891 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science: International and Comparative Librarianship
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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE
School of Information Studies
L&I SCI 891 – International and Comparative Librarianship
SYLLABUS
Instructor: Peter J. Lor, D.Phil.
Email: lorpj@uwm.edu
Office Hours: Mondays 3:30-5:00
At other times by appointment
Office: Bolton Hall Room 646
Phone: 414-229-6937
Fax: 414-229-6699
Class meetings: Mondays, 5:30-8:10 pm, Bolton Hall B91
First meeting: January 25, 2010.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
An in-depth study of the literature and research methods of International and Comparative
Librarianship; international LIS relations, influences, aid and cooperation; international organizations;
major current issues and themes. Prerequisite: grad st; cons instr.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A systematic approach to the study of International and Comparative Librarianship, providing an
overview of their literature and major themes. Current approaches to research methods, including the
theoretical underpinnings of international comparative studies, are explored. Topics to be examined
include international relations, professional influences, aid, and cooperation between libraries, library
systems and library and information organizations, with particular reference to information flows
between developed and developing countries and the role of international organizations in, or affecting,
the field. Attention may be paid to international dimensions of professional practice in the USA.
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
 Distinguish between international and comparative librarianship, define the two fields and
discuss how they complement each other.
 Describe the research methods appropriate to each field and apply this knowledge to the critical
891 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science: International and Comparative Librarianship
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evaluation of examples from the literature.
 Analyze relations, influences and cooperation between library and information institutions,
organizations, groups or individuals of two or more countries.
 Evaluate the impact of library and information related development aid and the work of relevant
cultural and philanthropic agencies.
 Describe the role of major international governmental and non-governmental organizations and
agencies active in the field of library and information services, and evaluate their work.
 Discuss major issues in international information relations, including economic and political
factors affecting information flows between developed and developing countries.
 Discuss the practical application of international and comparative library and information
studies in professional careers and work in the USA.
METHOD:
Overview lectures; independent reading followed by student presentations, discussion and debate;
presentations by guest speakers.
Students with special test and note-taking needs should contact the instructor as early as possible for
accommodations.
TEXTS:
COURSE SCHEDULE:
WEEK
TOPICS
READINGS
891 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science: International and Comparative Librarianship
WEEK
TOPICS
orientations
READINGS
librarianship; New York: Marcel Dekker: 1-17. (Chapter 1
“International and comparative librarianship”, in Encyclopedia of
library and information science, 3rd ed. (in press)
Parker, J.S. (1974) International librarianship – a reconnaissance.
Journal of Librarianship 6(4): 219-232.
3
891 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science: International and Comparative Librarianship
WEEK
5
Feb 22
TOPICS
4
READINGS
Library
Abad Hiraldo, R. & Bover Pujol, J. (2001) International cultural
development aid
exchange through libraries. In Carroll, Frances Laverne &
and influence: the
Harvey, John Frederick (eds) International librarianship:
role of government
cooperation and collaboration; Lanham (MD): Scarecrow Press:
agencies
73-86.
Curry, Ann, Thiessen, Tanya & Kelley, Lorraine (2002) Library aid to
developing countries in times of globalization: a literature
review. World libraries 12(2):15-36.
O'Connor, B. & Roman, S. (1994) Building bridges with books: the
British Council's sixty-year record. Logos 5:133-138.
White, Jeffrey M. (2003) DANIDA: wherefore art thou? IFLA journal
29(2):152-156.
891 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science: International and Comparative Librarianship
WEEK
TOPICS
READINGS
51(1):38-48.
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891 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science: International and Comparative Librarianship
WEEK
Apr 12
TOPICS
cooperation and
standardization in
LIS
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READINGS
James W. (2006) Resource sharing within an international library
network: using technology and professional cooperation to bridge
the waters. IFLA journal 32(3):189-199.
Hopkinson, Alan. 2004. International standards for global
information. In Kesselman, Martin Alan & Weintraub, Irwin.
(eds) Global librarianship; New York: Marcel Dekker: 219-256.
(Chapter 16)
ASSIGNMENT 3 Langeland, Asbjørn 2005. The Nordic Countries: cultural and library
DUE APRIL 18
cooperation. IFLA journal 31(2): 146–150.
891 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science: International and Comparative Librarianship
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ASSIGNMENTS
Written assignments are due on the specified dates. Grades may be reduced for late papers. Written
assignments are to be typed, preferably word-processed. Papers are to be double-spaced using a 12point kerned font such as Times New Roman with 1 to 1.25 inch margins. You may not resubmit work
that has already been used in fulfillment of the requirement of this or any other course. Rules of
academic conduct require that you not use the work of others without clearly indicating it as such.
Academic misconduct may result in a lowered grade, no credit for a given assignment, or removal from
the course.
It is expected students will consult and appropriately cite the research and professional literature where
merited. This means citing a variety of sources. Limiting yourself to an online source like Wikipedia as
the entirety of your research efforts is unacceptable and will result in a failing grade for the assignment.
Grades will also be reduced for papers that include irrelevant content to “fill up space” to meet the
length specifications for a paper. Please rely on a commonly used style manual for your submissions.
APA style is preferred, but others (e.g. Turabian, Chicago, MLA) are also acceptable. Explicitly
identify the style used in your assignment. Style manuals are available in the Library or UWM
Bookstore or may be purchased through online book vendors. If you are uncertain about how to cite
electronic sources, consult one of the many electronic guides to citing electronic sources available on
the net. Minimal reference content includes: author (if known), date (if given), title, URL, and date
accessed.
Assignment 1. Essay on theory and method of a comparative sub-discipline (WEEK 4)
In accordance with your prior studies or personal interests, select a comparative sub-discipline from a
discipline other than library and information science, for example, comparative –

