Empathy in the Profession of a Librarian: Theoretical Analysis

Purpose. The article is devoted to the analysis of the psychological concepts of empathy in the context of its influence on the professional qualities of librarians. The purpose of the article is to interpret the phenomenon of empathy as multicomponent socio-psychological characteristics of librarians, which affects the effectiveness. Methodology. The study used a set of methods of theoretical analysis and synthesis, as well as methods of generalization, systematization of an array of publications. Finding. Theoretical analysis of the problem of using empathy as a professional characteristics and means of librarians’ activity showed that the interaction between library specialists and readers emphasize the need to develop and maintain empathy especially during crisis situations. Empathy is a cognitive-behavioral property that can be developed through education, which should begin in the early stages of teaching library specialists. Practical value. The article states that it is possible to develop the empathic reaction by using the necessary knowledge, using the materials of this study to create curricula for students and to improve the qualification of already practicing librarians. Results. It is established that empathy, as a psychological phenomenon, has a significant impact on the librarian’s personality as a whole, increases the motivation and productivity of the activity. Librarians create one of the few social spaces that seeks to provide an effective communicative environment. In library practice, the development of empathy skills is one of the main factors in creating such an environment. It is established that in playing the role of a source of social and emotional psychological support, empathy is a cognitive-behavioral property that can be developed by improving education. It is emphasized that promoting further development of educational programs for librarians on development of empathic skills will help to form the image of a modern librarian.