«The knights at crossroads»: Libraries and library and information education in search of a joint progress vector

Abstract

The evolution of libraries and their main problems in contemporary social medium is examined. The current status of Russian library system and the sources of library environment stratification are discussed. The value characteristics of library information education and reasons of its insufficient efficiency are defined. Ways to overcome the crisis in library sphere are suggested. The necessity for social mandate and government support of libraries, on one hand, and for consolidation of library education institutes, employer, and libraries, on the other hand, is emphasized. The authors argue that these measures would enable to choose optimal vector for professional library activities.