Library and information education in the People's Republic of China: the impact of reform and “opening-up”

Abstract

This paper discusses the way that reforms of the economic system, science and technology system, educational system and the library and information systems in the People's Republic of China, since 1978, and the accompanying “opening-up” of the P.R.C. to the West, has affected library and information education at tertiary level. Initially, libraries and information science comprised two systems, following the example of the Soviet Union; this division had a major impact upon education. Trends in Chinese library and information education since 1978, the development of Chinese information industries and the integration of the work of libraries and that of information centres are discussed. The paper is concluded with a discussion of the current situation in Chinese library and information education.