Professional Training in the Field of Information, Library and Archival Affairs at Mariupol State University: Twenty Years of Experience

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to summarise the experience of training specialists in the field of "Archival Affairs and Information Activities" within the specialty of "Document Studies and Information Activities" at Mariupol State University. The goal is to analyse the effectiveness of the programme, identify the needs for improving the curriculum, and determine the problems faced by students and faculty during the process of mastering this specialisation. The research methodology is based on the principles of scientific objectivity and systematic approach. Historical methods have been applied to establish events relevant to the development of professional training in document studies at Mariupol State University, along with other general scientific methods such as analysis, synthesis, and content analysis of the department's reports. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the generalisation of the history and current state of training professionals in the field of information, library, and archival affairs at Mariupol State University. Conclusions. The training of specialists in the field of "Information, Library, and Archival Affairs" at Mariupol State University takes into account the 20 years of experience of the Information Activities Department, which continues to function in a highly competitive environment due to temporary relocation to Kyiv. Therefore, the dynamics of the development of professional training in document studies at MSU depends on the competitiveness of the proposed educational programmes. The market demand for graduates of the department, the volume and quality of training, the ability to implement a new strategy of internationalisation of MSU, including the introduction of the unique educational and professional programme "Management of Documentation Processes and Development of the Digital Community" from 2023, indicate the potential for further improvement of professional training for document studies. In the foreseeable future, document studies specialists will play an important role in the reintegration of the Mariupol territorial community. Keywords: specialty 029 "Information, Library, and Archival Affairs", records management, higher education, professional training, educational and professional programme, Mariupol State University.