Cunha Rivara, um bibliotecario romântico

Abstract

Neste estudo procura-se contribuir para um melhor conhecimento das práticas biblioteconómicas do século XIX, nomeadamente na biblioteca eborense, captando desta forma as suas dinâmicas no período referido. A homogeneidade temática e a deterioração de parte da colecção conventual, que a biblioteca pública de Évora incorporou, levou o bibliotecário a proceder à venda a peso, o que lhe valeu o título de Átila. A elaboração do Catálogo de Manuscritos da Biblioteca Pública Eborense que reúne os papéis referentes ao Ultramar foi a obra que coroou Rivara, enquanto bibliotecário. A matriz biblioteconómica de Rivara sofreu influências nacionais: Herculano e Balsemão, e internacionais Constantin. O contacto com bibliotecas estrangeiras tinha por objectivo captar as boas práticas biblioteconómicas europeias. Rivara, dado a escassez de leitores que frequentavam a biblioteca, sente necessidade de atrair público revitalizando e dando uma maior utilidade social ao estabelecimento engendrando várias estratégias como por exemplo, as parcerias. - ABSTRACT; ln this project we intend to contribute to a better knowledge of the Library·s management system in the XIX century, mainly in what the Evora·s library is concerned, studying its ways and methods. The librarian of the public library of Évora was led to proceed to a bulk sale to which the nickname Attila was given because part of the Convent's collection books owned by this library was characterized by homogeneous themes and because it was in such a state of deterioration. The making of the Catálogo de Manuscritos da Biblioteca Pública Eborense, that gathers the ‘documents concerning the Overseas Colonies was what brought him prestige as a librarian . Rivara·s concept of Library was determined by national influences such as Herculano and Balsemão and by international ones such as Constantin. The connections with foreign libraries had as its main goal the receiving of data that would allow the use of the well known European methods. Rivara noticed the absence of readers in the library and felt the urge of attracting people by giving the Library a greater social utility and to accomplish his purpose the librarian traced a strategic plan that included partnerships.