Spaces and roles for the academic library in the internationalization of higher education: towards a solidary approach

Objective. It was elaborated a reference framework on key aspects of the area of internationalization of the education, as well as to emphasize its relevance as space of reflection and action for the information professionals in the field of the academic libraries. Design/Methodology/Approach. A literature review of higher education and information sciences areas was performed. Results/Discussion. The study established a contextual framework for the critical reflection and action of information professionals, qualified by the effects of globalization and the internationalization of higher education, where laudable perspectives such as the improvement of academic quality and intercultural understanding intersect with others such as the privatization and commodification of education. Academic libraries are called to support the mission of universities in internationalization processes through different activities related to the support of international students and the creation of open library ecosystems. A critical approach is needed that favors library actions aimed at promoting and supporting solidarity internationalization. Conclusions. The processes of internationalization of higher education imply challenges in the field of academic libraries. It requires mastery of the context and proactive, critical and leadership attitudes that allow occupying spaces for reflection and action. Originality/Value. Research on the convergence space between the internationalization of higher education and information science is scarce in Latin America, especially in the field of academic libraries. This work aims at encouraging theoretical and empirical work on the subject, including a critical approach to internationalization.