The Library of Kaunas University of Technology is one of the largest in Lithuania; it stores and continuously replenishes one of the richest collections of printed books and periodicals on engineering, technology and sciences in Lithuanian and other languages. The Library also provides access to vast e-resources.
The University Library has always been open to both the University community and to the public: its services areas are available to Kaunas’ academic community, and to various industry professionals and businessmen.
The Library‘s mission is to provide efficient services answering the needs of current and future subjects of learning and research, by ensuring the access to the resources stored at the Library and to the global information resources available online.
The Library’s vision: a state-of-the-art science and study information resource hub, which integrates both physical and virtual spaces, creating the favorable environment for study and research, providing services and access to the necessary information resources.
| 1 January 1923 | The University of Lithuania (predecessor of KTU) Library was founded. The core of its collection was formed from the Library of the School of Higher Studies, and the personal library of Adalbert Bezzenberger, professor of Konigsberg University. |
| 1922–1940 | The University had 7 Faculty libraries working independently. |
| 1923–1944 | The Library Director’s Office was held by Professor Vaclovas Biržiška. |
| 1924–1944 | The Institute of Bibliography was working on the basis of the Library. |
| 1926 | Publication of a facsimile edition of Postilla Catholicka by M. Daukša (originally published in 1599). |
| 1928–1943 | Bibliografijos žinios (Bibliography News), the journal of national current bibliography, was prepared by the Library staff and published since 1936. |
| 1929 |
The Library was moved to the Main Building (now Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities). Publication of a manuscript by Simonas Daukantas Darbai senovės lietuvių ir žemaičių, 1822, (Labours of Ancient Lithuanians and Samogitians). |
| 1930–1946 | The Library was known as the Library of Vytautas Magnus University. |
| 1934–1941 | J. Tumas-Vaižgantas Museum was open to visitors at the Library. |
| 1934 | Publication of the first volume of Istorijos archyvas (The History Archives) compiled by historian Konstantinas Jablonskis covering the inventory records of the 16th century estates stored in the manuscript depository. |
| 1937 | The Library joined the international interlibrary loan service system. Publication of Mūsų senovė (Our Ancient Times), a serial edition of Lithuanian history was resumed. |
| 1940 | The Library had its branch libraries opened at the Faculties of Medicine (until 1950), Philology (until 1948), and Technology (now the Faculty of Chemical Technology). |
| 1943 | Nazi invaders closed the University and took over the Library premises. |
| 1944 | The University and the Library resumed their activities. |
| 1944–1946 | The Library Director’s Office was held by Professor Augustinas Janulaitis. |
| 1946–1948 | The Library Director’s Office was held by Vincas Ruzgas. |
| 1946–1950 | The Library was known as the Library of Kaunas State University. |
| 1948–1976 | The Library Director’s Office was held by Stefanija Užkurytė. |
| 1950 | The University was reorganised into two separate institutions – Polytechnic and Medical Institutes. The Library premises and majority of books and periodicals came into possession of Kaunas Polytechnic Institute. |
| 1951–1974 | The Library was known as the Library of Kaunas Polytechnic Institute. |
| 1953 | A library branch was opened at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture. |
| 1956–1969 | The Library had its branch at Vilnius Faculty. Later, it was handed over to Vilnius Civil Engineering Institute (now Vilnius Gediminas Technical University). |
| 1961–1991 | The Library had its branch at Klaipėda Faculty. Later, it was handed over to Klaipėda University. |
| 1962–1997 | The Library had its branch at Šiauliai Faculty. It was handed over to Šiauliai University. |
| 1963 | A library branch was founded at Panevėžys Faculty (now the Panevėžys Faculty of Technologies and Business). |
| 1963–1983 | Four scientific conferences were held to commemorate anniversaries of the Library. |
| 1965 | A lending department was founded at the Machine Building Faculty (now the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design). |
| 1966–1989 | A bibliographical index of Lithuanian architecture Lietuvos architektūra (Lithuanian Architecture), six indices of institute publications, a coursebook Informatikos pagrindai (Basics of Informatics), reader’s guides, and other publications were issued. |
