This article emphasises the importance placed on libraries since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China: their role as a link between government and people, their economic and political functions and importance in relation to modernisation. The Shanghai Public Library is an outstanding example of China’s commitment to libraries in the context of social construction.
Against the background of China’s long cultural history, this article provides a Western view of Chinese libraries in the 1990s, including efforts to practise more “open door librarianship”. It surveys the national library system, the National Library of China, public libraries, research libraries, ISTIC, universities and colleges, school libraries and professional associations and LIS education in China.
Based on a survey administered to 36 information professionals in Vietnamese libraries, this paper discusses progress in the implementation of IT in the library and information sector. It describes a number of emerging networks and services with potential for further development. In addition there is discussion of weaknesses in service provision, and a series of suggestions as to how the situation might be improved, particularly through more detailed IT training for librarians.
Computer technology in libraries has revolutionised the concept of rapid and accurate information services. In Pakistan, though, computer technology is new and is being successfully introduced in all types of libraries and information centres. This article reviews the literature on the use of computers in Pakistan’s libraries. The literature includes monographs, journal articles, reports, etc. published inside and outside Pakistan, discussing information technology, specific library applications, the activities of individual libraries and automation education. The need for library automation and the problems faced by Pakistani professionals in this respect are also discussed.
