LOCAL HISTORY EDITIONS OF THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST IN THE EARLY XXI CENTURY: TRADITIONS AND INNOVATIONS
Since the beginning of the XXI century the literature on the local history has been released by the publishing houses, museums, archives, libraries, public organizations and individuals, as well as organizations whose activities are not directly connected with area studies. However, the majority of their publishing projects remain practically unknown outside the territory. Only exclusively published photo albums and illustrated editions can compete with book production from other regions. The bulk of local history literature in the region is formed by collections of articles and documents, sketches, monographs, bibliographic and reference books, and periodicals. They represent the history of certain cities and settlements; various ethnographic materials and historical sources; articles raising the problems of economy, culture and ecology in the region or describing the lives and activities of the famous fellow-countrymen; reports of archeologists and reviews. Quite often preparation of the publishing project is carried out by the combined efforts of several organizations. In the 1990s the traditional “Notes” and “Proceedings” issued by the regional museums were supplemented by the new magazines and the almanacs published by archives, administrative agencies, public organizations and individuals. Informatization of publishing activities of the archives, museums and libraries is reflected in editions posted on Websites or released compact disks. One of the library activity directions is creation of various databases devoted to local lore study. Along with catalogs, recommendatory indices, virtual exhibitions and information materials these databases contain electronic versions of some printed editions making these regional publications available to a wider range of readers.