The future of training in librarianship in Hungary

Despite the automation of work processes and services worldwide, the importance of highly skilled human resource has increased in every professional area, including the area of information services. This situation lead to a change of paradigm in librarianship, especially concerning the skills and attitudes required in the library environment. The recent library legislation in Hungary established the new system of libraries and library services and laid down the structures of professional training and continuous training of librarians. Making the image of librarianship more attractive became one of the strategic goals of the Hungarian Library Strategy for the period 2003-2007. The implementation of the strategic plans has become an issue of great interest among all library professionals. There are a number of issues that need to be re-considered in the system of training, including the components and proportions of the knowledge areas that need to be studied and the content and structures of professional training and continuous training. A system of competitive salaries must be worked out and ways must be found to make the image of librarianship rise higher in public esteem. The investment in human resource at libraries pays dividends in the multiple tasks and services provided by librarians for the benefit of citizens.