Abstract:

Libraries are changing and are increasingly becoming socially engaged and active organizations. Among the transformations in the mission and functions in modern society they also have the role of mediator, organizer and initiator of various campaigns engaged with social problems. There are more and more libraries to which volunteer clubs are formed and they attract both children and adults. This is an aspect of the library's activities that makes it a supporting institution.

In order for libraries to develop such activities, they need to have trained specialists and a well-designed vision. Unfortunately, building a volunteer culture is very poorly developed in the training of library professionals. It is therefore important to work for maximum rationalization and introduction of more subjects to be oriented towards the creation of socially active and engaged specialists who can create an environment for voluntary activities, both in the library institution and outside its spaces (social partnership with various public structures).

Raising the issue, which considers the possibility of expanding the educational field of library and information specialists in this direction, opens a wide field for discussion. In many countries, one-way cooperation is well-known and actively developed, where volunteers help in the library, but there are far fewer examples of how libraries create their own group of volunteers.

The report examines the possibilities for introducing disciplines related to building a volunteer culture and social engagement in future library and information professionals. The implementation of various practices expanding the field of social activity in the academic environment leads to real individual transformations and is an innovative but essential element for modern higher education. This is a prerequisite for the creation of prepared professionals for the needs of the society.

This document presents the results of the implementation of volunteer missions as part of the training of students doing a program in Library Management at ULSIT, Bulgaria.

Keywords:

Volunteer culture, library and information professionals, education, Bulgaria, University of Library Studies and Information Technologies.