In service training for librarians working in manuscript libraries: A model proposal

In this study, it is aimed to determine the in-service training needs of librarians working in the Manuscripst Institution of Turkey which is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and to propose a model in the light of these needs. Documentary screening method and questionnaire were used to realize this aim. The aim of the survey is to find out findings such as education, age, gender, professional experience of the librarians as well as to understand whether the education they receive during university is sufficient. As a result of the survey, the hypotheses that we support are confirmed and it is found out according to the data obtained from the survey that the Institution does not organize in-service training for the librarians who are affiliated with, does not analyse training needs, the university education they received is insufficient and they need training related to manuscript librarianship which is an interdisciplinary field. It is determined that the main topics they have difficulties with and ask for most education are maintenance, preservation and restoration of manuscripts, basic level Arabian, Persian and Ottoman Turkish, bibliographic control of manuscripts, cataloging and classification of manuscripts, qualifications of manuscripts and rare works, manuscript terminology. It is determined that training should be provided on these issues. It is emphasized that the Institution with which they are affiliated should prepare an in-service training regulation, provide planned and continuous training and a training department should be established. In the conclusion, many suggestions are made both for the Institution with which the librarians are affiliated and for the Information and Document Management Departments of the universities.