PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES IN TURKEY AND BULGARIA: A QUANTITATIVE COMPARISON

Abstract

Main aim of this research is to determine the current situations of public libraries in Turkey and Bulgaria; and, under the light of the data derived, to provide directive proposals to public libraries in Turkey and Bulgaria. Within this scope in this research, firstly public libraries in Turkey and Bulgaria have been tackled within a historical framework; public library systems and organizations of both countries have been outlined. Then, replies to library information form prepared both to compare public libraries in Turkey to regional public libraries in Bulgaria in terms of collection, user, human resources, service departments, building, locality, library services and use of information technology; and to pinpoint their current situations. Out of the data derived, results related to the current situations of the public libraries in both countries have been obtained and proposals have been developed.