Shipping information in Hungary – a library-oriented diachronic perspective on the past, present and future

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this paper is to introduce the evolutionary process of information service tools used in libraries through the system of Hungarian information sources on shipping. In the first part we describe a possible model for collecting, identifying, analysing and publishing Hungarian scientific literature on shipping. In the next part we describe the current situation in Hungary, especially regarding content accessible online for free, published by public administration bodies, and professional and non-governmental organizations. Finally, we discuss possible future courses of development.

Research method: Our research is based on scientific literature, professional consultations, our own data collection, and experiences. Our work, especially the identification and use of documents and modern infocommunicational applications, is largely based on selection and assessment performed during library information service, on systems approach, and on looking for connections. We aimed to use English references in the paper, but in those cases where no such sources were found, and it was necessary for understanding the point, we listed Hungarian bibliographic entries.

Results/Conclusions: The development of information service systems related to shipping and aimed at current events is inconceivable without involving the latest IT innovations, the cooperation of different fields, and the support networks of the European Union. The future is services providing aggregated, multi-criteria searching. Other nations can draw inspiration from analysing Hungary’s developmental curve and trends to meet both the scientific and the  veryday needs for sources in the field. Moreover, this paper can help Hungarian developments to be linked with further international information systems.