Kovalchuk H. Theory and practice of book monuments in XX c.

The thesis investigates history, theory and practice of complex researches of book monuments in libraries and substantiates relatively separate sphere of knowledge at the border of bibliology, library science and study of monuments. The historiography of development of this field of knowledge is given, much attention being paid to evolution of explaining notion "rare book", to modern terminological definitions of basic notions: "rare book", "valuable book", "unique book", "book monunent", "old-printed book" etc. The history of separation of old-printed books and rare books of subsequent time in library funds, creation of proper departments is observed, with common tendency of such processes being proved. Modern worldwide programs concerning conservation and popularisation of book monuments are characterized, the appropriate legislative base of Ukraine is analyzed. Main problems having been appeared when compiling the charter of the National register of cultural legacy dealing with book monuments of Ukraine and ways of their solving are pointed. Main criteria of definition of book heritage are ascertained. The thesis formulates guidance and practical demands for description and conservation of old-printed books, rare and valuable books of XIX-XX cc.