Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to trace the development of libraries and Library Science in Thailand through the roles and contributions of the librarians who were pioneers in the profession. The sources for this research include books and periodicals on the standards of libraries and the theories of the profession. A group of senior librarians who worked together and shared the similar experiences were interviewed to gather facts not previously collected. This research has disclosed that it took the senior librarians twenty years to change the public concept of library as only a place where books were kept to the idea that it was a source of knowledge which excellent services for intellectual development. The National Library was most developed in number of book, professional staff, and library services, the next in line were the university libraries. A major contribution of the senior librarians has been to encourage students to study this subject beyond the undergraduate level, and Library Science has changed from an unpopular field to as well-organized course for graduate study. Another change is that a university librarian officially accepted as a respected member of the academic community. The senior librarians established and administered the Library Association, and contributed texts and books on the subject in order to promote the public interest in using the library. However, the national bibliography and the subject bibliography were not correlatively developed. This was caused by the problem of copyright law as well as the lack of technical know-how. The change of the public concept towards library and library science in such a short period of time was the achievement of the senior librarians devoted to this profession. Suggestions: I. Research on the role of the Library Association of Thailand as a professional association: 1. To encourage acceptance of a Library Law. 2. To establish a code of professional ethics for librarians. 3. To arrange academic programs such as seminars or lectures in addition to the annual meeting that offers the opportunity for just librarians to meet with the seniors. II. Reseach should be done in order to find means of collaboration on teaching and research in universities that offer this subject. This should be done in order to set standards for librarians. III. Contributions of bibliographies and library science texts should be promoted in order to encourage the study of this subject and to publicize this profession.