Page 52 - Journal of Library Science in China, Vol.47, 2021

XIAO Ximing & SHEN Ling / The historical development and contemporary construction 051
of the framework of fundamental theory of library science with Chinese characteristics

analyzing the needs of library community, predicting the trends of librarianship, we shall put
forward the core propositions of the fundamental theory research of library science at present and
in the near future.
(3) Method awareness
Theoretical and applied research of any discipline must rely on scientific research methods.
Only in this way can the inherent laws of things be revealed and thus push forward the constant
development of the discipline. The traditional research methods of library science, such as rational
speculation, historical research, comparative research, have played an important role in promoting
the research on the fundamental theory of library science. However, in the new social and technical
environment, interdisciplinary and cross-sector problems continue to emerge, and if we are limited
to traditional research methods, it is obviously difficult to solve complex issues in reality and meet
the theoretical requirements of library practice. Therefore, the research on the fundamental theory
of library science in China needs to continuously absorb and draw on scientific research methods
from different disciplines, improve the ability and standardization of scientific research, and then
inject new vitality into the healthy development of the fundamental theory of library science
with Chinese characteristics. But it must be pointed out that methods awareness is by no means
adopting a method for the sake of a method, let alone indiscriminately taking a research question
for the sake of applying a certain research method.
(4) Vision awareness
The fundamental theoretical system of library science with Chinese characteristics is not a
closed system. The advanced and excellent library science achievements created by any country
and nation is worthy of absorption and reference. XI Jinping says: “History proves that only by
interacting with and learning from others can a civilization enjoy full vitality. If all civilizations are
inclusive, the so-called ‘clash of civilizations’ can be avoided and the harmony of civilizations will
[28]
become reality.” Therefore, building the fundamental theoretical system of library science with
Chinese characteristics must have an international perspective, face the world, and actively absorb
and learn from the advanced theories and methods of foreign library and information science.
Chinese library science sector shall be modest and engage in international academic dialogue and
mutual learning with international library community. This will be beneficial for Chinese librarians
to voice their opinions in the international arena as part of the endeavor of Chinese culture “going
global”. Nevertheless, we shall take a prudent attitude in absorbing the strength of Western library
science. Instead of following suit blindly, it is necessary to have a sound judgment in identifying
the deficiencies and defects of Western library science.

3 Contemporary construction of the fundamental theory system of library
science with Chinese characteristics

The notion of “the fundamental theoretical system of library science with Chinese characteristics”