Library and Information Science

Library and Information Science began as the organization and care of physical objects, originally scrolls and vellum latterly books and journals. Libraries acted as repositories of knowledge and centers of scholarship from earliest times. More recently Library and Information Science has been transformed by changes in information technology and the development of “born digital” information.

Professionals working in this area have specialized in different aspects of work. The organization and curation of digital information, including managing repositories, digitizing printed materials and enhancing search and retrieval. Other professionals focus user facing services such as enhancing user skills through teaching information literacy and information skills. Librarians and Information Scientists also specialize in subject domains and in the types of organization in which they work, Public Libraries, Health Libraries, Libraries in Education and in Commercial and Special Libraries. Librarians and Information Scientists would draw a distinction between focusing on theoretical underpinnings of managing and organizing information and data (Information Science) and the management and delivery of Library Services (Librarianship).

As the physical content of Libraries shrinks, current debate centers on the use made of space to create new services for users. Broadly, the profession is moving from an emphasis on management of stock and facilities to a focus on supporting and educating users and enhancing the delivery of services.