Page 74 - Journal of Library Science in China, Vol.45, 2019

YE Jiyuan / Eight major problems in the development of the librarianship in China 073

summarizing the experience and learning from the advanced countries, we should endeavor to
accomplish more original results in certain directions or questions. Study of the library science and
its inter-disciplines should be enhanced, study gap should be filled and problems in practice should
be solved. Moreover, standards of terms and fundamental theory research should be strengthened.
Chinese Terms in Library & Information Science was published in 2019. It was written by 185
experts, reviewed by over 30 experts in LIS and philology, and approved by the China National
Committee for Terms in Sciences and Technologies. The Encyclopedia of China·the Library
Science (third edition) will be released online. Those significant results lay the foundation for
establishing and improving the theoretical system and methodology of the library science. The
solid foundation makes innovation feasible. All of the theoretical research, applied research and
technology development are important and should be developed coordinately. We should combine
theory with practice, make advantage of theory to instruct practice, expound problems and predict
the direction of the development of the librarianship. Only in this way can we confront the reality
with calm and confidence to make advances by research and produce more prospective results.

9 Conclusions

The above eight problems involve macroscopic and microcosmic problems, old and new problems,
and problems in practice, education and research. Some of the problems have been solved by
a minority of advanced libraries and research institutions, whereas the majority are still being
pondered. To solve the problems on the whole, we must have a clear thinking and clarify the
direction and path of development. The library is the product of the development of civilization,
and complimentary to social development. New technologies help to fulfill the core values and
functions of the library, and the librarianship will be given full play in the incoming information
society. The idea that the library will perish is understandable if it means reminding the library
community of preparing for the future, facing problems and making efforts. Otherwise, the idea
goes against the development of the librarianship. We should promote the librarianship in accord
with law, improve service capacity of the library; upgrade the quality of work and the level of joint
construction and sharing; tie up the connection and interaction among libraries and all levels of
society; adhere to the core content of the library of science; expand core principles to relevant and
new information fields in time; conduct study and teaching about professional problems through
professional discourse; and cultivate professionals needed by the library and related sectors to
make steady advance of Chinese librarianship.
Acknowledgements: the article deals with the thinking and research of the author inspired in the
process of revising the Declaration of Librarianship Development in Nanjing (2018). In drafting
and revising the Declaration, Doctor Xie Huan, Chu Jingli, Chen Ya, Zheng Jianming, Xu Yan,
Shao Bo and Ou Shiyan have done much work. Experts and representatives participating in the
high-level forum also made valuable advice. Sincere gratitude goes to all of them.