Library Journal, founded in 1982, is a national core academic journal in library and information science jointly sponsored by the Shanghai Society for Library Science and the Shanghai Library. It is the only provincial/municipal-level library and information science journal to receive the "China Journal Matrix" title awarded by the National Press and Publication Administration. It has been consistently listed among China's core journals in humanities and social sciences, including the Chinese Core Journals, Chinese Humanities and Social Sciences Core Journal (CASS), Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index (CSSCI), and China's Outstanding Library Science Journals. As one of the most important professional academic journals in China's library community, Library Journal has made significant contributions to the field.

The journal's title was inscribed by Gu Tinglong, a renowned scholar of ancient Chinese bibliography and calligrapher. The cover features a symmetrical arrangement of the ancient Zhou Dynasty bronze script characters for "library" (图书), designed by the celebrated artist Qian Juntao, with detailed refinements by his student Gu Hua. Each character is encircled by an "亚"-shaped pattern, reminiscent of early bronze inscriptions used as clan emblems. The overall design embodies a classical elegance and a modern sense of innovation.

Throughout its publication history, Library Journal has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of disciplinary development, adhering to an editorial philosophy that integrates theory with practice. It balances forward-looking exploration with practical research, emphasizing both academic theory and operational applications. The journal has played a significant role in advancing professional management and innovative practices in libraries across various systems amid the evolving information environment, earning widespread recognition from library and information research institutions and professionals at all levels.