Historical view of library science in Costa Rica

Abstract

This essay presents an historical review of the evolution of library science in Costa Rica, starting with the background of education in the country from the colonial period, until the first libraries were established. The main events related to libraries development in the nineteenth century are mentioned, which represented a great advance in the formation of public libraries. There is also a recount of the most outstanding events that influenced the professionalization of librarianship in the twentieth century. In addition, the actions of outstanding people in the area are also included and it presents the current context of the higher education centers that are in charge of teaching the career as well, this in order to detail the main challenges facing the discipline in the twenty first century.