cultural studies

economics

education

government & politics

linguistics/philology

literature

musicology

psychology

public administration

religion

sociology/social research
Select your sub-discipline in good time. Before you finalize your choice, make sure that you will be
able to find sufficient relevant literature. If in doubt, or if you would like to choose a sub-discipline not
891 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science: International and Comparative Librarianship
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listed here, talk to your instructor.
Briefly describe the development and present status of the sub-discipline you have selected, with
emphasis on its scope and to the theory and methodology applied in it. Indicate to what extent
comparative librarianship might borrow concepts and methods from the chosen sub-discipline.
You should submit an essay of 2000 to 2500 words (about 6-8 double-spaced pages). Your essay
should reference a minimum of ten appropriate scholarly and professional sources on the selected topic.
Assignment 2: Country report (WEEKS 6-12)
Depending on the number of students, the class will be divided into groups of two or three students.
Each group will select any foreign country of interest to it and prepare a presentation on the country's
library and information services. The report should briefly describe the general factors (geographic,
demographic, social, cultural, economic, etc. as well as the state of literacy and the book industries)
which affect library and information services there, before setting out the current state of the country's
library and information services, including, but not limited to, types of libraries, library legislation and
policies, funding, and education for the library and information profession. The report will first be
orally presented to the class with the help of a PowerPoint or similar presentation. Twenty minutes are
allocated to the presentation, followed by ten minutes for a class discussion. Following the presentation
to the class, the group will be given another week to submit a final a written report.
Your country report should be 3500 to 4500 words (about 12-15 double-spaced pages). Your project
should reference a minimum of 20 appropriate sources. Some flexibility will be exercised, depending
on the size of the country that has been selected. If you experience difficulties finding enough sources,
speak to your instructor in good time.
When submitting your written report (a), you also need to submit (b) the PowerPoint, (c) a brief report
on the class discussion, and (d) a brief statement indicating how the work was divided up between the
members of the group.
A schedule for the presentations will be drawn up at the beginning of the semester.
Assignment 3: Evaluation of a comparative study in library and information services (WEEK 11)
For this assignment you will select an article or book chapter which presents a comparative study of a
library type, process, policy or other phenomenon in two or more countries. The article or chapter is to
be analyzed and evaluated in respect of such aspects as its purpose, scope and methodology, the
validity and interest of its findings, and its contribution to the development of theory. Relevant criteria
will be discussed during the class meeting in Week 4.
Students should submit an essay of 1500 to 2000 words (about 5-6 double-spaced pages). Your essay
891 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science: International and Comparative Librarianship
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should reference appropriate scholarly sources to support the criteria you apply in your evaluation. No
minimum number of references is set. However, all things being equal, evaluations that are well
supported by references will gain higher grades.
FINAL TEST
This will be an open-book, take-home test consisting of one or more essay questions that will assess
students’ understanding of the theories, concepts and methods employed in international and
comparative librarianship, and of the major contemporary issues and trends in the field.
CLASS PARTICIPATION
Class attendance is expected of all students. A student who misses classes more than twice without
special reasons receives no credit for class participation. Participation in class discussions is expected
of all students. Such discussions will analyze, criticize and synthesize the readings, lectures and
relevant experiences. Students are expected to contribute independent and insightful comments.
Regardless of delivery mode, students will be encouraged to communicate with the instructor and other
students in class or within the framework of online courseware. Participation is an important part of the
learning experience and is a factor in assessing class performance. The instructor may be reached by
phone, e-mail, or in person during office hours or by appointment.
EVALUATION:
891 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science: International and Comparative Librarianship
Component
Weight
GRADING SCALE:
96-100
A
74-76
C
UWM AND SOIS ACADEMIC POLICIES
The following links contain university policies affecting all SOIS students. Many of the links below
may be accessed through a PDF-document maintained by the Secretary of the University:
http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/SecU/SyllabusLinks.pdf. For graduate students, there are additional
10
891 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science: International and Comparative Librarianship
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guidelines from the Graduate School (http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/Grad_Sch/StudentInfo/), including
those found in the Graduate Student and Faculty Handbook:
http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/Grad_Sch/Publications/Handbook/.
Students with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in order to meet any of the requirements
