PRESENT AND FUTURE OF LIBRARY PROFESSIONS

Abstract

In the information society, the functions of libraries are changing. The main tasks of libraries today are: ensuring public access to information and knowledge, preservation of cultural heritage, availability of information and communication services and, most importantly, constant dialogue with users in various forms. The tasks of libraries are expanding and becoming more complex. The librarian must understand the interests of the reader, be able to conduct professional communication about the request for information search, modern librarians master the law, economics, taxes, bidding procedures, participate in sociological and marketing research, and they need knowledge and skills of research, development of analytical reviews. The competitiveness of libraries in modern society and the future of the national library industry depend on the availability of highly qualified personnel. The article presents the results of research on staffing in libraries in Ekaterinburg. The authors conducted a survey of employees of the library center, a questionnaire survey of young employees and content analysis of reports of library managers. The study revealed the trends that are typical for libraries in the country: the aging of staff, the decline in the prestige of library professions, the departure of highly qualified specialists from libraries, including young ones, the lack of prospects for professional and career growth, the increase in the number of employees without special training, the low level of remuneration, The main factors affecting the development and improvement of the library's personnel support, respondents consider a decent salary, attracting young employees, the availability of professional education, as well as the possibility to constant improvement of professional skills. Positive practices have been identified in the system of professional training, for example, conducting schools of a complete setter, a library blogger, a restorer, a cataloger. Library managers note the high information potential of creative trips. The “All-Russian competition “Librarian of the year”, “The best youth volunteer project in the library”, the award of Honorary diplomas of the RBA “For contribution to the development of library local history of Russia” are essential for increasing the importance of library professions in society. The paper notes the importance of expanding the implementation of programs of professional training and retraining by universities in the areas of library services and the need for professional career guidance work with students and schoolchildren.