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Lithuania is one of the three independent Baltic States and belongs to the region, which is referred to as Central and Eastern Europe.
Total population of the country in 2004 was 3445700; there are 2.3 million urban residents and 1.1 million rural residents in Lithuania. Density is high - 53.5 inhabitants. Ethnic composition of Lithuania’s population today is 83.8% Lithuanians; 6.4% Russians; 6.8% Poles; 1.5% Byelorussians; 0.7% Ukrainians; 0.8% others.
Total population of the country in 2004 was 3445700; there are 2.3 million urban residents and 1.1 million rural residents in Lithuania. Density is high - 53.5 inhabitants. Ethnic composition of Lithuania’s population today is 83.8% Lithuanians; 6.4% Russians; 6.8% Poles; 1.5% Byelorussians; 0.7% Ukrainians; 0.8% others.
In 1990, after half a century of Soviet occupation and international isolation, Lithuania has re-joined the world community as a sovereign country. Since 1990, Lithuania has embarked on radical social, political, economical reforms.
In a short time, Lithuania has introduced the main prerequisites of a democratic society, such as multi-party system, free elections, free media and freedom of expression. The emergence of independent mass media has considerably widened people’s choice of, and access to information.
Transition on such a scale, although it eventually leads to democracy and market economy, has brought drastic changes to the lives of all citizens and to the performance of all institutions.
In a short time, Lithuania has introduced the main prerequisites of a democratic society, such as multi-party system, free elections, free media and freedom of expression. The emergence of independent mass media has considerably widened people’s choice of, and access to information.
Transition on such a scale, although it eventually leads to democracy and market economy, has brought drastic changes to the lives of all citizens and to the performance of all institutions.
A major reform was introduced in the system of public libraries that replaced the former Soviet mass libraries. A shift from the ideologically indoctrinated library towards a democratic one, from the philosophy of safely state-funded libraries towards the new paradigms of the pro-active and flexible library, from the closed and inward oriented library towards the open, user-oriented and customer-friendly information, recreation, education and cultural centre were essential. Such changes affect the very essence of the library as a social institute, the core of the professional education and performance standards.