| Abstract: | The historical development of archivists and librarians, although related has always been substantially different. Past experiences, reactions to different needs and problems, separate professional development and divergent philosophies work to keep them apart today. Modern problems of professional identity massive collections and limited financial resources and adjustments to new technology force archivists and librarians to re-examine old habits values and bias. Commonality in the kinds of technology being used for information services, types of materials kept by both archives and libraries and education trends further such reconsideration. The education issue looms large at present. Speculation about future development includes predictions that separate fields like archival and library science will blend into a larger, holistic information profession. Education programs will do the same, if not to promote such convergence then as a consequence of it. |
