Library in the Market of Services: the New Trends and Modern Approaches

Abstract

There is substantiated the need for updating the work of the modern domestic public libraries, transformation of their traditional functions and the priority user orientation. It is proved that the information-resource component of the library activities becomes equivalent to its socializing cultural-leisure and interpersonal communication functions. The complex character of modernization of the activity of public libraries with a view to increasing their relevance is considered. The analysis of the library’s competitive environment is presented (free virtual access to information, the book trade market relevant by content and presentation, a variety of event-related leisure, comfortable public places, etc.) and its possible advantages in specific, functional and price competition. There is emphasized the urgency of reorganization of the library space-formation of the comfortable barrier-free attractive user environment. The advocacy activity of the library is considered as the direction, aimed at formation of the loyal attitude of modern society to the library and perception of it. There are identified the key parameters for the successful activity of public library as a territory for the new opportunities — an information-knowledge and a socio-cultural center, an actual place for the positive personal development practices and knowledgeable leisure, an accessible public platform for the personal self-realization.