National Library Associations Research Articles

Memory and amnesia in the archival practices of national library and information associations

Memory and amnesia in the archival practices of national library and information associations

The Twenty Sixth International Conference “Information technologies, computer systems and publications for libraries” (“LIBCOM–2022”): The review of events

The Twenty Sixth International Conference “Information technologies, computer systems and publications for libraries” (“LIBCOM–2022”) held on November 20-25, 2022, is reviewed. The key topics are covered, namely, the status of and prospects for modern information, computer and Internet-technologies in library services, in universities and research organizations, educational technologies, legal aspects in the work of libraries and information producers, e-libraries and digital information resources, etc. The authors focus on several events, i. e. the Seventh Industrial Conference “Book publishing and the libraries: Vectors of interaction”, scientific and practical conference of the National Library Association: Libraries of the Future: (NALF), the scientific conference “Scientometrics and bibliometrics in the modern educational environment: The role of libraries”, scientific and educational symposium “University and academic libraries to support educational process in the modern digital environment”, central discussion site “On the way to the new national system of sci-tech information”, presentation of the two-volume publication “Twenty annual reports to the Crimea International Forum” and the publication “Y. L. Shrayberg. The biobibliography”, expert panel “How to bring up inventors and researcher? The role of modern library. New approaches and technologies”, and the 2022 fall session of the permanent IRBIS School “Using and upgrading LIS IRBIS”. The conclusions on the Conference work are made.

ILead

Dr. Anthony Chow, San José State University School of Information, in collaboration with Dr. Sanda Erdelez, Simmons University School of Library and Information Science, has been awarded an IMLS one-year planning grant to design an Information Leadership (iLead) development program. As a national collaboration between LIS educators, state libraries, and national library associations, iLead will identify curricular leadership core competencies for librarians and library staff, emphasizing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Libraries and information organizations face increasing and rapidly evolving expectations for supporting EDI priorities within their communities, and recent social and health issues (CBPP, 2022) have raised glaring evidence of gaps within accessibility and inclusion. iLead will help fill these gaps by convening a diverse group of practitioners, educators, and training experts to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and to identify core competencies, gaps in current leadership formation, and appropriate pathways for closing those gaps. We anticipate iLead will converge on at least two independent training and professional development learning opportunities – a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and a graduate certificate offered through the Web-based Information Science Education (WISE) consortium – with a third option for onsite training programs also in consideration. Ultimately, these planning activities will advance the three goals of iLead: 1) Cultivate an accessible, flexible, cost-effective, and impactful library leadership program that LIS-practitioner and educator experience inform; 2) Strengthen equity, diversity, and inclusion in both the LIS workforce and within the communities that workforce supports; and 3) Establish a better-prepared internal pipeline for tomorrow’s library leaders.As the world considers a post-pandemic future, library leaders face many complex challenges involving new life patterns, work, and information access. Such evolving dynamics increasingly demand new expectations for libraries and information organizations, and staff, especially as an increased focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is one of the central priorities within our rebuilding society. For example, the draft 2022 ALA accreditation standards prioritize EDI to ensure its significant presence in LIS professional education. As ALA states, equity “takes difference into account to ensure a fair process and, ultimately, a fair outcome” (ALA, 2022); diversity is “...recognizing, valuing, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual” (ALA, 2022); and inclusion is creating” an environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully; are valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives; have equal access to resources and opportunities; and can contribute fully to the organization’s success” (ALA, 2022). While it is easy to support such ideals of EDI, it is much more difficult to apply these complex constructs, especially within the different personal and work contexts coinciding with ethnic and cultural differences and worldviews.The project will be led by Co-PIs Drs. Anthony Chow and José Aguiñaga from San Jose State University’s School of Information and Dr. Sanda Erdelez and Dr. Rebecca Stallworth from Simmons University School of Library and Information Science – together will govern vision, collaboration, and deliverable objectives. To support day-to-day efforts, iLead will be managed by two co-directors, Dr. Sue Alman and Martín J Gómez, and will receive collaborative support from an operational steering committee composed of state libraries (with Nevada and Washington confirmed as of this Phase I proposal and California and Massachusetts likely to join) and national library associations – including the likely participation of the Association of LIS Educators (ALISE) Council of Deans, Directors, and Chairs (DDC) and the Association of Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL). The project will be guided by a national advisory board composed of representatives from various participating state and national library associations, including CLA, WLA, NLA, APALA, CALA, REFORMA, AILA, and BCALA. Current strategic library partners, who will assist with identifying leadership core competencies and recruitment, include the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) in California and the King County Public Library (KCPL) in Washington. Other urban and rural library partners will also be identified in each state by the time of our Phase II proposal.
 The project’s planning goals are to 1) Research and identify leadership and EDI core competencies; 2) Design a curriculum outline that specifies measurable learning outcomes; 3) Design a LIS practitioner- and educator-informed accessible, flexible, cost-effective, and impactful library leadership program focused on EDI; and 4) Design iLead MOOC shell. A national coalition will identify and design the iLead leadership development program to achieve these goals. While we will allow for the efforts of the project to finalize our deliverables’ forms based on the needs assessment, we envision delivering a MOOC - a free program that removes traditional barriers such as cost, access, and convenience - a graduate post-baccalaureate certificate, which represents a more traditional and formal professional development opportunity - and, potentially, an in-person program.

