The internationalization of professional education in library and information science (LIS)

Abstract

The paper is the overview of the 15-th V. A. Minkina memorial conference (St. Petersburg, State University of Culture, March 28–29, 2019). The 15-th anniversary annual scientific and methodical conference “Continuing LIS Education” was held at the Library and Information Science Department of St. Petersburg State University of Culture and was participated by the faculty and students of St. Petersburg State University of Culture, librarians from many Russian regions, and the experts in the field of library and information education from abroad. The international collaboration in the LIS was the key topic of 2019 discussion. The participants in the conference discussed the IFLA role in internationalization of LIS education, along with the issues of standardization and unification of professional education programs. Special attention was given to the IFLA analytical report “Building Strong Library and Information Science Education: a Call to Global and Local Action” and the Guidelines for Continuing Professional Development. The conference continued with the sessions of the round table “Opportunities of international collaboration in library and information education”. The participants in the discussion shared the experience of participation in international education programs and projects, in particular, the project by Information Sciences Department of Osijek University (Croatia) and the Information and Document Communications Department of Belarus State University of Culture and Arts. Irina Trushina, RLA Executive Director shared the Association’s experience in the area, too.