Aspects of Education and Training for Librarianship and Information Work in Czechoslovakia. Report on a Visit, May 16-29, 1982.

Overview & Synopsis

This report describes a study visit to Czechoslovakia by the Director of Liaison and Training Services at the College of Librarianship, Wales, in order to investigate Czech training and education of library staff at all levels, including library assistants. It is noted that visit objectives included the investigation of practical training integrated into formal educational programs; inservice training in libraries; continuing library education; and part-time courses, correspondence courses, and other methods of distance education. Background information is provided on the educational system, library services, and education for librarianship in Czechoslovakia. Reports are then presented on discussions held in: (1) library education departments at Charles University in Prague and Comenius University in Bratislava; (2) vocational secondary schools for librarians in Prague and Bratislava; (3) centers for research and methodology in librarianship at the Czech State Library, Matica Slovenska (the Slovak Cultural Center), and the Czech Academy of Sciences Central Library-Center for Scientific Information; and (4) the Institute for Continuing Education at the Center for Scientific, Technical, and Economic Information (UVTEI). Several course lists and course descriptions are provided as well as a series of conclusions from the visit. Appendices include the visit time schedule, a list of persons interviewed, and a list of publications received. (ESR)