Library workers on the front lines of conspiracy theories in the US: one nationwide survey

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether and in what ways library workers in the United States encountered patrons espousing beliefs in conspiracy theories and, if so, to explore the effectiveness of the strategies they used to address information disorder during the interactions.Design/methodology/approachThe study was designed with an exploratory qualitative approach. Data were collected via an online survey posted to national and state library association listservs, utilizing a self-selected sampling method. Researchers inductively and deductively analyzed results, developing predetermined themes based on the research questions, then iteratively integrating unexpected data during coding.FindingsA total of 334 responses were received over two weeks. Data represent library workers from 43 states and Washington, D.C., including various types of libraries. Library workers interacted with patrons with conspiratorial thinking, and both library workers and patrons evidenced a range of emotions and motivations.Originality/valueThis is the first national study to survey library workers and whether they encountered patrons espousing conspiracy theories. While the sample size is small, themes elucidate various strategies that library workers use for interacting with patrons who express some level of conspiracy ideation.

“The Kids Nobel” Project as the platform for scientific knowledge popularization at modern scientific libraries

The National Library Association “Libraries of the Future” (NALF) supported through the RF Presidential Grant for Civil Society Development approved by the Presidential Grants Foundation, has been implementing the All-Russian Scientific and Educational Project “The Kids Nobel”. The Project main goals are to promote scientific knowledge and to engage 7–8 grade students in urban and rural settlements in research. At this stage, four pilot RF subjects are selected, namely Arkhangelsk, Kaluga, Ryazan and Saratov regions. Russian National Public Library for Science and Technology, today the country’s largest sci-tech library, and a NALF founder, is the main partner of “The Kids Nobel”. The All-Russian Scientific Educational Project “The Kids Nobel” is accomplished in two vectors: educational webinars for children in the main fields of the Nobel Prize, i. e. physics, chemistry, physiology, medicine, literature, politics (Nobel Peace Prize). Outstanding scientists, pedagogues, public officials, librarians deliver the lectures. The lecture course is followed by preparing and presenting students’ research works. The regional project curators, i. e. children’s school, universal, etc., libraries inform students on the events or use the course and workshop materials to organize their own events. The second vector is the contest of kids’ research projects in the fields of Nobel Prize. Under supervision of library curators, contest participants are to present their research work and findings through the Project website before July 1, 2023, one research work for a field, though several fields can be selected.

Delegados del Saber: la Asociación Nacional de Bibliotecas y las políticas bibliotecarias en Argentina (1908-1913)

