
Institution:
Researcher, Institute of History of the Romanian Academy, Cluj Branch
Abstract
Nastasia FODOREAN
Institution:
Associate Professor, Bibliology and Information Science College, Cluj-Napoca
Abstract