University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT) is a unique research and educational interdisciplinary center in Bulgarian context integrating studies in the fields of Library Studies, Information Technologies, Cultural and Historical Heritage.
The University of Library Studies and Information Technology (ULSIT) is a state university with two faculties: Faculty of Information Sciences and Faculty of Library Studies and Cultural Heritage. 5 Scientific Institutes function within the structure of the University. They are established by the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria. ULSIT aims for sustainable development as a leading higher educational institution with significant scientific, technological, and innovative potential..
ULSIT cooperated with more than 50 foreign universities, training organisations, and high-tech companies, especially in the fields of Internet technologies, cultural and creative industries, education technologies, etc. ULSIT is a member of the National STEM platform, Balkan Universities Network, UNESCO Chairs/UNITWIN Network, Erasmus Networks as Future Education and Training in Computing and School on the Cloud, and National Security, Geo-policy and Strategic Studies..
In the last five years, ULSIT has become a partner in more than 60 projects, 6 significant of which are National: the Centre for Excellence in Informatics and Information and Communication Technologies, the National Centre for High Performance and Distributed Calculations; ICT for a Single Digital Market in Science, Education, and Security; CyberTwin: Reinforcing the Scientific Excellence and Innovation Capacity in Cyber Security trough Twinning, National Programme European Scientific Networks, and ExcellCity: Strengthening the Scientific Excellence and Innovation Capacity in the Area of Smart City Through Twinning, National Programme Security and Defence..
The main areas of research at the university are in the following fields (in alphabetic order): .
- Computer Science and Information Technologies;
- Cultural and historical heritage in a modern information environment;
- Library and Archival Studies;
- Security and Defence.
- Social Communications and Leadership;
The UNESCO Chair on ICT in Library Studies, Education and Cultural Heritage was established as an interfaculty chair of ULSIT. .
ULSIT runs the University Youth Knowledge Academy (UNYKA) based on the main educational paradigm of UNESCO – by accredited qualification to certified skills. Its main activity is organisation and implementation of training modules for students from the three educational degrees, including the Summer South East School..
ULSIT’s social mission is to prepare highly qualified, socially responsible, personally motivated, and adaptive labour market specialists. ULSIT ambitious to establish a sustainable triangle: academy, research, and business..
ULSIT offers 16 B.A. programs, 28 Master’s programs, and several Doctoral programs that have been accredited by the Bulgarian and Austrian Ministry of Education..
Thanks to cooperation with businesses and projects financed under the EU structured funds, the ULSIT students carry out summer study practices and probations in companies.
The Interfaculty Chair ICT in Library Studies, Education and Cultural Heritage is the eight department, established as a structural body of ULSIT under a decision of the Academic Council taken on February 28th, 2011 (see the attached document of the Academic Council). The goal of current proposal is to provide sufficient arguments in favor of this chair becoming a UNESCO Chair.
ULSIT is the owner of Erasmus-Extended University Charter for the period of 2007-2013 and is currently involved in projects under Lifelong Learning Programme – the Erasmus Programme of higher education. This is an important mechanism for the real ULSIT integration into the European Higher Education Area.
ULSIT service units are: The Library and Information Centre with the Centre for Career Orientation and Students’ development; the Centre for Continuing Education; the Postgraduate Qualification Centre in the Field of Cultural and Historical Heritage; the Centre for Cultural Memory; the Centre for Security and Protection of Information; the Scientific Research Laboratory for Cyber Security; the Computer Laboratory John Atanasoff; the Research Institute in the field of Cultural and Historical Heritage Organization, Management and Protection; the Institute for PhD Students Training (the PhD School); the Rector’s Office (with its Secretary’s office, Internal Financial Control, Information Security and Labor Safety); the Admissions Department with the Information Centre for Administrative Students’ Service; the Financial and Accounting Department; the Human Resources, Students’ grants and Dormitory Sector; the Scientific Research and International Activity Sector; the Administrative Service Sector; the Labor Safety Sector; the Archives Service; the Publishing House Za Bukvite – O Pismeneh; the Centre for Distance Learning and the Sports Complex. ULSIT has two museum collections – Spirituality and Leadership and Contemporary Bulgarian Spirit.
The educational, research and innovation activities of ULSIT correspond to the best European and world quality standards.