FORMATION OF RESEARCH WORK OF LIBRARIES IN UKRAINE: CONTENT, DIRECTIONS OF ACTIVITY AND MAIN PERIODS OF DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Sokolov V. Yu. 
Published: February 2023

The actuality of theme of Viktor Sokolov’s article is due to the growing degree of scientific methodological, information-analytical, bibliographic, educational, local history activities of libraries, as well as the spread and increase in research work of book collections, which becomes the basis for sustainable development of the institution. . Research work is a mandatory and integral component of the library profession, and librarians-practitioners are full participants in the process of creating new library knowledge. The purpose of the study is to characterize the content, main types, directions of research work of libraries in Ukraine; analyze and determine the main periods, stages, trends and features of its development; to study the ways of dissemination and significance of research work of libraries in the development of librarianship and science. The methodological basis of the proposed study were both general scientific methods (analysis, analogy, deduction, induction, description, comparison, etc.) and special historical methods (historical-genetic, historical-systemic, historical-comparative, historical-typological, chronological). The scientific novelty of the study is to identify features of development, characteristics of the main stages of formation, types and directions of research work of libraries in Ukraine (mostly – leading); scientific substantiation of the place and importance of this activity in improving the efficiency of the book collection and library in general.
When presenting the main material of the research, the main content of the concept of «research work of the library» is highlighted; the leading directions and types of the specified activity are characterized; identified and analyzed the main periods, stages and features of the development of research work of the country’s book collections; the periodization and the main stages of formation of research work of libraries in Ukraine on the historical background of the spread of the sphere of scientific activity in library work are substantiated. It is noted that the analysis of the historical development of research work of the leading libraries of Ukraine makes it possible to some extent to characterize the features of each stage of its formation, to reveal the specifics of its directions and trends. The article analyzes the main forms and types, main directions and areas of research in the country’s libraries. It is stated that at each stage of development of research work of libraries in Ukraine one of the main directions of scientific activity was the study of readers’ interests, the reading process and the analysis of book collections.
In the conclusions on the materials of historical facts it is proved that over time the research work of libraries of Ukraine has become complex. During its development, it increasingly relied on sociological, historical, comparative, statistical and other scientific methods. It is revealed that research work of libraries, which is aimed at generating new library knowledge and its practical implementation in specific forms and methods of work, is considered a necessary condition for improving the quality of book collections, which contributes to expanding the professional opportunities a certain cell. Analysis of the historical progress and formation of research work of libraries provides an opportunity to theoretically substantiate the peculiarities of its development at the present stage, identify ways to further improve, improve the quality of library and information work. It is proved that research work of libraries is one of the leading forms of activity for academic, university, regional and special libraries, as well as for other types of book collections, as the acquisition of the library fund, preparation of catalogs, files, bibliographic indexes range of information and analytical materials require diverse knowledge and skills closely related to scientific activities. The proposed periodization of the development of research work of libraries in Ukraine, to some extent, reflects the entire course of its historical development, takes into account the peculiarities of each period of its formation and explains the uniqueness of its chronological boundaries. The periodization of this development is based on objective events that affect the selection of qualitatively unique periods and stages of the development of scientific activities in libraries in conjunction with the formation of library science as an integral part of the progress of librarianship. It was found that, against the background of the spread of the latest information and computer technologies, research work of libraries becomes the basis of the book collection, ensures its compliance with the needs and expectations of users. In addition, no management decision can be made without a scientific basis, a deep understanding of the situation. It is proved that the research work of libraries contributes to improving the quality of service, attracting new readers, creating optimally organized and open access to information in the collection. In addition, the activity of innovation implementation depends on the increase of library knowledge obtained on the basis of theoretical, methodological, applied research and wide implementation of their results in the practice of libraries and information centers. It was found that the effective solution of a wide range of tasks in the leading libraries of the country is possible only in the presence of separate research structures and the active work of qualified personnel.