Decentralization of the Russian Library System: the Balance between the Unified Agenda and Regional Diversity

The purpose of the article is to analyze current trends in the centralization of management in the library system of the Russian Federation and to develop scientifically based proposals for its decentralization, taking into account foreign experience. Based on a comparative analysis of organizational models of librarianship in Russia and Germany, key risks associated with hyper-centralization are identified, including the restriction of autonomy of regional libraries, obliteration of local cultural specificity, and weakening of horizontal professional ties. The author's concept of system reform is presented, based on the principle of "unity in diversity". It involves preserving the coordinating role of federal centers while expanding the independence of regional and municipal institutions. The directions of transformation are specified: introduction of a multilevel funding model, the reform of personnel policy through competitive selection and creation of public councils, reorientation of model libraries into platforms for innovation, development of network horizontal associations. The implementation of the proposed program will create a flexible and sustainable library system capable of effectively combining the fulfillment of national tasks with consideration of regional specifics and preservation of cultural diversity.

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