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XIAO Ximing / The interaction between Library Science Education and the society in China over the past century 057

the Librarians”, etc (Qin, Wei, & Jin, 2010). In sum, the support for LSE from the LAC was fully
demonstrated by motions on LSE made at each annual conferences of the Library Association
of China (LAC). Topics covered by the motions include the establishment of Library Science
departments, recommended curriculum, logistics matters, etc.

2.1.3 The constraints of social environment on LSE development in Republican China
Despite the remarkable achievements made in Republican China, LSE in this historical period
was hindered to a great extent by frequent wars, turmoil political situation and stagnant social
environment. First and foremost, due to the catastrophic consequences of wars, Boone Library
School and University of Nanking successively moved westward to Chongqing and Chengdu
respectively. One can imagine how difficult it was for running universities during this period.
Second, the shortage of funding was another obstacle. Due to stagnant economic development and
depleted state treasury, the government “time and again reduced cultural and educational funds in
order to maintain the considerable amount of military and administrative costs. Funding allocated
to libraries was cut to an even lower level” (Xie, 1988,p.6). The Boone Library School could
still maintain its operation with diversified sources of funding, whereas other LSE institutions,
with difficulties in raising funds, could hardly continue their operation and sometimes suspended
work. Third, the government did not attach due importance to LSE. As mentioned above, for four
consecutive years, the LAC annual meeting made motions to the government and the Ministry
of Education requesting establishment of library schools or adding Library Science courses at
universities. However, all these motions were not approved by the government. Fourth, the society
did not fully understand the importance of LSE, which resulted in the shortage in both enrollment
of students and number of faculties at Library Science departments (C.L. Zhao, 1994 ).

2.2 The contribution of LSE to the society in Republican China

Despite the unfavorable social conditions, LSE cultivated a large number of outstanding talents
in Republican China. the Boone Library School is the major force for LSE in Republican China.
During the 33 years of operation (1920-1953), the School cultivated 354 graduates in Library
Science and archives science at bachelor’s degree and diploma levels, as well as 289 trainees of
workshops and in-service training courses (The School of Information Management of Wuhan
University, 2010). Many of these graduates and trainees became the backbone of China’s library
community and renowned library scientists. According to statistics in 1930, among the graduates
of the Boone Library, 33 worked at libraries, with 29 as library directors, accounting for 90% of
the total (J.Z. Liang & S.R. Liang,1996). After 1949, many graduates of the Boone Library became
the backbone of New China’s library undertakings. To name just a few, Wang Changbing and Qian
Yaxin served as director and deputy director of Nanjing Library respectively, Li Fangfu served as
Director of Shanghai Library; Huang Yuanfu, Mao Kun and Chen Xianzhang served as librarian