Somé issues pertaining to the preparation of librarians and information professionals: An American approach

Abstract

The concept "preparation" used by ihe author includes, in addition to formal training, issues like forming of attiludes, norms and orienlations, and the acceptance of professional experiences. The common goal of the different branches of information activities (libraries, information services, archives) is to provide candidates with functions "enabling" them to improve the possibililies of human development while the goal of professional training is to develop these functions. The problems associated with the preparation and organization of curriculum reforms are shown through the example of the Syracuse University, concerning also the possible pitfalls and the question of proper proportion of theoretical and practical training.