of a course, please contact the instructor as soon as possible. Students with disabilities are responsible
to communicate directly with the instructor to ensure special accommodation in a timely manner.
There is comprehensive coverage of issues related to disabilities at the Student Accessibility Center
(http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/DSAD/SAC/MainOffice.html ), important components of which are
expressed here: http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/DSAD/SAC/SACltr.pdf.
Religious observances. Students’ sincerely held religious beliefs must be reasonably accommodated
with respect to all examinations and other academic requirements, according to the following policy:
http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/SecU/acad%2Badmin_policies/S1.5.htm. Please notify your instructor
within the first three weeks of the Fall or Spring Term (first week of shorter-term or Summer courses)
of any specific days or dates on which you request relief from an examination or academic requirement
for religious observances.
Students called to active military duty. UWM has several policies that accommodate students who
must temporarily lay aside their educational pursuits when called to active duty in the military (see
http://www3.uwm.edu/des/web/registration/militarycallup.cfm), including provisions for refunds,
readmission, grading, and other situations.
Incompletes. A notation of “incomplete” may be given in lieu of a final grade to a student who has
carried a subject successfully until the end of a semester but who, because of illness or other unusual
and substantial cause beyond the student’s control, has been unable to take or complete the final
examination or some limited amount of other term work. An incomplete is not given unless the student
proves to the instructor that s/he was prevented from completing course requirements for just cause as
indicated above (http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/SecU/acad%2Badmin_policies/S31.pdf).
Discriminatory conduct (such as sexual harassment). UWM and SOIS are committed to building and
maintaining a campus environment that recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every person,
fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect, and encourages the members of its
community to strive to reach their full potential. The UWM policy statement
(http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/SecU/acad%2Badmin_policies/S47.pdf) summarizes and defines situations
that constitute discriminatory conduct. If you have questions, please contact an appropriate SOIS
administrator.
Academic misconduct. Cheating on exams and plagiarism are violations of the academic honor code
and carry severe sanctions, ranging from a failing grade for a course or assignment to expulsion from
the University. See the following document (http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/OSL/DOS/conduct.html) or
contact the SOIS Investigating Officer (currently the Associate Dean) for more information.
Complaints. Students may direct complaints to the SOIS Dean or Associate Dean. If the complaint
allegedly violates a specific university policy, it may be directed to the appropriate university office
responsible for enforcing the policy.
Grade appeal procedures. A student may appeal a grade on the grounds that it is based on a capricious
or arbitrary decision of the course instructor. Such an appeal shall follow SOIS appeals procedures or,
in the case of a graduate student, those of the Graduate School. These procedures are available in
891 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science: International and Comparative Librarianship
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writing from the respective department chairperson or the Academic Dean of the College/School
(http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/SecU/acad%2Badmin_policies/S28.htm).
Examinations, Finals. The Secretary of the University is authorized to prepare the final examination
schedule. The time of the final examination for an individual or a class may be changed only with the
prior approval of the dean or director of the respective college/school. The change will involve a
postponement to a later date. For individuals with exam conflicts, a separate week at the very end of the
exam week will be reserved to take one of the conflicting exams
(http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/SecU/acad+admin_policies/S22.htm).
891 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science: International and Comparative Librarianship
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APPENDIX
Using UW-Milwaukee Desire2Learn (D2L) course web sites
Some materials for this course are available on a Desire2Learn (D2L) course web site. You may see these
materials there anytime you wish, using a standard web browser.
Recommended browsers: For a PC-compatible computer, use either Internet Explorer 7 or Firefox. For Apple
(Mac) computers, it is best to use Safari or Firefox. Be sure your browser also has “Sun Java Runtime
Environment” (Java-scripting) enabled for a recent version of Java. (If you have any questions about these
requirements, contact the UWM Help Desk, as described at the bottom of this page.)
In order to find and browse the D2L course web site:
1.
Open your web browser and go to the UWM home page: http://www.uwm.edu (OR go directly to the D2L
login page at http://D2L.uwm.edu and skip to #3 below).
2.
From the UWM home page, click on the dropdown menu, and select D2L Course Access.
3.
On the Desire2Learn Welcome screen, you will see a location to enter your Username and Password.
4.
5.
Type in your ePanther Username (your ePanther campus email, but without the “@uwm.edu”). Hit the
[Tab] key on your keyboard, or use the mouse to click in the box next to Password.
Type in your ePanther Password. Then hit [Login].
6.
On the MyHome screen, find the area called My UW-Milwaukee Courses.

