Page 34 - Journal of Library Science in China, Vol.45, 2019

CHENG Huanwen & LIU Jiaqin / The development of library science in China in an international perspective 033

countries was forced to suspend except with the Soviet Union in the 1950s which only lasted for
10 years. During this time, the Soviet Union library science, especially Lenin’s library ideas were
introduced to China and made a great influence on Chinese library science.

2.5 Introduction of Western librarianship (from 1978 until now)

After the Reform and Opening-up in the 1980s, China communicates widely and freely with
other countries. Communication in library science is extended to all over the world, no longer
limited to the US or the Europe. In the process of internationalization and globalization of library
research, the Chinese library science integrates international library science with Chinese practice
and adapts it for Chinese characteristics. The Chinese library community begins to assume the
first responsibility proposed by Liang Qichao in his speech in 1925: establishing Chinese library
science, i.e. Chinization of international library science.

3 Chinization of international library science

Chinese library research has been trying to sinicize international library science since the Reform
and Opening-up forty years ago and has made many innovations.
The library science is a discipline aimed at application. We need to make it clear the ultimate
objective of conducting library research. We may have different objectives: publishing an article,
publishing a book, winning an honor, getting promoted, advancing librarianship or developing the
discipline. Generally speaking, however, the library research must promote the development of the
library, culture and society. This is what the library community should do and this is the mission
and the ultimate objective of researchers. In other words, what is the meaning and value of our
study if it cannot facilitate the development of the library, culture and society? This article will not
comment on it or take it into consideration.
Reviewing the development of Chinese library science since the Reform and Opening-up,
academic ideas of the library science that can advance the library development, cultural prosperity
and social progress are mainly on three aspects, namely, the professional, the technological and
the theoretical. These are also the most significant aspects of academic ideas of the Chinese
librarianship.

3.1 Professional aspect: Chinization of international standards

In the professional aspect, the very core of the library techniques is classification and cataloging no
matter in the age of material resources or digital resources (Cheng, 2015). They has always been
the most crucial pivotal techniques that librarians has invented and innovated for thousands of
years.