The image of the librarian in the XX. century and a model proposal for the XXI. century

This study addresses the social perception of the librarianship profession and the transformation of its professional identity in Turkey in the 20th century, while aiming to develop a model proposal for adapting to the social and cultural changes the profession faced in the 21st century. The study focused on understanding these transformation processes by analyzing the historical and current aspects of professional identity. In this research, the librarianship profession in Turkey is addressed in the historical process and especially the changes are examined during the transition from the 20th century to the 21st century. In the study, in-depth interviews were conducted with a group of retired academicians using the oral history method in order to understand professional transformations. These interviews cover topics such as librarianship education, professionalism, ethics and professional organization. Using the oral history method, interviews were conducted with six retired faculty members who were actively working between the last quarter of the 20th century and the first quarter of the 21st century. It was analyzed how the participants were affected by technological, social and political transformations and how these changes were reflected in their professional identities. A voice recorder was used in the data collection process and the analyses were based on the 14 professional identity items model developed by Pierson. The research was conducted on the transformation of the librarianship profession in the 20th century. It reveals that it has been constantly evolving in line with changing perceptions and expectations throughout the century. Professionalism, changes in the education system, a viable ethical system, social transformations and civil society have emerged as the main elements shaping the professional identities of librarians. In particular, the interaction between the technological adaptation skills of the members of the profession and their social roles has revealed the necessity of a new model for the 21st century. In the thesis, a model proposal for the 21st century librarianship profession has been developed. This model envisages that the professional identity will gain a structure that is open to change and embraces social responsibilities through education, professionalism, professional ethics and organization, which are founded on the primary identity as a way of expressing itself. In this context, this model has the potential to contribute to the sustainability of the profession in terms of social responsibility content.