Research on Pierce Butler’s Library Science Theory

Abstract

Abstract: Based on Butler’s An Introduction to Library Science, Scholarship and Civilization, and several
other works, we strive to piece up his library science theory from three aspects: academic framework,
research on essential attributes, and interdisciplinary methodology. In the end, through the comparison with
Waples, we discuss the conflicts of their thoughts within Chicago School. Finally, we summarize Butler’s
three contributions to the library science theory: proposing the universally applicable academic framework
“science-technology-humanity”; accurately revealing the nature of books, libraries and library science as
well as roadmap to understand them; openly advocating the introduction of research methods of other
disciplines to the studies of library science.

Key words: Pierce butler, Library science theory, Chicago school of library science

Zhang Ge. Research on Pierce Butler’s Library Science Theory[J]. Libraly Journal, 2020, 39(5): 13-20.

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