Standardization and standards in Bulgarian libraries: Current state

Abstract

The article contains the results of an empirical study conducted in the early 2018 through a survey conducted among the libraries in Bulgaria. Data obtained were processed by the software product for mathematical analysis of statistical data SPSS for Windows 19.0. The aim of the study is to create a complete picture of the Bulgarian library system in terms of understanding the benefits of standardization activity and the application of specific standards in the field of library activities. The applied research methods are: research, analysis and synthesis of information received, a comparative analysis between different groups of libraries participated in the survey. In order to specify the psychometric characteristics of the methods and verification of the working hypothesis, the following methods for statistical processing were applied: descriptive statistics; correlation analysis; factorial analysis; one-way ANOVA test. This study is the first large-scale study of its kind on standardization among Bulgarian libraries. Its contributions can be assigned to those that enrich the theory and methodology of sociological studies in the field of library activities. As a result of the survey the current level of application of the specific national, branch and international standards in the Bulgarian libraries was established. Measures have been identified to promote the standardization activity in the field of library activities. Data gathered from the survey contribute to the development of methodology and curricula for online training of the library specialists, according to their specific needs and interest.