It's probably family historians, too, who will suffer from the country's high budget deficit. Blame it on politicians: they cut where there are immediate results. It's easy to cut R&D (2003: 0.95%, 2004: 0.88% of Hungary's GDP). Won't hurt their next election too much.

How come it's brought up here? According to one of our Csaladtortenet list members, printed plates are all around in the locations of the Hungarian National Archives, informing researchers about their shortened opening hours. For the period 1 Oct 2005 - 31 March 2006 hours will be: Mon-Thu 8:30-16:00, Fri 8:30-14:00 (closed on weekends). According to the plates, the cut is due to the economizing inclination of Hungary's government.

Currently, the hours are: Mon-Thu: 8:30-17:45, Fri 8:30-15:45 (closed on weekends).

Add to this that up to the mid-1990s, research rooms were open until 19:30 Mon-Thu.

Most folks with dayjobs work 8-16 here in Hungary. They can kiss goodbye to research, unless they take some of their annual vacation days.

Not to forget, I'd expect researchers inspired by the Family Memory Program to rush in the archives from early September, as the school begins. Oops, 5-16 Sept the archives has its annual routine closure.

(smallprint: the Baranya County Archives here in Pécs is a pioneer in cutting back. For at least a couple of years they have been closed on Mondays, open 8-16 Tue-Thu, 8-12 on Fri.)

Damnit! Big Time!