Wangdi, S, LeGrand, C orcid.org/0000-0003-2473-1353, Norbu, P et al. (1 more author) (2021) What’s past is prologue: history, current status and future prospects of library development in Bhutan. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, 70 (4/5). pp. 339-354. ISSN 2514-9342
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to outline the history of libraries in Bhutan, to describe the current state of library development and to recommend priority areas for library enhancement.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have worked extensively as library professionals in Bhutan and share factual details derived from their personal experience. They review the published literature, particularly the fieldwork of two scholars who studied Bhutan’s libraries and library workers. The authors use their own experience to interpret those findings and make suggestions for future development.
Findings
The paper briefly traces the evolution of print culture and the history of libraries, exploring monastic, school, college, public and national libraries. The paper examines government policies regarding education and libraries and discusses the acknowledgment of the value of libraries and the lack of actual support.
Originality/value
There is limited study of the history of reading culture or libraries in Bhutan. The authors document their first-hand experiences and efforts to implement systems for library resource sharing and professional development. The authors hope that this record will serve to illuminate past effort, to describe the unique information environment in Bhutan and to guide future decision-making. The authors recommend many future avenues for study, including reading habits, information-seeking behavior and attitudes toward libraries and librarians.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited. This is an author produced version of an article published in Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Bhutan; Higher education; Libraries; Resources; Schools; Service |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures (Leeds) > School of Media & Communication (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 23 Oct 2020 12:21 |
Last Modified: | 26 Jul 2022 08:45 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Emerald |
Identification Number: | 10.1108/gkmc-12-2019-0153 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:167092 |