Historical Perspectives in Library and Information Science Research in the Nordic and Baltic Countries

Abstract This article aims to introduce research on book and library history in the Nordic and Baltic countries during the last ten to fifteen years. The role of historical subjects in library and information science (LIS) curricula has diminished in all curricula in Europe. As a result, a threat to the continuity of academic research can be observed. The books and articles on book and library history published in the Nordic and Baltic countries are difficult to access for the international community of researchers, as a majority of them have been published only in local languages. This article presents the main achievements in the history of the book, printing, publishing and the book trade, and library history. The publications presented in the article reflect the personal choice of the author. In 2006 Nordic and Baltic researchers joined the scholarly network HIBOLIRE (History of Books, Libraries and Reading). The activities of the network are financed by the Nordforsk Foundation. The aim of the network is to enhance collaboration between individual researchers and their home institutions, as well as to intensify doctoral studies and contacts between doctoral students.