At the age of 72, Éva Farkas Szmrekovszkyné, a former prominent expert at the library of the college in Szombathely, passed away on 18 January 2026.
Éva Szmrekovszkyné Farkas was born on February 9, 1954, in Szombathely. From a young age, her career was defined by her love of learning, her service to the community, and her commitment to passing on knowledge. After graduating from Savaria High School, she studied library science and mathematics at the Szombathely Teacher Training College, where her pedagogical skills, reliability, and enthusiasm for library work became apparent during her children's library and school library internships.
A defining period in her life began in 1980, when she started her professional career as a periodicals librarian and information librarian at the college library. Éva quickly became one of the key figures in the library: thanks to her logical thinking, her degree in mathematics, and her exceptional systematic approach, she participated in the selection and implementation of the library's computer system and performed the duties of a systems librarian. In doing so, she played a pioneering role in the development of modern information services—at a time when many people were sitting in front of a computer for the first time in a library.
She was one of the first to master and teach the ISIS database management system; she created her own databases, including those for recording theses, college publications, and faculty publications. Through her work, she took information services and accurate and efficient information retrieval to a new level for students and faculty. He also initiated the use of the PRESSDOK and MANCI databases, which quickly made the library's services popular.
He played a significant role in the introduction of compulsory teaching of literature and library skills at our institution in Szombathely, one of the first in the country. The development of the course and its teaching over many years became a prominent part of his work. Later, he also played an active role in the introduction of online teaching platforms. His dedication was such that even as a premium-year pensioner, he returned to teach, help, and stay in touch with students and colleagues.
She represented the library in international competitions and study trips, from Brussels to Finland, and consistently sought to translate the experience she gained there into domestic practice. Her openness, professional standards, and commitment to continuous self-education served as an example to everyone.
Éva always combined her professional knowledge with humanity. Her quiet, thoughtful, and kind personality defined our community. Her colleagues respected her for her knowledge, and her students loved her for her patience and clear, supportive explanations. The library was not just a workplace for her, but a second home – and for us, she was one of the pillars of our community.
Her passing is a great loss, but her work, example, and humanity will remain within the walls of the library, in the knowledge of the generations she taught, and in the memories of all who knew her.
We cherish his memory with respect and affection.
ELTE EKL Savaria Library and Archives