| 1969 | A library branch was set up at the Radioelectronics Faculty (now the Faculty of Informatics). |
| 1974–1989 | The Library was known as the Library of Kaunas Antanas Sniečkus Polytechnic Institute. |
| 1976–1991 | The Library Director’s Office was held by Genovaitė Romanovienė. |
| 1978 | The Rare Books Department was founded. |
| 1984 | A branch library was set up in new premises of the Design and Technologies faculty (now the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design). |
| 1987 | Prenumerata – a computer program for subscription to periodicals was installed. |
| 1990 | Since 1990, the Library has been known as the Library of Kaunas University of Technology. |
| 1991 | Since 1991, the Library Director’s Office was held by Genė Duobinienė. |
| 1992 | The Library entered into the contacts with colleagues of the Nordic counties, West Europe and the USA. |
| 1993 |
Since 1993 the database Publikacijos (Publication) covering the scientific publications by the University staff has been exploited. The Central European conference-exhibition on Information Science and academic libraries Information Users in the 21st Century was held at Lithuanian Technical Library. The University Library was one of the organisers of that event. |
| 1995–1999 | An integrated library information system CICERO (DANTEK, Denmark) was functioning at the Library. In 1997, the circulation module was implemented in the Central Library. |
| 1996 |
Since 1996, annual exhibitions of scientific and academic books of the international publishing houses have been held jointly with the book trade companies. Since 1996, search for information in the world data bases became available at KTU Library. A memorial bas-relief for professor Vaclovas Biržiška, former director of the Library was unveiled (sculptor Stasys Žirgulis). The seminar Readings from Vaclovas Biržiška took place. Konstantinas Savickas Reading Hall (sponsored by Konstantinas Savickas foundation) opened. Since 1996, the Library computer catalogue has become accessible to users on LAN and on the Internet. |
| 1997 | The 450th anniversary of the first Lithuanian printed book was commemorated by an exhibition Lithuanian History in Books held at Tonsberg Public Library (Vestfold Country, Norway). It was organised in co-operation with the Kaunas County Public Library. |
| 1998 |
Nijolė Lietuvninkaitė received the award for research and practical activity in the fields of librarianship, bibliography from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania. Two Internet Reading Rooms were opened to users. |
| 1998–1999 | Participation in the user distance learning project DEDICATE (Distance Education Information Courses with Access through Networks) financed by EC DG XIII. |
| 1999 | In accordance with the project of the Lithuanian Academic Library Network (LABT), the integrated library information system ALEPH 500 (Ex Libris, Israel) was installed. |
| 2001–2004 | The premises of the Central Library (its 1st floor) were renovated, a contemporary Reading Hall was opened. |
| 2001 | In accordance with the program Information Technologies for science and studies (ITMIS) 2001–2006 adopted by the Department of Science and Studies, the project Concept of the LABT Development: Virtual Library of Lithuania was prepared by a team of authors. |
| 2002–2004 | Participation in the EC 5 FP project PERINE (Pedagogical and Educational Research Information Network for Europe in 2002-2004) together with the Institute of Educational Studies (KTU). |
| 2002 |
In accordance with the ITMIS programme, a study Analysis of Needs and Potentials in the Development of Full-text DBs and Electronic Publishing was prepared collectively with a team of authors. Doctoral (PhD) degrees were awarded to: Nijolė Lietuvninkaitė for her thesis Kaunas Book Culture in 1843-1918 (Humanities, Communication and Information 06H); Edita Korzonaitė for her thesis Development of Human Behavior with Dead persons Spirits in Legends and Traditions (Humanities, Ethnology 07H). The library of the Mechanical Engineering faculty moved to the new premises in Kęstučio Street, its Reading Room was provided with open access and computer-equipped work places. |
| 2003 | Since 2003, the Library participates in the State programme of the Millennium of Lithuania. |
| 2004 | The new database Elektroninės tezės ir disertacijos (Electronic Theses and Disertations) went into operation. The catalogue Stanislovo Didžiulio asmenine bioblioteka (Stanislovas Didžiulis’ Personal Library) compiled by Dr Nijolė Lietuvninkaitė was published. |
