At the beginning of March the staff of the Research Library of Mariupol State University visited the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine within the framework of the America Center program. Deputy Head of the Research Library Svitlana Nazaryeva and first category bibliographer of the Research Library Olena Okhrimenko were given recommendations on the establishment of an American Center at the premises of the library within the framework of the American Shelf Program.

Participants were greeted by Magia Krause, American Center program manager. Librarians studied the activities of American Centers during their visits to America House and America Library (National University “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”). These centers’ aim is to promote American studies, the understanding of American history, culture and values through American fiction, guidance books and reference materials, discs with videos and Internet. They also learnt some new things about grant programs and resources.

The experience gained will provide an opportunity to establish favorable conditions and arrange high-technology environment for the open dialogue between Ukrainians and Americans. Promising program of activities of American Center of the Research Library of MSU carries out a wide range of activities such as discussion of political issues, seminars, discussion clubs, watching movies, exhibitions etc.