UCL SSEES Library

The collection dates back to 1919 when the Czechoslovak government donated much material that formed its core. This was later followed by further generous bequests and donations from the library of Jan Masaryk, the Beneš Institute, the Czechoslovak Academy and many other scholarly institutions and individuals. The Library acquires all the latest material directly from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with the main emphasis on works relating to the language, literature, history, culture, politics and economics of the two countries.

The collection has been divided into three separate classes to reflect the geo-political changes that have taken place within the region: Cs (works relating to the former Czechoslovakia or works covering both the Czech Republic and Slovakia), Cz (works relating solely to the Czech Republic) and Sk (works relating solely to Slovakia).

There is a large representative reference section that ranges from early general works, such as Ottův slovník naučný 28 volumes, Praha, 1888-1909; and Masarykův slovník naučný 7 volumes, Praha, 1925-33; to specialised multi-lingual dictionaries, bibliographies, encyclopaedias and statistical handbooks. Among some of the most notable are the multi-volume Slovník českých a slovenských výtvarných umělců 1950-2006; Český hraný film published by Národní Filmový Archiv, 1995-2004; Encyclopaedia Beliana, Bratislava, 1999-; and Slovník súčasného slovenského jazyka, Bratislava, 2006-.

In the history section works on early as well as modern history are well represented. There is good coverage of the political affairs of the decades following the end of the Second World War, as well as numerous works focusing on the 1968 Prague Spring, the Velvet Revolution and the eventual division of Czechoslovakia into two independent states. Special emphasis is given to the role of the Czech Republic and Slovakia within Central Europe and their membership of international organisations, including NATO and the European Union.

The collection is located on the First Floor of the Library. Enquiries relating to the Czech Republic and Slovakia should be directed to the Area Specialist for Central Europe in Room 206.

Library staff also maintain pages of Internet resources on the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

This page last modified Wednesday 14 September 2011.