National Strategy for Public Libray: Situation Assessment for Turkey and a Model Proposal

Abstract

This study focused on The National Strategy for Public Library of the Turkey. In Turkey, as in the whole world, public libraries have to review their services and structural components during the transition to the information society. This new situation has made it necessary to strategically address the issue of public libraries and the creation of a national strategy for the public library. The hypothesis of the research is determined as follows: 'Public libraries in Turkey lacks a national strategy, policy and system which will provide the basis for the process of fulfilling its functions in the context of information society. Accordingly the purpose of the research is to develop a national strategy model and a proposal for public libraries that taking into account the conditions in Turkey, developed in accordance with the aims and objectives in accordance with the parameters of the information society, created using universal strategies and principles supported by action plans, evaluating the public library system in Turkey. Descriptive method was used in the research. As data collection techniques, semi-structured interview was conducted. In the study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 experts, practitioners, managers and academicians who were identified as stakeholders in 2019. As a result, It is understood that a national strategy is needed on public libraries in Turkey. A national public library strategy should be prepared to manage public libraries in a planned manner, to use resources efficiently, to enable libraries to develop simultaneously with each other, to raise awareness of both the public and senior decision-makers, and to provide tips to top managers about processes and goals. In the recommendations section of the thesis, apart from general recommendations, has presented a proposals: "National Strategy for Public Library of Turkey Development and Implementation Model Proposal".