An Evaluation of Library and Information Science Curricula and Professional Perspectives in India

Abstract

The purpose of this research study is to identify the core, advanced, specialized, and soft skills courses offered as part of the various library and information science programs. The course content of the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), offered in 2019–2020, was collected and analyzed from 10 LIS schools in India. Course contents were analyzed to understand whether the LIS schools are preparing graduates for the digital environment. A survey was conducted among 42 experts in library and information science on required courses in the MLIS program. Research finds that the LIS schools do not a have separate course module on digital library and that it is, instead, integrated and taught with the information and communication technology (ICT) course. There are also variations among the LIS schools in the allocation of topics and credits in each course. The experts opined that schools should allocate more credits to the advanced course, introduce new courses, and update the curricula for the future job market. New courses like ‘research data management’ and ‘data and visual literacy’ and courses on soft skills should be introduced in the MLIS program with 2–3 credits. There is a mismatch between the skills required in the job market and the skills imparted by the Indian LIS schools. The LIS schools should fill in the gap by introducing advanced, specialized, and soft courses in the MLIS program. The research findings have practical implications for the library and information science programs and educators. The LIS schools in India offer courses to meet the local job market demands, but they should design and develop courses for meeting the global standards and needs.