History of Library Education in Guatemala

This study details the history of library education in Guatemala from its beginnings to the creation and subsequent development of the Guatemalan Library School. Formal education began in 1948 when the Guatemalan Library School was established as an outreach program within the Faculty of Humanities of the University of San Carlos. To place this development into context, initial circumstances leading to the creation of the School are discussed, as well as the subsequent evolution of its curricula and facilities. Current views of its students and alumni are examined, and recent developments are discussed.

Background information is indispensable to a full understanding of the practice of librarianship in any nation. Accordingly this study reviews Guatemalan geographical, historical, social, economic, and political data. The nation's educational and library fabrics are also discussed. The relationship of Guatemalan library education to the country's environment is examined from several points of view, such as evolving national literacy and educational objectives, as well as training and status of the library profession.

Guatemala's library program is also compared and contrasted with other such programs in Latin America. Those in the Central American region are discussed in greatest detail since these programs have all experienced somewhat similar social and historical circumstances since Colonial times. Conclusions and recommendations are drawn from an examination of the available data.