System of Training Library Workers and Improvement of Their Professional Skill in the U.S.S.R. Reaction paper by Charles D. Churchwell.

The organization and development of the library education system in the USSR is described by K. I. Abramov of the Moscow State Institute of Culture and is summarized in a comment paper by Charles D. Churchwell, Washington University. Abramov begins by stating the philosophical basis for the existence of libraries and librarians in the USSR, and describes the indispensable roles they are expected to play in the development of a socialist society. A description of the library education system notes persons who have played prominent roles in the development of the theory and practice of librarianship in Russia, but focuses on the specific parts of the library education network. Programs and courses, and their organization, are detailed. Changes taking place in library education in Russia are reviewed and a statement of plans for continued growth and improvement of both libraries and library education is provided. Churchwell makes some comparisons between library education in the United States and the USSR. He also amplifies Abramov's presentation, raises questions regarding the system of library education, and notes possible improvements for the future. (CWM)