Open Access at the Main Library of the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin – in the Light of Own Research Results

Abstract

The article presents the changes that have taken place in the Main Library of the Maria Curie-Skłodowska in Lublin, resulting from the introduction of open access to some of the col- lections. Its main goal was to indicate the problems and benefits resulting from modernization of the existing solutions related to the way of using library collections. The rules of classification of the Library of Congress and process of its implementation in the Main Library of the UMCS were discussed. The case study method and comparative analysis were used to achieve the set goals. The paper presents the results of user satisfaction surveys regarding the use of the open access zone. The conclusions were based on surveys conducted among the Library users (students and employees of Lublin universities). The information obtained during the survey showed streng- ths and weaknesses in the functioning and organization of the open access zone at the Library.