An Exploration of Canadian LIS Programs

Abstract

It is well known that there is a lack of diverse professionals within the field of library and information science (LIS). As the entry point for future LIS professionals, university library programs are in a unique position to proactively address this issue. Websites serve as digital representations of Canadian LIS programs and are several programs’ main recruitment tool. This project adds to the growing body of Canadian focused data on diversity within LIS, and it is the first study to exclusively observe Canadian LIS higher learning institutions. Through a content analysis of Canadian LIS program websites, this project seeks to explore the following research questions: (1) How are Canadian LIS programs addressing issues like diversity, inclusion, and equity?; and (2) How do the LIS programs’ diversity initiatives relate to their recruitment of students? Emergent themes drawn from literature related to diversity efforts in higher education were analyzed alongside data collected from websites of LIS programs in order to frame the larger discussion of how issues like diversity, inclusion, and equity are addressed within higher learning institutions.