| 2004–2005 | The Library participated in the research program Development of Research by Applying Full-text Databases for Meeting the Needs of Study and Research Information (under Assoc. Prof. Dr Pranas Žiliukas) financed by Lithuanian Science and Studies Foundation. The library of the Faculty of Chemical Technology was renovated and an Internet Reading Room opened. |
| 2005–2008 | The library participated in two ES SF projects Lithuanian Virtual Library and Creation of Full-text Databases and Accumulation and Presentation of Lithuanian Science and Studies E-Documents to Users. |
| 2005 |
The library of Panevežys Institute moved to the new premises, its Reading Room was provided with open access and computer-equipped workplaces. Gintarė Tautkevičienė was awarded Doctoral (PhD) degree for her thesis University Library Education Factors Empowering Students into Learning Environment. |
| 2006 |
The scientific monograph Kaunas Old Book: Its Significance and Development in the Period of 1843-1918 by Nijolė Lietuvninkaitė was published. The library at Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering was renovated: its Lending and Reading Rooms were incorporated into one space, open-access shelves were arranged, computer-equipped workplaces provided, and the security system 3M was installed. The Design and Technologies Faculty library underwent renovation: its Reading Room was provided with open-access and computer-equipped workplaces. |
| 2006–2007 | The collection of Kaunas old iconic photographs (1863–1940) and the old Lithuanian writing record Ewangelie polskie y litewskie (1647) by Jonas Jaknavičius were recognised as the objects of national and regional document heritage and were catalogued into the Lithuanian national register of the UNESCO program Memory of the World. |
| 2007 | Dr Nijolė Lietuvninkaitė, Head of Rare Books Department, received Martynas Mažvydas Award for her work in the field of Lithuanian language, history of writing and the art of the book, established by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania. |
| 2008 |
Genė Duobinienė, Library Director, received an award from Lithuanian Ministry of Culture for achievements in the field in librarianship, bibliography, book science, research and practical activity in the library. Data base Electronic Academic Library of Lithuania (eLABa) went into operation. The study “Quality and Meeting the Teaching/Learning Needs at the Libraries of Comprehensive Schools and Higher Education Institutions” initiated by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania was carried out. |
| 2008–2009 | Participation in the project “Libraries for Innovation” (coordinated by the Lithuanian Research Library Consortium): teaching the course “Internet resources and new library services” and developing the course “Internet resources for library visitors”. |
| 2009 | The premises of the first floor in the Central Library were renovated and the closed stack of the Rare Books Department was modernised. |
| 2009–2011 |
Participation in the project “EMoDB.LT: Opening of the Online Research Databases for Lithuania” (coordinated by the Lithuanian Research Library Consortium): the research “Assessment of Demand and Scope of Training Scientists and Other Researchers on the Use of Online Research Information” was carried out, training modules were developed and training sessions for researchers were held. The premises of the Civil Engineering Faculty Library (the Civil Engineering and Architecture Faculty Library at present) were renovated, as well as the Library homepage; the open stack was developed and the security system implemented. |
| 2009–2012 | Participation in EU FP7 research project OpenAIRE (European Research Open Access Infrastructure). |
| 2010 |
Dr Gintarė Tautkevičienė, Head of the Information Services Department, was awarded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania for her achievements in the field of librarianship, bibliography, book science, research and practical activity in the library. Two major publications of the year: the monograph Educational Power of the University: Response to the Challenges of the 21st Century (Genė Duobinienė and Dr Gintarė Tautkevičienė among the co-authors); the research study “Assessment of demand and scope of training of scientists and other researchers on the use of online research information”. |
| 2010–2013 | Participation in the project coordinated by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania “Developing and implementing the models for HE students’ carrier education and carrier monitoring, qualification development and relevant materials for specialists in vocational orientation (Stage I).” |
| 2010–2014 | Participation in the national project on the Lithuanian traditions and heritage to commemorate Kristijonas Donelaitis’ anniversary of 300 years. |
