Librarians in changing Estonia: professional education and development

The growth in responsibility of librarians under the country′s changed conditions requires their high‐quality professional education,flexible continuing education and professional development at all levels. Offers an overview of librarians′ professional training in Estonia, its traditions and possibilities today. Estonian library assistants study at the Viljandi College of Culture: degree courses in library and information sciences (LIS) are offered by the Tallinn Pedagogical University, including Master′s and doctoral degrees. Gives a detailed account of the undergraduate LIS curriculum at the Tallinn Pedagogical University. Systematic continuing education is a necessity because of developments in information technology and because of rapid changes in Estonian economic and social life. Touches on local and state‐wide continuing education activities. Undertakings by the Librarians Education Board in educating library staff without formal LIS education are an integral part of librarians′ continuing education and retraining. In order to disseminate information about Estonian libraries in the world professional community, our librarians must be aware of developments elsewhere. Speaks about the return of Estonian librarians into international professional organizations (IFLA, co‐operation with Baltic libraries, etc.) Deals with the prospects for Estonian librarians in co‐operation with international professional organizations (IATUL,ABDOS, IAML, IASL, etc.) in a more detailed way, including their participation in educational and developmental projects of other countries.