Objective/Context: Created in 1908 in Buenos Aires, the National Association of Libraries (Asociación Nacional de Bibliotecas, anb) gathered part of the local intellectuality concerned with reformism to form a federation of Argentine libraries that would act as a mediator between these institutions and the public authorities. This article examines the rise and the first years of existence of this entity to demonstrate the role of a specific civil group in the institutionalization and centralization of library services in Argentina in the early twentieth century. Methodology: For this purpose, we will resort to the hermeneutic and critical analysis of printed primary sources, produced both by members of the Association and by other actors, and to the official documentation of the Argentine national government. In a dialogue with the bibliography, a national library associations’ origin review is proposed to focus on the anb creation and its links with the State. Originality: This study contributes to the knowledge of library policies and the conformation of the librarianship field in Latin America by investigating an object that has not yet been examined. Thus, it proposes a renewed look at the past of libraries in the region through the conceptual tools of Socio-Cultural and Political History while giving greater temporal depth to research on the genesis of the professional field in question through the recovery of this early experience. Conclusions: Conceived as a body for regulating the functioning of libraries and mediating between them and the State, the anb was unable to exercise both functions with equal effectiveness, given that it did not have sufficient mechanisms to enforce its provisions among the associated instances. However, the grouping revealed from its beginnings a remarkable agency to influence governmental decisions, both at the national and provincial levels.

Comparative Analysis of National Classification Systems: Cases of Korean Decimal Classification (KDC) and Nippon Decimal Classification (NDC)

The Korean Decimal Classification (KDC) and Nippon Decimal Classification (NDC) are national classification systems of Korea and Japan. They have been used widely in many libraries of each country and maintained successfully by each national library associations of Korean Library Association (KLA) and Japan Library Association (JLA). This study compares the general characteristics of these two national classification systems using their latest editions of KDC 6 and NDC 10. After reviewing the former research, their origins, general history and development, and usages were briefly compared. Various aspects including classification by discipline, not by subjects, decimal expansion of the classes using pure notations of Arabic, hierarchical structure, and mnemonics quality are checked for both systems. Results of the comparative analyses of major auxiliary tables, main classes and 100 divisions of schedules of two systems are suggested one by one with special regards to Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC). The analyses focus on the differences between both systems as well as the characteristics which reflect the local situations of both countries. It suggests some ideas for future developments and research based on the results of their strengths and weaknesses.

Effects of COVID-19 on sub-Saharan African library associations

Professional associations serve as a backbone for their members in Africa and globally. They promote the welfare of their members and have standards and principles that guide their activities. This is a quantitative study of 10 national library associations in sub-Saharan Africa. The study looks at some of the activities of the national library associations and how they were impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19. The findings show that the majority of the associations had to postpone their annual conferences and continuous professional education programmes. The study recommends that national library associations from sub-Saharan Africa take advantage of technological platforms to reach out to their members in the organization of conferences and training programmes. Also, national library associations should have a policy that can drive their activities in the future in the event of the occurrence of another pandemic.

Yakov L. Shrayberg in the context of modernity

The article coincides with the jubilee of Yakov L. Shrayberg, a prominent Russian scientist, Doctor of Science in Engineering, Professor, Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation, corresponding member of Russian Academy of Education, founder and president of the International Association of Users and Developers of Electronic Libraries and New Information Technologies (ELNIT Association) National Library Association “Libraries of the Future” (NALF). The author reviews various aspects of Dr. Shrayberg’s professional activities, in particular, development of International Library, Information and Analytical Center (ILIAC) in Russia and the USA, planning and orchestration of international scientific and practical conferences “Crimea” and LIBCOM, and, within their framework, the intellectual show game “What? Where? When? in Library, Information, Book and Publishing Space”, and authoring the memorial three-volume book “My friend Katya Genieva”, etc. The author recalls with warm feelings the milestones of his joint work with the celebrant and congratulates him on his birthday.

The Twenty Fifth International Conference “Information technologies, computer systems and publications for libraries” (“LIBCOM–2021”): reviewing the events

The Twenty Fifth International Conference “LIBCOM–2021” – “Information technologies, computer systems and publications for libraries” (December 20–24, 2021, Suzdal, Vladimir Region) is reviewed. The key topics of the conference are presented: current state and prospects for new information, computer and Internet-based technologies in libraries, federal projects and programs by the RF Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Ministry of Culture, innovations in modern educational technologies, legal aspects in the work of libraries and information providers, e-libraries and digital information resources. The focus is made on the following events: scientific and practical conference of the National Library Association “Libraries of the Future” (NALF), the sixth industry conference “Book publishing and libraries: Vectors of interaction” dedicated to the memory of Boris V. Lensky, open session “Digital transformation of libraries: Building digital ecosystems, information archives and new services”, “School libraries under digiti-zation”, Cataloger’s Winter School “The news in the regulative and legal support of library collection development”; dissertation site--public academic board. The conclusions are made.