| 2010–2014 | Participation in the project funded by the Research Council of Lithuania and the European Social Fund devoted for the development of international research database Lituanistika. |
| 2010–2014 | Dr Gintarė Tautkevičienė held the Chair of Advisory Council in the international organisation EIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries). |
| 2011 | Participation in the project coordinated by the Lithuanian Research Library Consortium “Let’s encourage Open Access in Lithuania”: videos created, a survey carried out, the scientific conference “Let’s Open Scientific Knowledge to the World” organised. |
| 2011–2014 | Participation in the EU FP7 project OpenAIREplus (“2nd Generation of Open Access Infrastructure for Research in Europe“). 2013 Seminar “Open Access Infrastructure, Legal Issues and Continuity Ensurance” was held. Subsequently, the project application for Horizon2020 was developed and funding received for the project OpenAIRE2020. |
| 2012 | The project “Open Access from the Perspective of Young Researchers” funded by the international organization EIFL was implemented: a series of seminars (“Open science: why does it matter?“, “Intellectual property, creative commons and open access“, “Why open access is important for researchers“) and the discussion “Development of Open Access in Lithuania” took place. |
| 2013 | The project on the renewal and development of the Library in line with the Resolution on the renewal of the research and study at the University renewal programme for 2013–2014 No. V7-T-6 approved by the Council of Kaunas University of Technology on the 28th of March, 2013 and the Senate Resolution of the 4th of July 2013, No. V-3-S42. |
| 2013 | Dr Gintarė Tautkevičienė took the chair of Open Access to Scientific Information and Research working group in the Lithuanian National UNESCO Commission. |
| 2014 | Participation in the research proposed by the project LIBITOP (“Optimization of the Opportunities for the Optimization of Network of Lithuanian Libraries”): research report “Research on the Lithuanian National and Municipal Public Libraries’ Strategies and Quantitative Performance Indicators” by Zinaida Manžuch and Gintarė Tautkevičienė. |
| 2014 | Dr Gintarė Tautkevičienė became EIFL Open Access coordinator in Lithuania. |
| 2014 | Participation in FP7 project FOSTER: training sessions are carried out for researchers in Lithuania “Promoting Open Science among Young Researchers: Challenges and Opportunities”. |
| 2015 | Research information services department established, Cataloguing department reorganised to Cataloguing Group and merged to Acquisition Department. |
| Since 2015 | KTU PDB records of Lithuanian research and study e-documents made available on Lithuanian Electronic Library eLABa. |
| 2015 | LMBA coordinated European social fund project “Opening of the Online Research Databases for Lithuania – Stage 2″ (VP1-3.1-ŠMM-02-V-02-004) carried out. “Continuous research on scientists and other researchers need for electronic resources usage” report was prepared by Gintarė Tautkevičienė and Zinaida Manžuch. |
| 2015 | In collaboration with LMT, MRU and LMBA KTU Library carried out EU 7th framework programme project FOSTER (Open Science Training for European Research) training sessions for Lithuanian researchers on open access “Promoting Open Science among Young Researchers: Challenges and Opportunities”. Project FOSTER training sessions were delivered to Lithuanian young scientists and researchers. |
| Since 2015 | Gintarė Tautkevičienė became a member of editorial board of research periodical journal “Nordic Perspectives on Open Science” (ISSN: 2464-1839), and started to lead Lithuanian academic libraries directors association (LABA). |
| Since 15 December 2014 | Gintarė Tautkevičienė holds the Library Director’s Office. |
| 2015 | Participation in “Horizon2020” project “Open Access Infrastructure for Research OpenAIRE 2020″. |
| 2016 | Ieva Cesevičiūtė and Gintarė Tautkevičienė in various events delivered following papers: “OpenAIRE2020: infrastructure and support for Open Science” (conference “Academic Libraries and Open Science”), “Open Science in Horizon 2020: OpenAIRE Support for Researchers, Research Managers and Funders OpenCon Lithuania”. |
| 31 March 2016 | FOSTER seminar “Promoting Open Science among Young Researchers: Challenges and Opportunities” took place. |
| 6 December 2016 | Conference “Academic Library and Open Science” where open science, open access to research data and publications, changes in research publishing and subscription and other questions related to research knowledge were discussed was organised. |
