Library and Information Education in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Second Half of the 20th — Early 21st Century

Abstract

The article presents the main stages of the development of library and information education in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the second half of the 20th — beginning of the 21st century. The sources for this study were collections of archival documents, monographs, publications in periodicals and serials, conference materials and Internet resources, official documents, including regulatory documents. The author considers evolution of library education taking into account the principle of linking its development and theory and practice of librarianship with the socio-political and economic life of the country. The paper identifies socio-economic conditions and state policy in the field of library construction as the main factors determining the directions and specifics of transformation of the library education system. Much attention is paid to the work of higher educational institutions and their role in the formation of personnel potential of the library sector of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The author characterizes the system of advanced training of librarians, developed in the republic in the second half of the 20th century, and describes its goals, objectives, structure and the main ways and forms of advanced training. The paper presents the historical facts reflecting the achievements and problems in the field of staffing of libraries of the republic. The modern stage is distinguished by the rapid pace of development of science and technology, the increase in the volume of information produced and consumed by people, and raised requirements for the quality of qualification of library and information specialists. Currently, the number of state educational grants has increased in the country; libraries maintain link between science, education and practical activities; the decision has been made to develop the Concept for the development of librarianship in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The author concludes that changes in the society are the main stimulus for optimizing library and information education; and the development of education, the training of highly qualified library specialists contribute to the effective implementation of socio-cultural policy, the solution of urgent socio-economic problems and facilitate the increase in the intellectual and cultural level of society.