This issue of World Libraries is a first in several senses of that word. Tze–chung (Richard) Li becomes editor with this issue. In several respects, this is appropriate. Tze–chung Li was the founding editor of Journal of Library and Information Science and founder and chair of the Editorial Board for International Journal of Reviews. World Libraries, the former title of Third World Libraries, grew out of those publications from the Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) at Rosary College. Dr. Li, now a Professor in the School, is a long–time faculty member and former dean. His energy and interests seem to expand, as do his accomplishments, and he has brought a freshness of view to the editorship of this journal. We anticipate that his international reputation in librarianship and information science will attract authors as well as readers and subscribers.
We had a stimulating meeting of the Editorial Board in the Fall of 1996. There, too, we have experienced some changes. All of the current full–time GSLIS faculty members now serve on that Board. Others who formerly served have left the faculty, and at least two have chosen to become emeritus members of the Board. All of these people have contributed generously to the mission of the journal, and will contribute to it in the future in different ways.
Theodore Spahn, a GSLIS emeritus faculty member, joins William Jackson as Associate Editor of the journal and will also be responsible for copy editing. Dr. Li sought Dr. Spahn’s expertise for this demanding job immediately after becoming editor, and Dr. Spahn has responded generously. Although William V. Jackson suggested that we might consider further change by replacing him as Associate Editor, he continues to provide the international views and knowledge that have enriched the journal in the past, and which we wish to retain.
And why has the name of the journal changed? Third World Libraries proved, after a time, to be a confining and confusing title. Nations may shift out of the third–world status, but there continues to be a need for a journal that reports and analyzes developments in nations that may not have associations or agencies to support extensive publications. GSLIS has as a goal the advancement of the professions represented in library and information science by means of research and publication. This renamed journal, World Libraries, recognizes our commitment to international aspects of librarianship and information science. This is especially appropriate, since the offering of instruction in international librarianship is a long and strong tradition in Rosary’s Graduate School of Library and Information Science.
Since I am citing changes, it is a good time to mention that we are also building toward another one. On 4 May 1997, Rosary College officially becomes Dominican University. The change of name quite accurately reflects what has occurred over a period of years: with the addition and enhancement of graduate programs, the College has moved toward university status. The name, Dominican, links our university quite clearly to the community of Sinsinawa Dominicans who sponsor the University. When one thinks of the long tradition of Dominican commitment to truth and the spread of truth, scholarship and the spread of scholarship, it is easy to see that this is a good name for an institution where a Graduate School of Library and Information Science is recognized as a significant part of its mission.
Tze–chung Li’s intention is to seek more people to serve on the journal’s Advisory Board. These experts, who assist in the formulation of policy and serve as referees for articles, are major assets to the journal. My appreciation goes to those who have served, as well as to those who will accept new appointments to serve.
The status of this journal today is largely attributable to the expertise and energy which Guy Marco has given to it, as its editor from the beginning. Dr. Marco concluded a distinguished career in librarianship and library education when he left this position and his appointment as Senior Fellow in GSLIS in August 1996. He was one of the youngest deans any library school has had when became dean of the School of Library Science at Kent State University in 1960. He moved gracefully between the practice of librarianship and library education in several appointments, and GSLIS was fortunate to benefit from the experience, humor, style, and teaching expertise that he brought to it. He concluded his years as editor with the last issue, and stated his appreciation to those who had assisted him. It is a pleasure to wish him well for the future, and to thank him in the pages of this journal for all that he has contributed to librarianship, and especially to the international aspects of librarianship.
For me, as chair of the Editorial Board, this is both a greeting and a farewell. Having become Dean of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science in September 1995, I look forward to completing that term assignment on 30 June 1997. I believe that, as the search for a new dean goes forward, some of the attraction of the position will relate to this journal and the opportunity to work with the expert and dedicated people who make it possible. I wish them all well.
©1996 Peggy Sullivan.