Competencies of a Bibliographer: Continuity of Development and Break Points

The competence of librarians-bibliographers is a topical subject of discussion in the professional community, as well as the framework of the activities of international and national library associations. The dynamically changing external environment is influencing the changing role and requirements of librarians-bibliographers: from traditional custodians of knowledge to new ones – collaborators, research partners, promoters and data stewards. Within the framework of the III International Bibliographic Congress in 2021, a foresight session “Bibliographer’s Competences: Continuity of Development and Break Points” was held, the purpose of which was to build a model of the competencies of a modern bibliographer. The foresight session was based on the system of methods - expert assessment, moderation and facilitation of discussions, brainstorming, as well as a survey of specialists on the strategically important competencies of a modern bibliographer. The assessment of the results of the survey was formed on the basis of the skills constructor. It was built as a result of the analysis of educational standards, curricula, literature on the modern development of bibliographic activity and the competence of librarians. The assessment of the results was carried out according to the standard Likert scale of importance. The degree of competencies importance was considered in 4 blocks: 1) general professional and professional competences; 2) skills in analytical and synthetic information processing, 3) other “hard” skills of a bibliographer; 4) “soft” skills. Each block of the survey was completed with open questions, allowing respondents the indication of any competencies they think should be included. It was determined that the importance of the competencies of a bibliographer for libraries of different types is different, in this regard, the article presents the summary rating of the competencies of a bibliographer, as well as a comparative analysis of the importance of the competencies of a bibliographer working in libraries of different types (university / scientific and public).

Libraries as Drivers for Sustainable Development

Writer Jonathan Franzen, as most scientists, explains how we are late in solving problems caused by climate change and still there are no signs of those social and economic actions necessary to stop the rush down a slope towards catastrophe. For that reason, we must act, and do it quickly, on those aspects where there is still the possibility to be effective. Among these, creating resilient social systems and strong communities is essential not only for climate change but for all goals of Agenda 2030. Public libraries are strictly linked to communities, they are able to create bonds, and can act as engines to achieve the SDGs. National and international library associations have been on the move for long time in that direction and advocating this role to stakeholders and policy makers.

Role of Library Associations in Supporting the Library Sector during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the library sector, library associations are playing an important role in the promotion of librarianship as a profession vital to informed and knowledgeable society. The purpose of this study was to examine the role library associations played to improve access to information during the pandemic in Africa. The objectives of the study were to: find out the communication channels used by library associations to communicate with their members during the COVID-19 pandemic; challenges faced by the associations in communicating to its members during the lockdown; collaborations or partnerships the library associations developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep its members abreast of the new developments and recommend strategies to mitigate similar disasters in future. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a semi-structured online questionnaire, involving both closed and open-ended questions. Most of the responses were from library associations in Central Africa (33.3%) and majority of the respondents were females (67%). The highest level of education attained by most of the library association’s President was a master’s degree (67%). Majority of the library associations have subscribed to IFLA and AfLIA. The major challenges faced by respondents’ library association were poor internet connection during the COVID-19 lockdown, technophobia and insufficient funds for data subscription. The pandemic had an effect on the strategic plan of the national library associations because their planned activities such as conducting national library conference were disrupted. This study therefore recommended the development of risk and disaster preparedness manuals and encouragement of more use of online information resources.

The American Library Association: The landmarks of international library and bibliographic cooperation (1876–1976)

During the first 100 years of its existence, the American Library Association (ALA), the oldest national library association in the world, contributed much to the international library and bibliographic cooperation. The author describes the key areas of ALA international activity during the period under review. He identifies the following areas: support of building national library associations of other countries, projects and programs of international information exchange, promotion of basic democratic principles of libraries’ work, shared cataloguing, building the professional library education system, creation of the library periodicals and others. Based on the facts revealed in the periodicals, the author claims that national library associations are among the key instruments of library development both on the national and international levels. The fact that the American Library Association played a critical role in interlibrary relations strengthening during the described period evidences the association’s importance in the process of international library cooperation development.

