The document summarizes information about the Irakli Chavchavadze State University (ICSU) in Georgia and the Georgian Library Association. ICSU was founded in 2006 through the merger of several smaller universities and research institutions. It now has around 7000 students across 8 departments. The university aims to grow and incorporate European standards. The Georgian Library Association was founded in 2000 and has around 100 members. It works to establish standards, advocate for libraries, and provide training to librarians through its training center.

1. Georgian
participants
presentation
RGU 18.02.2009

2. • Ilia Chavchavadze State University,
Tbilisi
• Georgian Library Association

3. ICSU
• Founded in 2006 via merger of small state
universities and reserch institutions
– S.S.Orbeliani Pedagogical University
– State Univetsity for foreign cultures &
languages
– Georgian National Observatory
– Institute of Zoology
– I.Gogebashvili State pedagogical library
– Etc.

4. ICSU
• Currently about 7000 students
• 8 Departments (Phys.‐Math, Sociology‐Philosophy,
Humanities, Education, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences,
Foreign Languages,..
• Very actively growing institution, with strong tendency
for incorporation into EU and Global education and
science networks (Bologna process) and be a leading
university in Georgia (planned 15000 students in several
years)
• Many new programs are based on Western standards
and values (e.g. mandatory English and Information
Literacy for 1st year, links to Western partner
organizations)

5. LIS at ICSU
• Former Pedagogical University had a library
and archive studies program (head – I.Loria in
2004‐2006)
• Now works on creation of Professional, Bach.,
Mast. & Doctoral programs – new goals and
focuses, technologies, content – director
I.Garibashvili (consultant for the rector)
• Nearest activities – creation of the programs of
Information Technologies for Libraries

6. www.iliauni.edu.ge

7. Georgian Library Association
• Founded in 2000
• Involves about 100 personal and collective
members all around Georgia
• Activities: common standards, library
advocacy and promotion of services,
publication of the library journal, joint
subscription to e‐resources, opensource
ILS, IT‐based services, LLL for librarians

8. GeLA training center
• Started courses in Nov 2007
• Currently providing 2‐week programs 1)
modern trends in LIS, 2) Library management
• Participants – directors, managers, librarians
from Tbilisi and regional libraries
• Working on shorter (2‐3 days) specific programs
(e.g. UDC, library software)
• Working on programs quality management –
state accreditation of the courses, needs and
expectations, TOT, etc.

9. www.gela.org.ge

10. Thank you!
• Irakli Garibashvili
• Email: igar@hotmail.com,
iraklig99@yahoo.com
• Skype: igar06
• Inga Loria
• Email: ingulina@hotmail.com