Globalization and Library and Information Science

Globalization is a complex set of partly contradictory forces. Driven by technological and transportation and, as in the case of libraries, high and fast transfer of information, globalization has accelerated tremendously. There are those who think globalization affects the nation, especially the developing world. They feel that their culture is fragmented as Western values and ways of life are becoming dominant, and others think that globalization creates new opportunities for those who are left out of economically, culturally, and in trade. For the development of libraries, political stability and economic growth are essential resources. At the same time, we understand that libraries are part of cultural institutions. If as some think, globalization takes away certain powers from nation-states, are libraries able to develop and preserve the nation's heritage in such environments? This chapter examines the ethical implication of globalization in the development of library and information science.