Scientific Research Work in the Central Libraries of the Russian Federation: Legal Basis, Organization Forms and Key Problems

The purpose of this article is to identify organizational problems of conducting scientific research work (R&D) by the regional libraries and the possibility of applying the experience of national libraries in the organization of science, taking into account the requirements for scientific research institutions. The article analyzes the legal and organizational grounds for conducting scientific research work by libraries and the experience of national libraries of Russia. The author indicates that the role of leading scientific institutions in the library sphere is assigned to the National Library of Russia and The Russian State Library.The article presents comprehensive analysis of the state of research activities of the central libraries of the subjects of the Russian Federation (CL of RF subjects) on the basis of reflection of this work in the normative legal acts of regional level, governing library operations, and in the regulations of the libraries. Specialized scientific research divisions are studied based on the action plans, public reports, etc. Conducting scientific research in library is one of the determinative types of library activities. The results of studies of central libraries are recognized both at the regional and federal levels and proved by the winners of the All-Russian competition of scientific works on library science, bibliography and book science, the All-Russian competition “The best professional book of the year”, the All-Russian competition “Library analytics”, the All-Russian competition of library innovation and others.The author notes that the identified scientific potential of the CL of the RF subjects is not fully used. The paper concludes that there is insufficient attention to this area of activity from federal authorities and libraries — to the methodical and coordination centres of federal level. The article outlines the prospects and directions for solving the issue of validity and significance of scientific research conducted by regional libraries. The author points out the need for methodological support by national libraries.