Abstract:

In its 70-year history, the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT) continues to be a leader in the training of library and information specialists in the country. Following the traditions and observing the changes in the modern dynamic environment, the university is successful in preparing professionals for all library institutions. By expanding the specialties and enriching the curricula with an emphasis on the interdisciplinary approach in the preparation, a balanced learning is achieved.

In November 2021, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria set a maximum score for ULSIT for the implementation of the university's development policy. The university's development policy occupies a central place in the work of ULSIT. This policy of ULSIT as a higher school with established traditions in building the connection between education, science and business follows six main goals: Relevance, compliance, integrity of the acquired knowledge and skills; Improving the quality of training programs through the use of educational forms, methods and technologies, consistent with the characteristics of the trained generation of students; Connectivity and partnership; Development of scientific activity; Attracting and retaining young teachers; Public commitments of national importance.

Thousands of specialists have been trained in the oldest specialty of Library Science and Bibliography at the university, who have found worthily their place in the library community in Bulgaria. In 2008 another specialty was created in this direction to meet the new needs of the library environment. The specialty of Library and Information Management (BIM) provides comprehensive theoretical and practical training: on the principles, theories and scientific approaches in the organization and management, in the administration and evaluation of the quality of activity in libraries, information centers, cultural institutions and various public organizations; on the nature and species diversity of the library institution; on the main library and bibliographic activities and processes and with mastering the modern library and information technologies. As a specialty carrying innovative ideas and in line with global trends, we are constantly working to update the curriculum to achieve a high level of training. The curricula annually enrich the syllabi and add new ones with the main goal to expand the opportunities for training future professionals to work according to the needs of modern society.

The aim of this report is to examine the elements of students’ training in the specialty of Library and Information Management, related to the teaching of topics related to the therapeutic function of reading. An analysis is made on the basis of the academic documentation of the Department of Library Management and Archival Studies. The increased interest in the problems of bibliotherapy among the graduates from the last few academic years has been studied. According to the author, this is due to the specifics of the topic, which provokes many students and creates research interest in them.

Keywords:

Bibliotherapy, Diploma Projects, Master's Theses, Library and Information Management, ULSIT, Bulgaria.