New Frontiers in International and Comparative Studies in Library & Information Science Research: a Focus on Services vs User Needs

Abstract

As a result of globalization, fast technological advancement, and expanding user information needs, comparative research in LIS published in the last decade has reflected a wide spectrum of backgrounds, interests, issues, as well as agendas. Comparative librarianship broadens understanding of library problems by offering an opportunity to look at theories and practices of librarianship in different countries, and “do a world of good”. The potential for the exchange of information and knowledge through international and comparative librarianship would be would be beneficial to a wide range of stakeholders, such as but not limited to librarians, educators, researchers, learners, policy makers, and general public users. This presentation features an overall and yet comprehensive view on the pressing issues related to global comparative librarianship research focusing on service provision vs user needs. On one hand, we analyze and compare the service providers on their policies, professional education, and management of varying types of library and information organizations (e.g., academic, special, performance, music, school, public libraries, etc.), while on the other hand contrasting on the information and service needs of varies types of users with various purposes (learning, teaching, research, culture, entertainment, etc.) through different services means (mobile, online, paper, venues, etc.).