The First Scientific and Practical Conference “Letter and Digit: Libraries on the way to Digitalization” (“BiblioPiter–2020”). Review of Events

The analytic report on the First Scientific and Practical Conference “Letter and Digit: Libraries on the way to Digitalization” (“BiblioPiter–2020”) is presented. The Conference took place in St. Petersburg on February 17–19, 2020. The Conference was organized by: Russian National Public Library for Science & Technology, Russian State Library, National Library Association “Libraries of the Future” (NALF), and International Association of Users and Developers of Electronic Libraries and New Information Technologies (ELNIT). The goal of the Conference was to join to get her the efforts by libraries and other academic, information and research institutions in developing new concepts, methods and technologies of the library and information sector in contemporary digital environment. The NALF School and IRBIS School “Digital Technologies and Services at Libraries” took place within the Conference program. The papers by known scientists and professionals in library science, information science, bibliography and cultural studies were delivered. The Conference also comprised the round tables “Special Patron at the Library” and “Intellects and Library Logos”, master class on patent search, special event on the Open Science issues, as well as the presentation of the monograph “Copyright at Libraries, Research and Academic Institutions” by Andrey I. Zemskov and Yakov L. Shrayberg. Totally over 30 papers were presented and over 100 participants attended the Conference. Over 600 users watched live Internet broad casts of the Conference events. The video records of every Conference event, as well as that of IRBIS School and NALF Schools are available in full on the YouTube channel of the Russian National Public Library for Science & Technology. Power point presentations are available on NALF website. The decision was made to organize the Conference annually. It will be hold every year in St. Petersburg in mid-February.

The IFLA Global Vision Project in Zimbabwe: Towards a Unified Field Road Map for Libraries

The development of libraries in any country is critical for its socio-economic transformation especially during this 21st century era where access to information and knowledge underpins development. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) launched the Global Vision Project in 2017 as a way of strengthening library throughout the world. The project has seen over 190 countries participating worldwide. For most nations, especially those in the developing countries, this has indeed created platforms for strong and united library associations that are powering literate, informed and participative societies. A number of countries in Africa including Zimbabwe have taken the initiatives to participate in the IFLA Global Vision. This article seeks to examine the challenges and opportunities  for librarians in Zimbabwe in building a united library field. It will also scrutinize the road travelled by librarians in Zimbabwe in their pursuit of a vision to reposition their libraries on the global library landscape. The  article will also study the factors affecting the development of a unified library sector in Zimbabwe. It will also explore how the national professional association Zimbabwe Library Association (ZIMLA) can contribute towards a unified library profession through collaboration. The article also proposes a strategy to enhance cooperation among librarians in Zimbabwe.

Copyright Literacy and the Role of Librarians as Educators and Advocates

The paper is inspired by the opening panel of the International Federation of Library Associations’ (IFLA) World Library and Information Congress off-site meeting held in Poland in August 2017 on models for copyright education. The panel was made up of researchers from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Turkey, Romania, and Norway and reflected on findings from a multinational study on levels of copyright literacy of librarians and those in the cultural heritage sector (Todorova et al., 2017). The members of the panel considered the rationale for copyright education, why it might be viewed as part of wider information literacy initiatives, and the specific challenges and opportunities that it presents. The paper recognizes the value in national library associations and international organizations such as IFLA and Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL) taking a lead in promoting copyright education initiatives to strengthen their advocacy role. The paper also argues for a more critical and universal approach to copyright education so that this work is extended beyond the library sector.

State of University Library: Challenges and Solutions for Yemen

This study focuses on presenting the state of university libraries in Yemen, drawing upon observational research and in-depth interviews with 4 key university leaders, 12 teaching education program (TEP) chairpersons, 9 college deans, 6 vice-deans, 20 teaching professors, and 34 teacher training students within one higher education institution. The observational research has also covered five libraries of three private universities and two state ones. The findings outline the challenges faced by library users: the presence of traditional libraries, traditional resources and services, and the implementation of new policy. The study highlights the urgent need to redesign libraries, to increase libraries' budgets, and to establish digital resources and services, as well as a national library association.

