A Researcher by Vocation, a Science Manager by Duty: to the 50th Anniversary of A.Yu. Samarin

Abstract

This article charts the career of Alexander Yuryevich Samarin, Deputy Director General for Scientific and Publishing Activities at the Russian State Library (RSL), Doctor of Historical Sciences, and the Honoured Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation. It details his professional journey, starting from his studies at the V.I. Lenin Moscow State Pedagogical University (1990—1995), and concludes with his current position. A.Yu. Samarin has authored more than 560 scientific papers and has received over ten state and public awards. As a scientist, A.Yu. Samarin is recognized for his meticulous study of sources related to his research topics, and for his deep interest in the individuals who have made significant contributions to history. His most prominent administrative achievements include streamlining the operations of the RSL Research Department of Rare Books (Book Museum); his advocacy for establishing a legal framework for book monuments; his efforts to restore library science, bibliography, and book science as part of the Nomenclature of scientific specialties; holding the International Scientific Conference “Library Science in the 21st Century: Content, Organisation, Digitalisation, and Scientometrics” (2021). Finally, the article highlights the release of two editions of a joint monograph titled “Scientific Research in Libraries: Topics, Organisation, and Presentation of Results” in 2021 and 2023.