Сensor measures in library activities of Katerinoslav in the second half of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th centuries

The period of the end of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th centuries was marked by a great role of censorship in libraries activities, their opening, supplementing the book stock, readers' servicing and selection of staff. Studying of censorship policy in respect of libraries as cultural and educational institutions is an important trend in highlighting of historical processes. The article deals with negative influence of Russian tsarat's censor measures on all processes of library activities in Katerinoslav in the second half of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th centuries. The data of secondary schools' reports as well as provincial and Zemstvos' reports are used in the article. The activity of first people's libraries is analized. Documents of government agencies of the Russian Empire show negative conditions in which libraries worked. The government was interested in organizing such institutions which could slow down spreading of reading, education and national consciousness in the Province. This process was controlled by a special Censor angency (inspectors, class teachers, viewers). Pedagogical councils and people responsible for library activity slowed down spreading of knowledge and controlled work of library workers. In spite of prohibitive measures libraries made great efforts in distributing books and attracting readers of different social groups.