IAML Congress 2018 General Assembly

IAML Congress 2018 General Assembly Pia Shekhter Tuesday 24 July and Friday 27 July Leipzig, Germany Hochschule für Musik und Theater, Concert Hall DRAFT 1. Welcome and Apologies The President, Stanisław Hrabia, welcomed everybody to the General Assembly. A special warm welcome was given to the many first-time attendees. There was an unusually large number of newcomers this year. He said that he felt honoured to chair the General Assembly for the first time and paid his respect to the five Past Presidents present in the auditorium: Maria Calderisi, Barbara Dobbs Mackenzie, Massimo Gentili-Tedeschi, John Roberts, and Martie Severt. The system of voting for registered individual members and institutional representatives was explained. 2. Matters arising from the minutes of the 2017 General Assembly in Riga There were no matters arising from the minutes of the 2017 General Assembly in Riga. The minutes were unanimously approved. 3. President’s report The President presented the following report: “Since the congress in Riga, I have participated in several international conferences. I was invited by IAML-Brazil to participate in the 4th Congress of RIdIM-Brazil and the 2nd Congress of IAML-Brazil, 17–21 July 2017, in Salvador, where I presented a paper ‘Cataloguing Through Cooperation: The Role of Music Librarians in Creating a National Union Catalogue’. The congress had been organised under the leadership of Pablo Sotuyo Blanco, the chair of RIdIM-Brazil. I had a chance to meet and talk to people from different libraries and academic institutions. I also took part in a working meeting of the IAML Branch of Brazil, chaired by the President of the Brazilian Branch, Beatriz Magalhães Castro. I have also participated in a conference in Athens. I was invited to the 2nd Conference of the Greek IAML Branch, in the Athens Conservatoire, 27–28 April 2018. I presented, as the keynote speaker, a paper on the topic: ‘Seize the Opportunities: Music Librarians in Today’s World of Information’. Athens has become the World Book Capital for 2018. This conference took place just before the official opening of this celebration; and thanks to the great efforts of colleagues from the Greek Branch—Alexandros Charkiolakis, President, and Stephanie Merakos, Vice President—my visit was associated with this occasion and sponsored by the Polish Embassy in Greece. I am very grateful for both invitations—to Salvador and to Athens. It was a great opportunity to strengthen relations between “big IAML” and the national branches, and for learning more about local efforts and achievements. Thank you very much. [End Page 77] I also had a unique opportunity to represent IAML at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (22–23 August 2017) in Wrocław, Poland, where I met some IAML colleagues: Anders Cato, Massimo Gentili-Tedeschi, Katre Riisalu, and Anna J. Shelmer-dine. I officially represented IAML in two meetings of the representatives of the national, international, and professional library associations: the Association Members Meeting and the IFLA General Assembly. All these meetings were very inspiring and gave me a new perspective on international activity. Another important event, The International Music Forum of Six Societies ICTM–SEM– IMS–IAML–IASPM–ATMC (Association for Traditional Music in China) on the topic ‘Approaches to Research on Music and Dance in the Internet Era’, took place in Beijing at the Central Conservatory of Music, 11–14 July 2018. After a very successful joint meeting of three societies—IMS, IAML, and ICTM—in Abu Dhabi in March 2017 on the topic ‘Music as Cultural Heritage’, this was yet another event that connects representatives of various music organisations. IAML was represented by sixteen delegates, who presented ten papers and participated in a panel discussion devoted to the four “R” Projects. Besides presenting papers relevant to the main conference topic, it was a great occasion to present IAML as an organisation, and to underline the importance of music libraries, archives, and documentation centres for research, education, preservation of musical heritage, and dissemination of information. As a part of our collaboration with the European Music Council, I have submitted the consultation form of the European Agenda for Music, the document developed out of a continent-wide consultation launched by EMC...

RNPLS&T’s activities in education: Vectors and prospects

The authors discuss the main vectors of RNPLS&T’s educational activities, in particular the program system of advanced professional education on the premises of the Library’s Learning and Educational Programs Division, specialized seminars and workshops for college lectur ers and students, graduate and post-graduate students of Moscow State Institute of Culture, webinars for librarians, research and educational organizations. The RNPLS&T’s material and technical resources used for these events are described. The results of RNPL&STs divisions (including those within the framework of the State Task Order) independent activities, and those achieved in collaboration with interested organizations and aimed at upgrading the skills of specialists in education, science and culture, are analyzed. The authors also focus on the projects held jointly with the National Library Association “Libraries of the Future”. The plans are to develop online educational programs and to cover pressing themes. Special attention is given to secondary schools and colleges, regional boarding schools, orphanages and organizations for children without parental support.