An Ongoing Process of Modernization: Libraries and Librarianship in Estonia

Abstract

Libraries are a component of our ever-changing social environment. Organizational change in libraries involves many activities, including the development of mission statements, the refinement of goals regarding the role of the library in the knowledge society, the restructuring of organizations, the use of information and communication technologies, the training of librarians, and the management of finances. Estonian libraries are information centers that support research and innovation by providing the access to scholarly and professional information; supporting education, lifelong learning, and cultural development; introducing world culture; ensuring information provision to all social groups; supporting the development of the information society through the implementing new technologies; contributing to the integration of the European information treasury; and helping to gain an international reputation for Estonia.

Peculiarities of Distance Learning Organization in the Professional Training of Information, Librarianship, and Archives (European Experience)

“…Slightly over half of them reported overall job satisfaction, while just under half were exploring alternative job options due to inadequate pay and a sense of stagnation. Lepik (2014) examined professional librarians working in academic, public, and special libraries in Estonia. The findings indicated moderate job satisfaction among the participants.…”

“…These include formulating mission statements, refining goals to align with the library's role in the knowledge society, restructuring organizational frameworks, leveraging information and communication technologies, providing training for librarians, and effectively managing finances. In Estonia, libraries function as vital information centers that actively contribute to research and innovation by facilitating access to scholarly and professional information (Lepik, 2014). They also play a significant role in supporting education, lifelong learning, and cultural development.…”

“…They also play a significant role in supporting education, lifelong learning, and cultural development. Additionally, Estonian libraries introduce global culture, ensure information accessibility to all segments of society, foster the development of an information society by adopting new technologies, contribute to the integration of the European information pool, and enhance Estonia's international reputation (Lepik, 2014). European distance learning programs often provide students with access to a wealth of historical and cultural materials, as Europe is home to numerous renowned archives and libraries (Kostis & Kafka, 2022).…”