World Guide to Library Archive and Information Science Education [antikvár]

Introduction Soon after tlie publication of the International Guide to Library and Information Science Education, edited by Josephine Riss Fang and Paul Nauta (K.G. Saur, 1985; IFLA Publications 32), it became evident, that new updated information was needed, which would rcHect the great political and structural changes in this area world-wide. Metiiods and process of preparing the International Guide are in detail described in its Introduction, but it might be helpful to provide here a brief background sketch on this important IFLA project In 1977, the IFLA Section on Library Schools and Other Training Aspects (now Section on Education and Training) started a project "Equivalence and Reciprocity of Qualifications" followmg the "Standards for Library Schools," which had been published in /i^ Journal in 1976. A need had been expressed for an international reference source to enhance international understanding, communication and professional cooperation. A Working Group was established, whose members assumed responsibility as area coordinators to ensure world-wide coverage of the project, whose aims were to: 1. collect data for determining criteria for the interpretation of professional qualifications world-wide; 2. provide a basis for comparison and international recognition of professional qualifications; 3. enable mobility of librarians and information specialists across national boundaries and thus facilitate professional exchange and cooperation; and 4. prepare an international reference guide to professional education and training programs world-wide. The area coordinators designed a questionnaire wliich would satisfy a wide range of educational programs in various countries and prepared standardized profiles for each institution and program, so that uniformity of terminology, entries, etc. could be assured. The result of this extensive cooperative effort was the International Guide quoted above. Planning for a new edition and possible expansion into a database began soon after the publication. The inclusion of archival programs was considered desirable. New, completely revised questionnaires were designed by Josephine Riss Fang and Paul Nauta, with input from FID, ICA and UNESCO. They were translated into the official IFLA languages, and were mailed and collected in 1989. UNESCO provided fmancial support. At that time, the development of a database simultaneously with a printed publication was planned. Due to a number of unforeseen difficulties, particularly concerning the technical aspects of the database, those questionnaires were never analyzed and thus the results not published. However, the raw data were maintained. In 1992 Robert D. Stueart and Josephine Riss Fang proposed a new edition to the IFLA Section on Education and Training. Although no IFLA funds were forthcoming, the Standing Committee enthusiastically endorsed the new proposal. The proposal was twofold: 1, create a database of information about all programs of library, information science and archive management (mainly archival programs located in library and information science schools), and 2, publish the collected information as a book in the IFLA publications series. The database, using INMAGIC PLUS software version LO, will be maintained at IFLA Headquarters, where it can be accessed and updated as needs arise. A printed guide. User's Manual to IFLA's GLAISE Database is an added benefit of that effort. Both the database and the User's Manual were designed and produced by Kulthida Tuamsuk. Institutional support was solicited from the Emily Hollowell Fund at Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, the academic home of the editors. In addition, INMAGIC, a management software program company, generously agreed to donate a copy of the software program to tlie project. During the ix