Comparison of library science theory and research methods

Comparison of library science theory and research methods

Qiu Ziheng

Taiwan University, Institute of Library and Information Science PhD candidate

Library and Information Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, Adjunct Lecturer

Keywords: Comparison of Library Science, the international library and research methods

I. Introduction

Comparative study originated in the sixteenth century,

comparative anatomy, followed by medicine, biology, political science, literature, linguistics, law and education disciplines, have developed a comparative study and academic discipline in the formation of a sub-discipline. The more education and more the nature of library science is the most similar, the comparison of library science with a lot of comparative education research methods. (Note 1)

Comparison of library science since 1954 has been moved, in the 1970s in Europe and America to research the peak, China also formed in the 1980s then the subject of fashion, but in Taiwan, though many have the Institute of Library and Information setting up relevant courses, but the lack of systematic research, writing was always much related. In this article the development of library science and more about the definition, then explore the subject of several

controversial issues, and finally explain the research model and

methods, hoping to provide some information for those who want to

engage in related research fellow as a reference.

Second, compare the development and definition of library science

(A) to compare the development of library science

　　 Chase Dane in 1954, published in the Australia Library Journal "The benefits of comparative librarianship", in the same year also published a Librarian "Comparative Librarianship" and other two papers, which first proposed the "comparative library science," the name is generally believed that this is compare the origin of library science, but the name did not lead to the library community's attention. After about ten years, Carl M. White, DJ Faskett and Nasser Sharify investment

research and other scholars, it has become the subject of 60's representative. Comparison of library science in 1965, after the development of rapid, Louis Shores, Miles M. Jackson, Syliva Simsove, Dorothy G. Collings, J. Periam Danton, John F. Harvey, Richare Krzys and others have published related work. (Note 2)

Comparative study of the development trend of library science, also shown by the following figures: (Note 3)



50's when the Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA), only one related entries, but the 60's has grown to 105 related entries. In addition, by 1971, major U.S. index Library Literature Library Science Library Science was established to compare a separate heading.



1963 American Library Association set up only three more courses of library science, to 56 in 1975, has opened the program. In addition, some European scholars, school libraries have also set up relevant courses.



Comparing 1976 with the International Conference on library science-related, 41, to 59 in 1980.

From this, Europe and the United States to study library science

compare the 1970 peak to 1980 Although generally accepted, but the

research on this subject has gradually cooled. But in mainland

China in the 1980s are more the peak of Library Science, Ni wave of

wisdom with Chenbo Fu, Wu Weici and other man-made and the

chief researcher. (Note 4), the clock keep arguably the most

committed to the mainland scholars in this interdisciplinary research.

(B) compare the definition of library science

Comparing the definition of library science, Xue Gui in his treatise in detail in the order, it is shown as follows: (Note 5)



People 24 years, the process defined by the group Peter - Western strong points, called comparative library science, so show its program and make a comprehensive comparison, that of library science of the Path.



1954, Dane's definition -

Comparative study of library science is the development of many countries to discover that the development is

successful, and can be replicated in other countries. It is the view from the international point of view the cause of

philosophy and policy library to determine the long-term trends, assess their loss and find out the contradiction between theory and practice and inconsistent. As the

comparative anthropology, comparative religion, comparative library science is to seek to expand our tolerance and deepen our understanding. It is the first step towards international library cooperation.



1965, Foskett's definition -

Comparison of the value of library science major is to use scientific methods for the progress of library professional collection of information ... .. observe the existing system, assess the situation of some hypothetical or actual, for reference.



In 1966, Shores's definition -

Comparison of library science is the study and comparison of

all the different countries in the world, Library Theory and

career, its aim is to expand and in-depth understanding of professional issues and solutions.



In 1971, Collings's definition -

Comparison of library science can be defined as a systematic analysis in different settings (usually in different countries) library development, practice or problem, to consider the relevant historical, geographical, political, economic, social, cultural and other decisive background. Particularly important is that it focuses on the development of cause and effect in the Library and Library of the problem.



In 1973, Danton's definition -

From the social, political, economic, cultural, ideological and historical perspective, analysis of two or more countries, cultural or social environment of the library, library system and library. The purpose of this analysis is to understand the similarities and differences between office, explain the

different office, and derive general General.



In 1973, Harvey's definition -

Comparison of library science is a field of individual and specific for two or more countries relevant to librarianship〕 〔a theme, objective and systematic comparison and contrast, to reach a conclusion, and help understanding.



1974, Simsova's definition -

Comparative Library Science Library is the cause of all things can be compared to study the content of a discipline.