Click on [Search] with the textbox empty, to see all the “Active” courses you are enrolled in. (Students
are not able to see course sites until the Instructor has designated them as “Active.”)

Alternatively, you can type a search string (for instance, “psych 101” but without the quotes) and click on
[Search]. If you’re enrolled in an active D2L site with that search string, it will be displayed for you.

In the search results list, click twice on the word Semester at the top of the column to organize your
courses by semester, displaying the current semester first.
7.
If you have any difficulty getting into the course web site, please close down your web browser completely
and open it up again. Then try logging on again, using the instructions above. If you do not know your
ePanther username or password, please get help as indicated below.
9.
When you are finished looking around your D2L course sites, always click on [Logout]. This is especially
important if you are in a computer lab. Otherwise, the next person who uses the machine will be using your
D2L account!
What to do if you have problems with Desire2Learn (D2L)
If you have problems with your login (e.g., you forgot your password, or if you just can’t get on) or if you run into
any other difficulties with D2L, help is available from the UWM Help Desk. You may do one of the following:
Send an email to help@uwm.edu
Call the UWM Help Desk at 414.229.4040 if you are in Metro Milwaukee (or just dial 4040 on a UWM
campus phone).
Go to Bolton 225 (this lab is not open all day or on weekends – call 414.229.4040 for specific hours)
If you are calling from outside the 414 or 262 area codes, but from within the USA, you may call the
UWM Help Desk at 1.877.381.3459.