Library and information science as a career in Kuwait

Abstract

The Library and Information Science discipline is in constant flux, facing myriad impediments with the development of technology. Per se, the field introduced information and communications technology into its curriculum which has changed librarians’ roles in information handling. Moreover, the integration of the term ‘information’ changed the nomenclature thereby giving a new name of Information Science/Studies, embracing an enormous range of subjects. The present study investigates the previous and current skills of alumni at the Department of Library and Information Science, College of Basic Education, Kuwait. Descriptive analysis of the distributed survey revealed frequencies and percentages data on participants’ gender, marital status, age, grade point average, certificate obtained, employment sector, years of experience, and salary. Qualitative data revealed comments on employment issues, difficulties faced, and the Department of Library and Information Science curriculum. The findings suggested that the majority of the alumni have benefited from their major as their employment is relevant (84%), it is within their specialisation and most of them (56%) are employed in a library setting. The most frequently learned skill is ethics (54%), and the skills that needed improvement are library skills and English language proficiency. The research data initiated a list of skills required and organisations employing the alumni. It is recommended that LIS alumni should be equippedwith multi-tasking skills to work at the job market institutions, and that LIS schools should start offering a PhD qualification in Kuwait. This research contributes to decisions in curriculum updating from the viewpoint of alumni to meet the requirements of the job market. The research is the first study to collect data from LIS alumni in Kuwait at CBE, PAAET and realises their concerns. Departments sharing a similar curriculum can benefit as the research is an initial step that should be regularly taken to update the curricula.