Preface

This book provides a timely look on trends in education, research andpractice in the field of library and information science (LIS) in Europe.

The field of LIS is currently developing and redefining its core worldwide.Information is an intrinsic part of the human condition where informationbehaviour is embedded within everyday social and life processes. Informa-tion management and techniques are likewise critical to developmenthowever, the LIS field has a declining hold on the research and teaching arearelated to the phenomenon of information.

Europe is presently living a dynamic time of change. This book bringstogether chapters that discuss LIS education, research and practice trends inEurope as these changes unfold. We focused on collecting chapters whichprovide a broad, and at the same time, a deep perspective on the LIS field inEurope. Not all European countries are represented in the chapters of thebook, but the book includes chapters written by authors from a wide arrayof countries, including LIS academics and information professionals.

The book is organized into five sections:

� Section I provides a brief introduction to the LIS education and researchtrends in Europe.� Section II includes chapters that focus on library policy and practice.� Section III has chapters that explore LIS research perspectives in Europe.� Section IV provides chapters that focus on exploring trends in LISeducation.� Section V includes a chapter related to cultural perspectives on LIS.

Each section contains chapters that address different perspectives withinthe broader area of the section. Each chapter is unique and comprehensivewithin its particular framework, and with its own reference list.

The book is intended as a resource for library and information scholars,students and practitioners. The book is also an appropriate text for LIScourses. Librarians, information professionals and others who provide

xvi Preface

information services will find this book useful for insights into trends andthe international nature of the field. Anyone who has an interest inunderstanding the Library and Information Science field in Europe shouldfind these chapters further that interest.

The first editor (Spink) was a Professor of Information Science whoworked in and researched various dimensions of information science since1980. The second editor (Heinstrom) is a Senior Lecturer who has workedwith, taught and researched in various areas of library and informationscience since 2000.

We would like to greatly thank the chapter authors for their high-qualitycontributions.

Amanda Spink Editor, Emerald Library and InformationScience Book Series

Jannica Heinstrom Abo Akademi University