Continuing Education of Library Science in the New China.

Overview & Synopsis

This overview of continuing education in the People's Republic of China since 1949 delineates its history, describes its current practices and needs, and discusses its future prospects. The paper opens with a discussion of the term "continuing education"; in China, adult education or spare-time education are the usual nomenclature. A historic background of China's library education system precedes a discussion of the urgent need for a supplementary form of education for professional and non-professional staff members. Five types of available continuing education courses are described: (1) advanced study at regular universities; (2) attendance at spare time schools; (3) short training courses; (4) on-the-job training; and (5) correspondence courses. It is noted that correspondence courses are currently the most important and preferred mode of instruction, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. A discussion of the future of library science continuing education in China to the year 2000 concludes the paper. (THC)