Library research from librarian's and sociologist viewpoint

The author examines the issues related to library research in Russia. While the community's interest towards libraries as a social institution is decreasing, library professionals discuss how to get users back to the libraries, and explore new roles of libraries in the modern information society. Scientifically based sociological surveys would enable to reveal user interests and demands and to find their growing points. The author also analyzes the library studies held by several operators in Russia within the recent three years. Among these operators are: the government providing independent assessment of services in the social sphere; large sociological centers like VCIOM (All-Russia Public Opinion Research Center) and Levada-Center; and the libraries. The studies subject scope is specified, that is: services quality, reading volume and repertoire, using library and information resources, professional community. It is emphasized that quality independent assessment is aimed at shaping strategies of cultural development while the librarians' studies are mostly of the tactical character. Information on the quality and range of the research issues being addressed is generalized, methodological advantages and disadvantages are demonstrated, the formula for efficient studies is proposed.