Resumen de Libraries in Italy: a brief overview

Mauro Guerrini, Giovanna Frigimelica

• The Italian library network is complex and diffi cult to explain. This article reports some characteristics of this system, that comprises State, university, special, public, school and ecclesiastical libraries, foundations and privately owned structures. An overview of the main historical features is given, as well as present-day major trends, such as education, legislation, new library projects, etc. Concludes with proposals for new national services.