Libraries have been part of the human civilization for centuries by playing an important role in the development of people and societies and being instrumental in storing and retrieving information for scholars and other users. Many changes have been introduced in libraries from time to time in order to meet the needs of the changing world. During ancient times, information was written and stored on clay tablets and handwritten materials, which then changed to the printing materials employed during the medieval period. Then came microforms, CD-ROMS, and the online storage method, including...

During the past 50 years, the study of "international librarianship"--global, universal, or comparative--has increasingly become an essential element in understanding the importance of information and knowledge in the global setting. Over this period of time, many attempts have been made to evaluate the similarities and differences in information structures, staffing, and services in various areas of the world with the ultimate intention of providing timely and accurate information to seekers in the greater international arena. International Librarianship: A Basic Guide to Global Knowledge...