HSR

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The Library of the Russian Hydrographic Service observed its bicentenary on 16th April. The Library is a modern book depository enjoying a significant collection of scientific literature specialised in many disciplines, with the primary focus on hydrographic surveying and nautical charting. Nowadays the Library is situated in the Charts Division of the Head Department of Navigation and Oceanography in St. Petersburg and possesses more than 60,000 books, atlases, manuscripts and periodicals in the form of hard copies and electronic publications. Pursuing its practical tasks as an information centre contributing to hydrographic support of navigation, the Library at the same time serves as a repository of ancient books evoking considerable interest in historical context. The oldest book kept in the Library is General Signals Observed in His Majesty’s Naval Fleet, published in 1716 under the supervision of General-Admiral F.M. Apraksin. This book marked the first steps in the history of the Russian Navy.

The foundation of the Library is part and parcel of the history of the national Hydrographic Service. Outstanding sea explorers, hydrographers and oceanographers including F.P. Vrangel, I.F. Kruzenstern, A.I. Vilkitskij, B.A. Vilkitskij and Iu. M. Shokalskij contributed to the acquisition of Library stock. The Library is replenished with modern books and periodicals on hydrography and related subjects, for so far as allocated funds allow. Colleagues from not only the Hydrographic service but also from other establishments use Library materials. Mrs Saida Ankudinova heads its small and amicable staff, all devoted to their jobs and performing their work devotedly despite, alas, a rather small salary.

The Chart Division held a meeting in celebration of the Library jubilee. It was not surprising that many users gathered to congratulate the nice women running this resource. The chief of the Chart Division, captain of 1st rank Valery Fomchenko, congratulated the librarians and bestowed an award upon them. Among those gathered was also a group of HSR members, on behalf of whom the HSR secretary presented Mrs Saida Ankudinova with a letter of congratulation to the members of the Library staff.

As by tradition, a small buffet was held after the official proceedings.

Contact
Hydrographic Society Russia (HSR)
Att. Viktor Rybine
Kozhevennaja linija 41
Saint-Petersburg 199106
Russia
Tel/Fax: +7 812 350 5026