Page 57 - Journal of Library Science in China, Vol.47, 2021

056 Journal of Library Science in China, Vol.13, 2021

opening-up, the discussion on this topic has been very lively and fruitful in spite of differences
in opinions. For instance, YI Ling and GONG Jiaoteng examined the evolution of the library
science discipline system in the past 40 years, and summarized five types of discipline systems:
the “dual” contrasting type, the “tripartite-confronting” type, the “quaternary-balanced” type,
“five-dimensional” hierarchical type and “multiple” innovative type [40] . In the current research
on the fundamental theory of library science with Chinese characteristics, what topics should be
studied in architecture of library science? The author believes that, first of all, considering that
the “information paradigm” and “knowledge paradigm” of library science research being the
mainstream ideas, and interdisciplinary research leading the development trend, it is necessary
to reflect on whether or not the library science architecture should still be centered on libraries
or document-centers. Second, whether the discipline system of library science can “no longer be
[40]
constrained by the strict structure of the discipline system” and instead build a more open system
that can constantly integrate new concepts, new categories and new theories in the subject field.
Third, approaches to reflect the “Chinese characteristics” in the library science discipline system,
and integrate the traditional Chinese academic essence with the advanced Western scientific
theories, are also issues that must be addressed in building the discipline system.
(6) Theoretical basis of library science
The theoretical basis of library science is the theories of philosophy, economics, cultural studies,
sociology, education and other disciplines that provide support for the fundamental theory of
library science. It stands outside the sphere of the library science system and is “the application of
relevant disciplinary theories in library science” . However, these theories can help profoundly
[29]
reveal the essence and objective laws of library phenomena, and provide an epistemological basis
for the theoretical research and application practice of library science, which serves an effective
guidance on the entire process of library research. Therefore, the fundamental theory of library
science is an open system, and it is necessary to study the application relationship between the
theories of these related disciplines and library science.
Due to the complexity of the scope and issues involved in librarianship in the current era, and
the interdisciplinary nature of library science research in the context of “new liberal arts”, the
theoretical basis of library science cannot be a single discipline, but a subject group based on a
variety of theories and doctrines. The author believes that the basic theoretical research of library
science with Chinese characteristics must adhere to the Marxist philosophy as the fundamental
theoretical basis, be guided by the epistemology and methodology of dialectical materialism and
historical materialism, and grasp in library science research and practice the relationships between
“the phenomenon and essence, form and content, cause and effect, contingency and necessity,
possibility and reality, internal and external causes, commonality and individuality” [41] ; at the
same time, it is also necessary to draw on the theories and methods of other disciplines, such as
philosophy of science, philosophy of information, system of science, cultural philosophy, and
management studies, economics, sociology, education and psychology, so as to provide theoretical