Globalizing the Library

Viac o knihe

This book examines the globalization of information and libraries after World War II, focusing on the aspirations and practices of information professionals from the U.S., Britain, and organizations like UNESCO. It tells an important international history that sheds light on the evolution of information, globalization, and cultural relations. The narrative explores efforts to build library services and train librarians in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific during the Cold War and decolonization. By framing Anglo-American involvement through concepts like 'library diplomacy' and 'library imperialism,' the book analyzes the impact of library development on various nations. It also investigates the motivations behind countries in the global South seeking foreign aid to enhance their library services and information infrastructure. This work encourages reflection on the development of library services and the transfer of professional knowledge, while revealing the power dynamics that shape global information systems. It is essential for academics and students studying libraries, development, and information, as well as for information professionals and historians critically examining the transfer and consumption of information in the modern world.