How library and information science academic administrators perceive e-learning in LIS schools

Abstract

How library and information science (LIS) academic administrators perceive e-learning (EL) in LIS schools is examined, particularly what LIS academic administrators see as the merits and demerits of using EL, what types of constraints they face in using EL to provide LIS education, and how they overcome the constraints of EL systems in LIS schools. An exploratory online email interview was conducted, using a link to a questionnaire, with 85 LIS academic administrators around the world in order to gather perceptions and experiences regarding EL usage in LIS schools. The respondents reported some major merits, demerits, and some constraints, which they face in using EL systems in their schools. They also proposed the design of a long-range plan for EL growth, the implementation of interactive and online office hours, and the establishment of consortia across universities to overcome constraints on EL usage in LIS education. The respondents had neither highly-positive nor highly-negative opinions about EL usage in LIS schools.