English for librarians: Preparing Italian librarians for international communication

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

It is a reality of current academic internet discourse that it is increasingly conducted in the English language. As the internet continues its exponential growth, it has become an invaluable forum for the sharing of ideas and information in a global community. The problem arises for those in various fields and disciplines who do not speak, read or write English. This has been a problem addressed among in‐service librarians in Italy: non‐English speaking librarians are at a disadvantage when communicating with foreign libraries and vendors, or accessing research and debate on their own discipline. Matilde Fontanin's article, “Developing an English course for in‐service librarians”, describes the creation and delivery of an English language course for such workers by the University of Padua.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2009), "English for librarians: Preparing Italian librarians for international communication", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 27-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777280910951595