Comparison is more important in the field of library science component. Therefore, the comparison of library science in the past has been seen as a way and a means of

understanding issues, and not as a discipline.



In 1981, Ni waves and wisdom with which the definition -

Comparison of Library Science is the cause of libraries in different countries, and library science, to compare their similarities and differences, trace their origins to explore the reasons that draw. Comparison of library science in a sense, the fact is Library and theoretical research methods.



In 1983, Chen Bofu's definition -

By comparing the different environment, different types of libraries, and to make all the Chinese Library and work more in line with scientific management standards, and on this basis, to promote the common objective of the international library development. (This definition is aimed at China's multi-

ethnic, multi-language, big difference between urban and rural areas, large geographic differences in the characteristics of Chinese comparative proposed definition of library science)



In 1985, the King of Qin's definition -

Two or more library science involves more than two countries, cultural, or social environment; it is comparable Comparative study (comparable comparison); is the Library in a variety of different environments, through the concept of philosophy or theory analyzed the same or differences.



In 1987, Wu Weici's definition -

Comparison of Library Science has three characteristics: 1.

Transnational in nature: two or more countries of the Library. At the same time, it is cross-culture, that countries of different cultures Library; 2. Interdisciplinary: To compare the library hours, the first target country must be more economic, political and scientific education of the state have sufficient understanding; 3. comparability: two or more countries on the development of libraries in the same issue of comparison.



In 1990, Harrod's Librarians' Glossary's definition -

Comparison between different countries of Library Science is the study of library services, reflecting the country's cultural, political or social environment of the differences. By

comparing the analysis and comparison, the same cause of national libraries or differences between the full

understanding and a more mature thinking.



In 1991, Zhou Wenjun, and Shao Xian map defined -

Comparative Library Science Library is the cause of the world as the object of study, from the social, political, economic, cultural, ideological and historical point of view, two or more countries, library, library system, Library Development

experience or a comparative study of the problem, to

understand and grasp their common points and differences, and make a scientific explanation of these differences to arrive at the correct criteria for the development of librarianship. Comparative Study of Library Science to investigate the main ways to explore the national, regional library development in the law, characteristics and the cause of international library cooperation as the main target.

Finally, Xue Gui from these definitions, summarized comparative library science is defined as: of two or more countries (regions, cultural entities) of the Library, select for more things for the

research project, through narrative, explained, parallel, comparison of the process, to study the similarities and differences between, for information and reference.

Third, a few more problems of library science

Although the comparison of library science has been nearly five

years of history, but in the field of academic disciplines is still very

young, so scholars have not yet reached a consensus on some

issues. Including its relations with the international library science,

is an independent academic or research methods and the scope of

their study and three, aroused the greatest controversy. The

following brief, various views.

1. Relationship with the International Library Science

Comparison of library science and international relations library science has not yet reached a consensus on the following three general proposition, it is illustrative, respectively:

1. International Comparison of library science library science, including (Note 6)

Harvey argued that the international library science (International library science), including foreign library science (foreign library science), international agencies, library science (International institutional library science) and comparison of Library Science (Comparative library science) in three branches, the comparison Library Science is a branch of the international library science, as Harvey's view Figure 1:

【Figure 1: International Comparison of Library Science Library Science including】

2. International Comparison of Library Science and Library Science are two separate disciplines (Note 7)

　　 Jackson believes that the international comparison of library science and library science are the two separate disciplines, so between them there is no affiliation. Comparison of Library Science is a cross-cultural research, is not necessarily an international scope;

and International Library and the library only cause that transcends national boundaries, does not include more. Figure 2 for the

Jackson's view:

【Figure 2: International Comparison of Library Science and Library Science are two separate disciplines】

3. Comparison of library science, including the

International Library Science (8)

　　 Danton that the comparison of library science, including all libraries and librarianship on comparative studies, such as: regional and case studies, professor of library science in other countries, international library science ... .. and so on. Therefore, in his view, comparative library science, including international library science.

Figure 3 is Danton's view:

【Figure 3: Comparison of Library Science, including the International Library Science】

For the above three viewpoints, the author preferred the idea of Danton. I also think that all libraries and librarianship on a

comparative study can be said to compare the scope of library science, it is more international library science library science should be a research subject.

