Discussion on the Ways of Librarianship Development in Russia at the All-Russian Library Congress — 2019

Abstract

The article presents an overview of the activities of the All-Russian Library Congress — the 24th Annual Conference of the Russian Library Association (RLA), which was held on May 11—17, 2019 in Tula, the Library Capital of Russia in 2019. The theme of the Congress is “Concept of Development and Strategic Objectives of Librarianship in Russia”. The authors note the expansion of international participation in the Congress’ 2019, the increase of the number of special and training events, the increasing integration and interaction of various sections of the RBA.The Congress approved the main provisions of the draft Concept of librarianship development in Russia, adopted the RLA Manifesto “Library is the Humanistic Stronghold of the Nation” and approved the draft revision of supplemented “Manual of Library Services for Children in Russia”.The authors consider the events of the Congress — two plenary sessions, section meetings, School of Acquisitions Librarian, School of Library Blogger, which became the place for discussions on a wide range of questions, the 20th Exhibition of publishing products, new information technologies, goods and services, as well as about 530 reports. The article emphasizes the importance of participation of libraries in the “Culture” National project and the role of the Program on modernization of municipal libraries. The Congress discussed the legal framework of library work; project activities; digital environment of libraries; social partnership with institutions of culture, education and tourism; issues of standardization, etc. The article highlights the election of Vice-presidents and Board members of the RLA, as well as presents the procedural decisions taken: on the establishment of the RBA Foundation, on the need to develop draft professional standards for the leading directions of library activities, etc.