EDUCATION FOR LIBRARIANSHIP IN NORWAY: AN HISTORICAL SURVEY

This study presents an historical account of the inception, growth, and development of library science education in Norway from 1905, the date of Norway's independence, to 1985. Information for the study was derived from both primary and secondary sources, including archival material from the Statens Bibliotekh(SLASHCIRC)gskole (the Norwegian School of Library and Information Science).;Formal training for librarianship in Norway began in 1940, with the founding of the national library School. The organization and content of the program of study have changed during the period from 1940 to 1985. For instance, as more time has been devoted to education in theory, less time has been spent in actual hands-on practical experience. Four different programs have been in effect during the years 1940-1985, in addition to an advanced program and continuing education courses for librarianship.;Since 1945, the general program has taken three years to complete. It has also become a part of a university degree. In 1984, an advanced program for computer/information science librarians was instituted. The School has had four rectors from 1940 to 1985. The present faculty has twenty-one full-time members in addition to some part-time instructors. The official enrollment capacity of the School is approximately 400 students annually.;Norwegian library science education has developed through clearly defined stages: informal instruction offered at individual libraries for their own employees, short courses offered by large university libraries, and formal training at the Statens Bibliotekh(SLASHCIRC)gskole. Although the need for a school of library science was identified early in the twentieth century, the economic crises of the 1920s and 1930s delayed the establishment of such a training institution until 1940. During the period from 1905 to 1940, education for librarianship took place at university libraries, large public libraries, and teacher training colleges. Many who were interested in librarianship as a career studied abroad, especially in the United States and Great Britain.