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What’s past is prologue: history, current status and future prospects of library development in Bhutan

What’s past is prologue: history, current status and future prospects of library development in... 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/approachThe 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.FindingsThe 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/valueThere 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. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png "Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication" Emerald Publishing

What’s past is prologue: history, current status and future prospects of library development in Bhutan

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
2514-9342
DOI
10.1108/gkmc-12-2019-0153
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

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/approachThe 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.FindingsThe 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/valueThere 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.

Journal

"Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication" – Emerald Publishing

Published: May 28, 2021

Keywords: Libraries; Service; Higher education; Bhutan; Schools; Resources

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