Knowing Library History From Voices of Librarian Figures

Abstract

We usually learn about the history of libraries and LIS profession through rigorously selecting and editing written documents. We are also aware that history exists vividly in the memories of people related to libraries, and is narrated through stories. When filming documentaries about libraries, retired librarians were asked to talk about their own stories and opinions of the library, as one of the documentaries named "Oral History of Chinese National Library". There have been a series of oral history projects launched in China, including a nationwide project by the National Library of China, a regional project by the Hunan Provincial Library, and other projects of figures from library schools by some university libraries. These oral history projects excavate and promote the memory and wisdom of libraries by interviewing the founders, contributors, and witnesses of the history. By utilizing the voices of librarian figures, the library can promote information acquisition, public advocacy, education and training, and even digital interaction in innovative ways, to encourage more patrons to understand the social value and stories of the library. It also provides living research materials for studies on library history that are different from written literature.