The Early Years of the Journal Biblioteca Universitaria: Origins, Development, and Contributions

Abstract

This paper analyzes its history and mentions the aspects that, in its early stages, affected the develop­ment of the proposed research activities, due to the urgent need to address the operational side of libraries, as well as the institutional environment and the contributions of the first stage of the journal Biblioteca Universitaria, published by the General Directorate of Libraries of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Since 1986, the year of its creation, the journal set out to consolidate communication and the exchange of concerns and information among university libraries, disseminate library science research, and strengthen the academic identity of the profession. The paper in question explains how the publication was linked to the growth and development of library science research at UNAM, the training and professionalization of library staff, and the technological modernization of library services. It also emphasizes the main themes of its articles: automation, technical processes, professional training, preservation, regulations, and library science education, as well as the impact of the actions undertaken to strengthen the UNAM Library System. Finally, Biblioteca Universitaria is recognized as an important reference in the advancement of national library science thought.