From library science to information science

Abstract

The existence, principle and name of library science, and its relation - if any - with informatics or information science has been the subject of recurring arguments of professionals. The present author reviews these discussions with presenting and confronting the most characteristic arguments. The difference between library science and information science and technology has been especially discussed as a controversial terminology issue in English-speaking countries, and it has not been decided yet whether they are identical or two different disciplines. The conclusion of the author is that there is a single information science while the term library science is an expression of the past.