(B) of the object and scope of

Comparison of library science from the earlier definition can be found in all, most scholars believe that more study of library science should be to "transnational" in. But some advocates within the same country, "cross-cultural" or "cross community" Comparative Study of librarianship, it should belong to the subject of research areas. Especially within a country if different nations, their different cultural backgrounds will affect the region's Library. Simsova survey done, there is 71% of respondents believe that more research is not a library science to transcend national boundaries. (Note 9)

Some scholars even claim as long as comparative studies, whether

cross-border, cross-cultural, comparative library science are also

areas of study. For example, Collings in the "Encyclopedia of Library

and Information Science", the study of library science will be more

divided into: 1) regional studies; 2) cross-border or cross-cultural

research; 3) case studies (within a country), etc. of three. (Note 10)

I also agree that more liberal definition of the object and library

science research areas, because the main purpose of the subject to

compare the similarities and differences to explore the reasons cited to learn, so long as they are able to achieve this study, are to be encouraged, not rigidly adhere to a national or multinational study.

(C) is an independent subject or research methods

For a long time, academics in the comparative Library is a separate discipline, or a library science research methods in dispute. Here we will state its view as follows: (Note 11)

1. The allocation of school - the more scholars advocate of Library Science Library is a method of comparative literature itself is not as "literature", but a literature method name.

2. School discipline - that more scholars advocate of library science library science in an independent branch. They believe that more library science has accumulated a certain number of publications and theoretical treatise, there is the subject of special academic groups have been incorporated into the curriculum of higher education, and has a number of experts and scholars, so although not yet mature, but

consistent with the formation of a discipline standards. It is not a "Library" with "comparative method" only. (Note 12) 3. Compromise faction - which claims more library science

scholars is not only an independent branch, is also a research method. They believe that more library science can be used as a special area of research, comparison can also be used for various research methods, so take the middle road.

Unable to obtain a consensus among scholars is the emerging discipline of features, this controversy could be left with time. But look at the past fifty years of related work, to explore the definition, the scope, nature of the problem of multi-document, while the relatively small number of comparative studies of the object but more emphasis on the narrative, not to make high-quality analysis and comparison, so the research subjects on the library world do not have a significant impact (13), I believe that this is a more library science major problem.

4, comparative study of library science methods

(A) to compare the objective study of library science

Among the proposed comparative literature study of library science the following objectives:

1. Europe and the United States scholars view: (14)



Research on the library system and the problem of seeking a complete understanding and proper interpretation.



Domestic or foreign, to provide guidelines for the new library project.



General library issues on the critical analysis and solutions.



Stimulation of the problems around the library to do wise to consider, and provide for practical advice and solutions.



Abroad to visit or to provide library services to background information.



Library science education and training to strengthen the academic content and practical work.



To promote mutual understanding of international librarianship and cooperation.



From the observed phenomenon in the relationship between access to knowledge.



To promote the free exchange of ideas and concepts.



Countries in the world to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.



Understanding of other countries by the situation in librarianship, the development of useful policies or regulations.



The formation of the Pan-Library (metalibrarianship), to integrate the countries of the world Library of philosophy and theory.

2. Chinese scholars view:



Library of scientific laws (15)



Promote information exchange in the world to promote the development of library science. (Note 16)



Grasp the characteristics of their library career (Note 17)



To promote the cause of reform and national library (18)



Continually expand the field of library science (19)



Reveal the laws of library development (Note 20)

Listed above is the way to explain the purpose of comparative study of library science, but also summarizes its three main purposes are: (Note 21)

1. Report describing - through research on the cause of national libraries, to understand the cause of the status of national libraries.

2. Historical features - through research on the cause of national libraries, to understand the development of librarianship in various countries and functions.

3. Learn to improve - through research on the cause of national libraries, and can be considered if there is reference to the Department to improve the country's Library.

2. The selection of research topics

Krzys proposal involve the comparison of the beginning of the study of library science in the selection of studies, you can start from the following: (Note 22)

1. Select your interest, or experienced a particular field, or a certain area.

2. Duplicate predecessors have done and you are interested in, or subject to challenge its results.

3. View the last part of another paper to identify further areas of research librarianship.

4. View other people's papers, try to form another hypothesis.

5. Select the assumption that the current work practice, and validate.

6. A large number of references, in order to derive inspiration.

(C) barriers to study

Engaged in comparative study of library science, the researchers best able to: 1) understand the language of the study area; 2) to understand the region's historical, economic, political and social; 3) to study the cause of the library where actual visits to the State; 4) not because of their cultural background or personal likes and

dislikes and have preconceived ideas. (23) The above requirements seem clear, but in fact because of numerous difficulties.

In addition, Burnett has made a personal, evidence and methods of three factors, indicating comparative study of library science may encounter obstacles. Summarized as follows: (Note 24)

1. Personal factors - including site visits to spend time- consuming, cultural and political constraints, financial assistance is not enough, war or revolution, individual preferences for certain regions, the lack of background knowledge, personal capacity or prejudice and so on.

