The “Global Libraries – Bulgaria” Foundation works on the implementation of the project “Increasing the training capacity of managers and employees in municipal libraries”, financed under the Erasmus + Program. The project lasts one year and will be implemented in partnership with 7 municipal libraries in the country, participants in the “Modern Library” consortium – the libraries in Asenovgrad, Dimitrovgrad, Isperih, Karlovo, Kazanlak, Kotel and Samokov.

This project is part of the overall strategy of the “Global Libraries – Bulgaria” Foundation for the modernization, Europeanization and internationalization of libraries in the country. Its main objectives are:
– to overcome the backwardness of municipal libraries compared to European practices;
– to create an algorithm for the change to continue on a national scale.

The project envisages the participation of library directors and employees in two training programs in Spain and Finland on modern library management and new library services, development of a training program in Bulgarian and conducting trainings for the employees of the municipal libraries that are not included in the consortium. By participating in the project, librarians will increase their knowledge of modern approaches in library management, innovative library services, interactive methods of working with users of library services, will develop new skills for working with local communities, for developing training modules, presentation skills and leadership.

The successful implementation of this project will provide lasting and sustainable results for the modernization of municipal libraries, which, due to their small number, often remain out of sight of the library sector. Upskilling their employees will make them leaders for change at the regional and national level.

Resources:
(only in Bulgarian)

• Toolkit
• Public Libraries in Barcelona – a basis part of the social urban structure
• Library System of Barcelona