Libraries as an Institute Potentially Influencing the Formation of Readers’ Personal Identities (using the example of Ufa)

The article examines the role of libraries in Russian society using the example of Ufa, the multi-ethnic capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan. This role was found not to be great, as approximately 10% of the total population of the city use library services. Readers in interviews admit that visits to the library are most often done out of necessities related to study; there was practically no mention of libraries as a place of leisure. Despite the efforts of those working to popularize reading and the fitting-out of libraries with computers with internet access, libraries cannot be considered “trendy places”. Nevertheless, libraries in Ufa are striving to keep up with the times. The orientation of readers is done through organized clubs for certain interests (family, information and leisure, artistic, regional and others), forums, competitions, offers etc. The article attempts to explain the potential of libraries in forming the identities of those who use this information channel. To achieve this, the author conducted an analysis of the websites of Ufa libraries in 2017, which demonstrated a diversity in events arranged based on Russian and Bashkir identities. The themes of meetings organized by library employees were defined by current events, such as: state and local holidays, authors’ birthdays, book presentations etc. The analysis shows that the themes of library events were mostly oriented around the military and patriotic education of young people. Of the many topics discussed in libraries, of particular significance to Russian multi-ethnic society is the facilitation of inter-cultural dialog by means of readers becoming acquainted with the achievement of different cultures. Regarding the hierarchy of formed identities, Russian and Bashkiri identities proved to be the most-mentioned. Tatar culture was not represented to a comparable degree in library events in Russia and Bashkiria. Little focus was placed at these events on religious identities (Muslim, Orthodox etc.).