Bridging the Differences Between IT and LIS in Management Education

Abstract

With the reduced number of free-standing library schools, one common model places IT students and LIS students within the same unit. Doing so raises questions about how to teach management. IT students will most likely work in revenue generating organizations while most libraries have assured continuing funding. IT organizations normally provide less job security but also offer greater economic opportunities. Librarians have less risk of being fired, but salary gains are more limited. IT students seeking a master’s degree usually need technical competencies for admission while LIS students get admitted from all disciplines without any prior courses in library science. LIS students with a liberal arts degree are better prepared for the complexities of management. Most MLIS librarians will have management responsibilities. IT students may not. Finally, IT is disproportionately male while LIS is a female profession. The column concludes with some ways to provide adequate management education to both groups.