Libraries in the State Cultural Policy of the Russian Federation

Abstract

The article analyzes changes in state cultural policy over the last three decades and the role of libraries in its implementation. The basic constitutional norms that enshrine the powers of state authorities at different levels in the sphere of culture have been identified. Libraries are seen as both an object of cultural policy and a subject that plays a significant role in its implementation. Two main stages of the state cultural policy are distinguished: 1) from 1992 (adoption of the “Fundamentals of Legislation of the Russian Federation on Culture”) to 2014; 2) from 2014 (Presidential Decree “On Approval of the Fundamentals of State Cultural Policy”) to the present. The relationship between legislation in the sphere of culture and legislation in the sphere of librarianship is presented. The refusal of value-oriented functions of libraries and understanding of the library as a service provider is highlighted as a characteristic feature of libraries in the time of the first stage. The limitations of this approach are demonstrated. An analysis has been made of the tasks of libraries in an environment where culture is defined as one of the national development priorities, contributing to consolidation and cultural continuity. It shows how the Strategy for Development of Librarianship in the Russian Federation until 2030 relates to the tasks of cultural policy. The relevance of librariesʼ educational work in the formation of a fully developed and socially responsible personality is emphasized. It justifies the need to develop a state programme for acquiring literature for public libraries, which will help consolidate the peoples of the Russian Federation on the basis of a unified system of values and continuity of cultural development. This direction is historically characteristic for the development of public libraries in Russia. Russia’s national libraries bear special responsibility for the development and implementation of the state cultural policy.