Publisher's Synopsis
The library is one of the oldest cultural institutions. Over the long period of human history, its social functions have undergone significant changes. The purpose of the first libraries was the storage of documents. Since its inception until today, the library has passed the first stage of the evolution of the public mission: from serving the needs of the ruling elite to meeting public needs. The library has become a social institution, which includes information and cultural components and ensures the stability of ties and relations within the society. There is an evolution of the social role of the library; their functions are developing and becoming more diverse. Along with information, cultural, educational and educational activities, they are increasingly playing a role in the democratization of library work and society, in the formation of social harmony and stability, in socialization, in the development of people's intellectual potential.The nature of the interaction of libraries with various institutions, with authorities, with users is changing. It is also natural that in comparison with other cultural institutions in the developed world it is in libraries that reforms are reflected most strongly and dramatically, qualitatively changing their role in society, expanding their demands. Libraries are mostly dependent on changes in their environment-the state of book publishing, book distribution, the development of the information sphere and telecommunications, the work of mail and transport, and customs. Most importantly, changes in the structure of society, a decline in the living standards of a large part of it, the emergence of new spheres employment and new social groups with information needs.This book presents research studies about different libraries, library systems and information on library science, benefits and role of libraries, and the importance of libraries. This book traces the transformation of social functions of scientific libraries in the conditions of the informatization of society, in particular, the development of the cultural and information function as an important component of the socio-cultural function. The activity of library institutions should be subordinated to the optimal cultural and information support of life and society, and every reader. Transformation of the social functions of scientific libraries, under the circumstances of the informatization of society and the development of the cultural and informational function is an important component of socio-cultural function. The activity of library institutions must be in context to the optimal cultural and informational support for vital activity of a society and its separate members as well.
