Benefits and challenges for special librarians

Information Outlook, Oct, 1997 by Katherine Cveljo

During the last fifty years, we have been moving from a world in which society, commerce, technology, and education were defined within the context of nation-states to a world in which they are increasingly perceived as part of a global community. In essence, ours is a world of fax machines, email, international TV instantaneous coverage, interactive electronic communications, and rapid travel; a world of academic research interconnected with the work of scholars throughout the world; a world in which people interact with their colleagues around the globe, exchange information and messages, and coordinate activities through a variety of technological and communication means.[4]

It should also be emphasized that one of the most important features of information technology is its universality - its global impact. As new information technologies expand their uses and coverage, the world shrinks; information flows globally, faster, and in more detail; and both personal and business contacts proliferate globally. Accelerating technology changes are creating many challenges globally. Our roles and skills as information providers require us to understand the potentials of continuously developing technologies, the systems they support, the status of technological change, and the types of systems those changes will foster not only nationally, but more so globally. It should also be emphasized that economic developments, as well as technological advancements, are providing the means and increasing the need for the information profession to transcend geographic barriers and enhance the profession on a global scale.

Special Libraries Association (SLA) is an international organization with members in fifty-eight countries and is increasingly becoming involved in promoting international cooperation, exchange visits, and forums. SLA fosters participation in international organizations and conferences and encourages sharing of information resources between libraries worldwide. Numerous programs and publications also reflect SLA's international focus. In consideration of international readership, summaries of feature articles in Information Outlook are provided in English, French, and Spanish. They are also exploring ways to broadcast portions of SLA's annual conference to other countries or "better yet, create an interactive format."[5] It should also be noted, as emphasized in the February 1996 issue of SpeciaList, that the Second Worldwide Conference on Special Librarianship will be held in the year 2000 in Brighton, England, "to bring together information industry leaders from around the world to seek solutions to common problems and to enhance the information profession on a global scale."[6]

Viewing the information profession globally as the predominant profession of the future, it is important to emphasize that at no point in history has there been such a high level of realization about the importance to understand the dynamics of global interdependence and the need to establish and maintain strong and harmonious international relations. As we have progressed from the age of agriculture to an age of technology and finally into the present informational society, our capacity and the need to build strong relationships with other nations has grown exponentially. Understanding other cultures is becoming more important as we move forward to an increased global exchange in technological and economic productivity. These and other similar global issues are almost certain to have an even greater impact in the future on the information services provided by information professionals - in particular by special librarians - who must adjust and be prepared to meet the escalating demands for specialized information for the changing needs of their user clientele. It is thus logical to conclude that only a dynamic, forward-looking, and globally oriented information professional - aided by up-to-the minute information generated both nationally and globally - can provide quality service in the realm of continuously changing specialized information needs and participate in exchange of information on professional issues and developments globally.[7]

As we travel into the future, our world is becoming more interconnected and interdependent, information is becoming an international commodity, and a critical need for more emphasis on the integration of international issues into library and information science (LIS) programs is becoming an imperative urgency. More than ever before an "information workforce" - one that is professionally skilled, well-educated, and knowledgeable of worldwide conditions and developments - has become an essential prerequisite not only for the control and growth of an organization and sustained economic growth of a country, but also for the exchange of information globally.

Expanding on the above issues, we are reminded of a critical issue that has been occasionally discussed during meetings at professional conferences: "Are American library and information science schools providing students with the knowledge and understanding to participate and discuss the conditions in countries worldwide and relate to global library and information issues?" A related and equally important issue that has also been raised by several internationally minded leaders in our profession pertains to internationalizing the LIS curriculums,[8] an issue that has become more important than ever before in view of the expected outcome of the New Millennium in making the "global village" a reality and especially in view of social, economic, and technological developments taking place globally. For example: