A Comparison Study on the Confusion and Threat of the United States and Chinese Library Education

Abstract

This article is concerned with the confusion and threat of library and information science education in China and the United States. It compares the similarities and differences between the two countries and explains the reasons for the confusion. It suggests that a small number of American schools of library and information science (LIS) did not adjust their direction during the early period of development of the American information industry. Alternatively, Chinese library education seized the opportunity at the right time and turned its academic direction to incorporate aspects of the emerging information industry. It now has a strong position in the information job market. This turn may provide direction for world LIS education.