THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEV VLADIMIROV’S PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS

Lev Vladimirov (1912–1999) is one of the most famous and most prolific representatives of librarianship, bibliology and information sciences, the founder of the before mentioned spheres in Lithuania. The article focuses on the development of L. Vladimirov’s multidimensional interests, the priorities and interelations, mainly focusing on his works in book science. Biographical research helps reveal the circumstances that influenced L. Vladimirov’s work and attidude, as well as helps name the fundamental stages of his work. Much attention is paid to his family as one of the crucial elements that developed his personality and social skills. The prevailing values in the family predetermined the scholar’s social, political attitudes and models of behaviour. L. Vladimirov’s biography is analysed since the very childhood in the bookish people family, the questions of origin and identity are raised, the importance of education in interwar Lithuania in Siauliai German Progymnasium (1923–1928), in Silute Herder’s Real Gymnasium (1928–1932) and studies inKaunas Vytautas Magnum and Vilnius Universities (1932–1940) are assessed. The stages of scientific and professional work are discussed – starting from the beginning to work at Vilnius University in 1948, L. Vladimirov, while supervising the library of the university, trained and educated specialists and staff of librarianship. The job in Vilnius University and its library was a possibility for L. Vladimirov to start works in librarianship, take interest in ancient books, Lithuanian culture, its heritage and place in the world context. In 1964–1970 L. Vladimirov lead Dag Hammarskj ldLibrary of United Nations in New York, took part in International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) works. While working in the library he had an opportunity to apply to the sources of book origin that were hardly available in Lithuania. New experience inspired new directions in scientific researches – the publications on book futurology and researches of the book significance in information technology system appeared.L. Vladimirov’s biography research was aimed at joining the biography periods and facts into one entity, at correcting some misguided facts, restoring the picture of the circumstances that influenced his works and attitude. The research is significant while assessing L. Vladimirov’s contribution and importance in the context of Lithuanian book science school.