Comparative Analysis of the Core Aspects of Library Work with Migrants in Russia and Germany

Abstract

The paper presents for the first time the analysis of the main aspects of multicultural library work in Russia and the Federal Republic of Germany, based on the data of questionnaire survey conducted by the author in the libraries of two countries. The author considers the terminology used by modern Russian and German libraries in the course of work with migrants. The paper gives definitions and shows the difference in approaches to the use of terms “intercultural library work”, “polycultural library service” and “multicultural library service”. The author reveals that both Russian and German libraries do not mostly maintain statistical records on migrant users. The paper compares the data indicating insufficient knowledge on the interests of readers with migration background. The author revealed institutions of different levels providing statistical data that use the libraries of two countries to analyze the ethnic groups living in the library service area and to clarify the demographic and social characteristics of individual migrant groups. The paper highlights the forms of upgrade qualifications for librarians involved in the development and provision of multicultural services. The survey shows that the important characteristic of German librarians who work with multicultural users is their belonging to a group of migrants. Based on the data obtained, the author concludes that work with migrants in Russia and Germany is mainly funded from the general budget of the library. The author identifies the sources of targeted funding for multicultural work in libraries, as well as the approximate size of the budget allocated for the acquisition of collections for migrants. The paper considers the forms of acquisition and criteria for selecting documents in the languages of migrants. The author presents the comparison of the main forms of mass work with migrants in the libraries of Russia and Germany, as well as identifies the activities that are not held in Russian libraries, but are of interest from the point of view of implementation in the domestic practice.