Technological innovations have led to an increase in demand for information technology (IT) skills in contemporary library and information agencies. This in turn has created an increased need for pedagogical skills on the part of library and information science (LIS) professionals for them to empower users with knowledge and skills to navigate a…

This article explores recent developments in national policy for academic libraries. It considers the shift from traditional to managerial academic librarianship; the move to "social space" and multi-use systems; changes in the balance between meeting teaching and research needs and in public funding priorities; the difficulty of making…

This paper sets the context for this special issue on LIS education in Greece by explaining the Greek higher education system both in organisational terms and in the approaches to teaching and learning. In addition it briefly outlines the current state of development in libraries in Greece. Taken together they provide the background to the…

Analyzes a survey of Irish librarians and discusses the development of librarianship in Ireland. Highlights include historical background, Library Association of Ireland, Library Council, Department of Library and Information Studies at University College Dublin (Ireland), National Library of Ireland, and Trinity College Library (Ireland).…

Through American Library Association (ALA) projects in Latin America, American librarianship progressed from conceptualization to implementation as the model in modernizing Latin American library practices and societies. Development of library practices was fundamental to pursuit of a "modern" society. In fighting fascist propaganda, the…

For over seven decades, library history in Russia has been considered a Soviet branch of science known as the "history of librarianship" and it has been isolated from the world science community. This article examines the degree to which Russian library historians have been isolated from this community and their initial results in…

Discusses changes taking place in the library systems of Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Topics reviewed include the influence of Soviet Russian library theory and practices; decentralization of library administration; library finances; library education; library employment; library technology; and censorship and collection policies.…

This paper focuses on innovation and the change triggered by the introduction of new approaches to planned change in professional practice. It presents a range of ideas and theories about innovation and change and speculates about how new approaches get introduced and become accepted into professional practice. The paper concludes by focusing on…

This installment of the "International Library Education" column presents a brief overview, by three Russian librarians, on the curriculum and philosophy of librarianship in Russia two years into the democratization process. Discussion focuses on changes in librarianship and the end of the Soviet system. (Author/LRW)

Discusses political and cultural battles over the role of a national library in France and the future direction and function of libraries in general. Uses accounts from the press to trace changes in the project as well as ways in which it influenced French librarianship. Contains 34 references. (Author/LRW)

This evaluation of Library Power for the international community is based on two questions: (1) What lessons can be learned from countries with different educational systems and can the international school library community utilize any part of the outcome of the Library Power project?; and (2) Are the questions that Library Power addressed…

Oral histories of retired Australian librarians show the sexual division of libraries from pre-1950s to the 1980s. Discussion includes the appeal of on-the-job training; public and private roles of women; the marriage bar; discrimination; lack of skill recognition; wage inequities; feminist resistance; sexual harassment; unions; and electronic…

More than ever before, Japan is aware of its potential for shaping the global library and information scene and the Japanese are responding to the current flood of information with new media technologies and improved database services with a synergistic approach that involves library professionals, information specialists, governmental leaders,…

Discusses 50 years' worth of development of librarianship in Pakistan and analyzes the policies and plans made. Reviews the role of library schools and their curriculum in the development of the profession and examines the impact of the information revolution, as well as new dimensions in librarianship. Provides a timeline of plans and…

Australian librarians have participated in and contributed to international librarianship for over 125 years. Individual and collective practice is well regarded internationally since it is in dialogue with international concerns, is based on shared values and reaches high standards. Many are willing contributors to international initiatives,…