Bulgarian library associations and lifelong learning for LIS professionals

Abstract

The paper explores the role and contribution of the Bulgarian library associations in the development of librarianship in the country, in establishing a modern vision for libraries and librarians and their involvement in the information, educational, scientific and cultural construction of the emerging knowledge society. It is focused on the priorities in the work of library associations in response to mobilizing science knowledge and policy for sustainable development. The report tracks the development and operation of the Bulgarian library associations - Bulgarian Library and Information Association (BLIA), Association of University Libraries (AUL) - and other library consortia - Bulgarian Information Consortium (BIC) and National Academic Library and Information System (NALIS). The main goal is to systematize the achievements in the implementation of projects and initiatives of the Bulgarian library associations in an effort to be effective partners of LIS higher education (especially with the State University of Library Studies and Information Technology), in lifelong learning of LIS professionals. Research methods: retrospective and systematic analysis, desk research and critical analysis of the results. The article's conclusions are linked with the national cultural policy, library legislation and with the collaboration between library associations and LIS education system. The research investigates the impact of the library organizations' activities on the theoretical fields of library and information science and education and also on library practice. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.