Russian librarians are very dedicated to their profession. They are also knowledgeable and well educated in their fields. Many have doctoral degrees, in physics and mathematics for example, and assist clients in a research capacity. But, because Russian librarians are paid token salaries, many young librarians leave for better paying jobs either in private colleges or in clerical and secretarial work in banks and international companies. Library automation in general is still in the early stages, but one must be careful not to generalize.
Russian libraries are also increasingly innovative in their efforts to obtain funds.
Russian libraries have developed partnerships with private organizations in order to obtain publications, database access, equipment and funding. Some of these partnerships are with groups, such as the George Soros Foundation and companies such as the publisher Springer Verlag and Digital Equipment Corporation. In conclusion, the huge transformation of Russian society is affecting Russian libraries and their role in society. In the face of tremendous upheaval and economic challenges, Russian libraries are proving adaptable and innovative. The Director of Libraries, the Russian Ministry of Culture, Eugene I. Kuzmin Valentina V. Krahotina, a joumalist from the Biblioteka library joumal who interviewed me.