The Conference of European National Librarians (CENL) and International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA): Outlines of Strategic Plans in Developing Cooperation between National Libraries (2018–2022)

The aim of the article is to analyze and outline chief work courses of CENL and IFLA which are set in their strategic plans, and designed to develop national libraries functions. The methods of content analysis, ideas synthesis and information comparison have been applied. The article novelty is the presentation of the chief strategic development courses of European national libraries through the (developed by the directors of those libraries) development of common approaches to formation, conservation and access to the historical heritage resources that are store within libraries. The strategies of CENL and IFLA on national libraries development are compared. The aims of CENL and IFLA on the national libraries' work have much in common: both organizations invest in developing the role of national libraries; enhance their status as chief libraries, memory institutions and storages for document heritage, national bibliography, as well as chief institutions that develop theoretical and practical basis for the whole library sphere in their countries; standardize the legislation, and so their strategies don't contradict each other's'. National libraries, as a rule, hold the most powerful position in the library sphere. They are responsible for the library work at the national level, build international communication and represent their countries in international relationships, develop integration and communication of national libraries for the realization of their mission. The features of regional associations of national libraries, particularly CENL, demonstrate the history and modern goals of such libraries, define the prospects of cooperation, taking into account specifics of the region, in this case, of European community which is oriented towards a European information seeker; ensure preservation of European cultural heritage and library funds; development of international resources for cultural heritage (for example, Europeana); improvement of European legislation on libraries and legal support of all CENL members; building strong cooperation and communication between European national libraries; realization of joint projects.