On 6^th November 2009 the Russian State Library held a seminar for the 60 rural libraries devoted to the resources of the Digital Dissertation Library of the RSL within the framework of project “Model Rural Libraries”. This direction is considered to be the priority one in the development of library science in Russia.

The seminar gathered 60 officials of rural libraries from all the regions of Russia, where there function Virtual Reading Rooms.

In the beginning of the seminar, the following speakers addressed the participants with the greeting word: director general of the RSL Alexander Visly and RSL president Victor Fedorov.

Head manager of the DDL RSL project Nina Avdeeva made a presentation on the work of the Russian State Library, on the development and prospects of project “Digital Dissertation Library of the RSL”, and also gave a master class on work with the "DefView" software in the real time operation mode.

The coordinator of the project Olga Chemodanova gave a presentation on the development and main capabilities of "DefView".

Within the framework of the seminar, the experienced staff guides of the Russian State Library gave the excursions for the participants of the seminar around the main building of the RSL and the Pashkov’s Houses.

For rural libraries work with the Digital Dissertation Library of the RSL provides their staff and visitors with the opportunity to acquire up – to – date knowledge in all the branches of science, which, in its turn, is an important component part for informatization of the above mentioned organizations as well as for self – development of their employees.

We are really grateful to the specialists of the Department of Support of Access to Digital Resources for their high professionalism in holding such events, and also to the direction board of the “Pushkin Library” foundation for their support in opening Virtual Reading Rooms of the DDL RSL in 60 rural libraries.