Synopses & Reviews
This book discusses the development of library and information services in China and the effect of the nation's political and social conditions on that develpment. The author briefly reviews the history of Chinese libraries and librarianship, then describes Chinese library services in the first half of the 20th century. The remarkable consequences of the ideological change after the Communist takeover are described in a concise manner, but the focus of this book is the massive modernization movement that has taken place since 1978.
This unique book has been prepared based on data collected directly from Chinese professional journals. In addition, it provides unusual detailed information from sources obtained during the author's extensive official visits to libraries and library schools in China. For the first time, these details are now easily accessible in one comprehensive volume.
Review
The only work in the English language on this subject, this book will be useful to those who are interested in Chinese and comparative librarianship.Library and Information Science Annual
Review
Until recently, little was known about Chinese libraries and librarianship. Lin...should be complimented for writing this concise but excellent book on the subject....This is a very good addition to the library literature and is highly recommended for all professional collections, library schools, and scholars of comparative librarianship.Library Journal
Review
Lin does what she says she will do, namely, discuss "the development and current status of Chinese libraries". In fact, she goes somewhat beyond this and writes of the scientific and technical information centres which have, in China, traditionally been seen to be quite distinct from libraries.Feliciter
Review
[A] comprehensive treatment of the administration and organization of all types of libraries, especially in the People's republic since 1949.C&RL News
Review
...[I]t is the only work in English which comprehensively describes Chinese libraries and librarianship....It is quite evident that _Libraries And Librarianship in China_ has filled in the gap in this field and set up a gateway for English-speaking readers to understand Chinese libraries and librarianship.H-NET BOOK REVIEW
Synopsis
This book discusses the development of library and information services in China and the effect of the nation's political and social conditions on that develpment. The author briefly reviews the history of Chinese libraries and librarianship, then describes Chinese library services in the first half of the 20th century. The remarkable consequences of the ideological change after the Communist takeover are described in a concise manner, but the focus of this book is the massive modernization movement that has taken place since 1978. This unique book has been prepared based on data collected directly from Chinese professional journals. In addition, it provides unusual detailed information from sources obtained during the author's extensive official visits to libraries and library schools in China. For the first time, these details are now easily accessible in one comprehensive volume.
About the Author
Sharon Chien Lin is Librarian at the State University at Buffalo, New York.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Lois M. Chan
Foreword by Ching-Chih Chen
Preface
Introduction
Historical Development
Libraries for Book Storage (Pre-1905)
Libraries for the Public (1905-1949)
Libraries for Politics (1949-1976)
Libraries for Modernization (1976-1992)
Libraries for the Market Economy (1992-Present)
Legislation
The Republic of China (1912-1949)
The People's Republic of China (1949-Present)
Administration and Organization
Administration
Organization
Professional Societies
Present Status
National Libraries
National Libraries
National Library of China
Rare Book Collections in China
Public Libraries
Public Library Movement
Modern Library Movement
Organization and Administration
Recent Major Developments
Academic and Schools Libraries
Brief Review of the Educational System
Academic Libraries
School Libraries
Special Research Libraries
Objectives and Services
Organization
Documentation and Information Center of the CAS
Institute of Scientific and Technological Information of China
Bibliographic Control and Services
Early Development
Modern Development (1911-1976)
Contemporary Activities (1976-Present)
Library and Information Science Education
Brief Review of Historical Development
Contemporary Library Education Programs
Trends and Outlook
Library and Information Automation
Preparation and Experimentation (1974-1987)
Application and Implementation (1987-1992)
Networking and Expansion (1992-Present)
Conclusion
Appendix A. Selective List of Acronyms
Appendix B. English Translation of Chinese Names
Index