An Ongoing Process of Modernization: Libraries and Librarianship in Estonia

Libraries are a component of our ever-changing social environment. Organizational change in libraries involves many activities, including the development of mission statements, the refinement of goals regarding the role of the library in the knowledge society, the restructuring of organizations, the use of information and communication technologies, the training of librarians, and the management of finances. Estonian libraries are information centers that support research and innovation by providing the access to scholarly and professional information; supporting education, lifelong learning, and cultural development; introducing world culture; ensuring information provision to all social groups; supporting the development of the information society through the implementing new technologies; contributing to the integration of the European information treasury; and helping to gain an international reputation for Estonia.