2. Evidence of factors - including the inability to obtain relevant information, lack of published literature, and so can not judge the credibility of the information.

3. Methodology - including the selection of appropriate

research topics, organize the information presented to explain the ability of data and so on.

(D) research methods (25)

Scientific research methods in general conception is targeted to collect the facts, the researchers deductive and inductive method in between to mull over. Dewey (John Dewey) has proposed the

following steps can be used as research followed the basic rules: 1)

selection of research questions, 2) the establishment of hypotheses,

3) selection of the identified variables, 4) construction of operational

definition, 5 ) manipulation and control variables, 6) development of

research and design, 7) and the establishment of observation and

measurement of the selected method, 8) to design the questionnaire

and visit the table type, 9) are engaged in statistical analysis, 10) to

write research reports.

Comparison of Library Science and Library Science International Studies, usually: 1) historical method, 2) investigation, 3) case law, 4) statistical method, 5) experiment, 6) mixed or 7) comparison.

However, although library science can compare the six methods to obtain information before, but should be strictly comparative

method used to help two or more comparable information on the phenomenon of Research Libraries. In addition, with particular note that the Institute Library to collect more data can not be confined to school in the library literature, background information and study countries with research Xianxiangxiangguan the Library of

Xuekelingyu Zi Liao Zhi Wai, is also a good of the important sources of information.

Comparison of library science so-called "comparison" is not a simple step, but by a series of steps constituted. If they do not explain them to compare directly, will lead to wrong conclusions.

Danton according to the method of comparative education, will compare the Library is divided into six steps: 1) the establishment of assumptions, 2) systematically collect and correct information on capital account issues, 3) interpretation, 4) parallel data , 5) to compare the data, 6) the reasons for trying to get shows and principles. We will compare more concise study of library science into narrative, interpretation, parallel, comparison of the four steps of Figure 4 respectively.

V. Conclusion

Purpose of comparative study of library science is studied by the comparable phenomenon Library, compare the differences between their origins and explores the reasons cited that reference.

Therefore, many studies simply describe on the status of objects, strictly speaking, does not belong to more areas of library science.

However, due to personal reasons, the evidence factors and

methodological obstacles to complete a good comparative study of library science is not easy, researchers should avoid my

ethnocentrism and false comparison, and application of cultural

relativism and the results of the comparison be aware of the extent

(Note 26) to remind myself from time to time various errors.

In addition, although the wave comparative study of library science no longer the past, but recently the internet and the rise of

information technology, shortening the distance between countries in the world, in the foreseeable future is likely to form a virtual global village, therefore the world Libraries should understand each other, the same study, in order to facilitate further cooperation, but more study of library science, is the ideal way to achieve this.

【Figure 4: Comparison of Library Science of the steps】

Explanatory Note

1. Chih Wang (1985). "A brief introduction to comparative librarianship", International Library Review, 17, p.107

2. With the former note, pages 107-108.

3. With Note 1, page 108.

4. Xue Gui editor (83 people). Comparison of Library Science.

Taipei: Student. Page 6.

5. With the former note, p. 6-12.

6. With Note 1, page 109.

7. With note 4, page 25.

8. With Note 1, page 110.

9. S. Simsova (1975). "A delphi survey of comparative librarianship", International Library Review. V.7, p.419.

10. Dorothy G. Collings (1971). "Comparative librarianship", in Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science, v.5, p.492-502.

11. Chung Shou-zhen (1995). "Comparing the mainland since the eighties Research Library." Library and Information Science, October, pp 45-46.

12. Chung Shou-zhen (1997). "Comparative Library Science + Librarianship ≠ comparison." China Society for Library Science, 23 (107), pages 3-8.

13. Xiao Li (1989). "Comparative Study of Library Science Status Review." University Library Journal, No. 42, page 33.

14. With Note 1, page 110-111.

15. Chung Shou-zhen (1993). Introduction to comparative librarianship. Tianjin: Nankai Press. Page 64.

16. With the former note, p. 68.

17. Theory of Library Science, Nankai University [Publication information unknown], page 309.

18. With the former note.

19. With Note 17, page 310.

20. With Note 17, page 311.

21. With note 4, page 24.

22. Richard. Keerqisi, Gaston. Litton forward; Zhou Jun, J.

(1990). World Librarianship: A Comparative Study. Beijing:

Academic Press titles. Page 44.

23. With the former note, p. 45.

24. With Note 1, page 112-113.

25. Xu Jinfen (79 people). "Comparative and International Research Methods of Library Science." Library and

Information Science, 16 (1), pages 65-74.

26. With note 25, page 75.