Abstract

Starting with the definition of cooperation offered by economic sciences, this article presents a theoretical-practical framework of interlibrary cooperation. On the one hand, from a philosophical base it uses Hobbes’ theory of the social pact as an explanatory model. On the other, and based in Library Science with a conceptual and historic perspective, it discusses the leading role that librarians and professional associations have assumed, as well as the tangible or economic reasons –and also the intangible factors– that move libraries to cooperate. A description and analysis of cooperative experiences in times of crises show how these practices have evolved.

Abstract

The evolution of training and education in information and documentation is reviewed, starting with the first systematic professional education initiatives in the 19th century. Some of the current key challenges and future action lines are discussed: clarifying the mission, the ecological niche and strategic objectives of the discipline; taking care of the disciplinary core and addressing the peripheries; building and looking after the brand and main stakeholders, relocating the student as a prime client; negotiating a permanent observation point to allow the design of curricula based on the labour-market and student needs; programming the educational levels within the framework of life long education; rebuilding and pursuing the interdisciplinary dimension of information studies; modulating technological training according to social changes and student profiles; and ensuring operational quality and addressing the continuous evidence-based improvement of the pedagogical methods. The reflection focuses on the Spanish case, but incorporates an international perspective.