Information Science Curriculum Research Articles

Adequacy of LIS Curriculum in Response to Global Trends: A Case Study of Tanzanian Universities

Abstract This study examines the adequacy of the library and information science (LIS) curriculum in responding to fast-changing global trends in the library profession developments. The study utilizes a case study design to investigate the University of Dar es Salaam and Open University of Tanzania. The findings of the study reveal the importance of aligning LIS education curriculum with global trends to ensure that graduates have the requisite skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the ever-evolving field. The study highlights digital literacy, emerging technologies, user-centered services, and diversity, equity, and inclusion as critical areas requiring prioritization in the LIS curriculum. The study recommends the development of technical skills, soft skills, emerging technologies, and cultural competencies with practical training opportunities, real-world case studies, and industry partnerships. The study emphasizes the importance of information security and privacy, data management and analysis, collection development and management, marketing and outreach, digital humanities and scholarship, and accessibility and universal design in LIS education.

An Instructional Binary: Analyzing How Accessibility Is Taught in Graduate‐Level Library and Information Science Programs

ABSTRACTWhile accessibility is a core value of the American Library Association (ALA) and represents an important factor in striving for diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice (DEIASJ), coverage of accessibility varies widely in programs intended to equip future LIS professionals to serve patrons with disabilities. This poster presents preliminary findings from a larger research project examining library and information science curricula at 77 North American colleges and universities. Through thematic analysis of course descriptions and syllabi, the researchers found that digital topics in accessibility are addressed more frequently than physical ones. Further, LIS curricula largely overlook the needs of disabled patrons when covering accessibility. These factors present challenges for future LIS professionals serving patrons with disabilities.

Where Are Disability and Accessibility in Library and Information Science Curricula?

While serving all library patrons is a core value of librarianship, patrons with disabilities are often overlooked. A contributing factor to this reality is that many graduates of Library and Information Science (LIS) programs feel ill-equipped to serve disabled patrons. This works-in-progress poster presents preliminary results from an analysis of 241 syllabi from 76 North American LIS programs to determine how often accessibility and disability topics are covered in curricula. The analysis also considers how courses prepare students to effectively advocate for and implement accessibility within their professional practice. Preliminary results indicate that accessibility and disability topics are infrequently covered in foundational or required courses. Consequently, students may never develop accessibility competencies during their programs of study. Preliminary recommendations include creating or revising learning objectives and assessments to prioritize accessibility education. Offering required and elective courses that incorporate service-learning and hands-on experience in topics such as user-centered design, accessible facilities and programming, and services to disabled patrons is critical.

An inquiry-based teaching intervention to embed information literacy instructions into a library and information science curriculum in Bangladesh

Introduction. This paper describes a novel pedagogical practice and reports its effectiveness in improving library and information science students' information literacy knowledge. In addition, it addresses the association of students’ information and communication technology (ICT) self-efficacy with their information literacy learning. Method. SPSS (version 27) was employed for the statistical analyses of the data. A one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to examine the differences between the intervention group (n= 35) and the control group (n= 36). Independent samples t-tests were carried out to see the differences between various groups. Pearson’s correlations were conducted to measure relationships among dependent variables. Analysis. SPSS (version 27) was employed for the statistical analyses of the data. A one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to examine the differences between the intervention group (n= 35) and the control group (n= 36). Independent samples t-tests were carried out to see the differences between various groups. Pearson’s correlations were conducted to measure relationships among dependent variables. Results. Students who attended the novel guided-inquiry based information literacy instructions scored higher in the post-test than those who participated in regular class lectures. In addition, the students in the intervention group learned course subject contents as well as the controls. Students’ ICT self-efficacy did not influence their overall learning of information literacy knowledge. Conclusion. Considering the short duration of the intervention, the learning outcomes in information literacy were satisfactory. We gathered some experiences implementing a novel student-centred pedagogical practice in a developing country to help educators and researchers take such initiatives.

The Development of Learning Achievement by Peer-assisted Learning Associated of Students in the Library and Information Science Curriculum

The purposes of this research were the development of learning achievement by peer-assisted learning associated of students in the library and information science curriculum, and to the study satisfaction of students with peer-assisted learning associated in library of congress classification. The population for this research were 19 students of the library and information science curriculum. The instruments for this research were learning achievement test, and satisfaction from. The statistics for data analysis were the percentage, mean, standard deviation, and t-test Independent. The research finds that the development of learning achievement by peer-assisted learning associated of students after learning management has improved meaningfully with the significant level at .05, and the total level of the satisfaction of students with peer-assisted learning associated was high.

Copyright literacy of library and information science professionals in Pakistan

Library and information science professionals are considered to have appropriate skills and competencies with regard to copyright and related issues. Using a quantitative survey at the provincial level (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), the copyright literacy of library and information science professionals was investigated in Pakistan. Out of 311 respondents, 279 participated in the survey. The results indicate that library and information science professionals are somewhat familiar with copyright and related issues. The majority of them (94%) mentioned that published materials such as books and articles are under the protection of copyright. Similarly, 73% were aware of local copyright laws; however, they were less familiar with international copyright legislation. Library professionals mentioned that the current library and information science curriculum is not providing adequate knowledge about copyright, therefore, most (94%) expressed the need to include copyright legislation and basic concepts of copyright in the library and information science curriculum at all levels. The findings suggest practical measures to enhance the level of the copyright literacy of Pakistani library and information science professionals.

The first step is the hardest: conceptualization of digital records curatorship in the information science curriculum at the University of Eswatini

The conceptualization of digital records curatorship in the archives curriculum in Africa is gaining momentum as scholars engage on the subject. This was accelerated by the development of the workshop on digital curatorship by the International Council on Archives as part of the implementation of the education leg of the African strategy. This paper reports on the journey towards the customization of digital curatorship module in the information science curriculum at the University of Eswatini. The reporting in the paper was mostly informed by the experience from the involvement of the authors in the project.The paper provides a rationale for integrating the workshop in the curriculum of information science at the University of Eswatini. To conceptualize the digital curatorship module in the curriculum, the authors used a conceptual framework scheme by Jacobs which is linked to the theories of Bernstein in terms of vertical and horizontal knowledge. It is concluded that the University of Eswatini still has a long way to go in the development and implementation of a fully-fledged programme in archives and records management. However, the hardest first step taken by the University of Eswatini is acknowledged as a step in the right direction for development of archival curriculum.

Information literacy instruction in university libraries of Islamabad, Pakistan: a study of librarians’ perceptions, practices, barriers, and strategies

PurposeThis paper aims to measure the perceptions of librarians about information literacy (IL) instruction, their current IL practices and the problems they face while offering IL instructional programs in public and private sector university libraries in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design was adopted, and a survey was carried out for this study to collect the data through an online questionnaire for the university librarians. All librarians (a total of 120) were approached to collect the data, of whom 92 (76.6%) responded to the survey.FindingsThe findings reveal that the librarians working in the university libraries of Islamabad are aware of the significance of IL instruction to fulfil the information needs of their library users. A majority of the librarians indicated having adequate skills to offer IL instruction. Moreover, the majority of the librarians are offering IL instruction to users at their respective universities. However, some of the barriers affecting IL instruction programs were also reported including the absence of IL instruction courses in the library and information science (LIS) curriculum, a shortage of trained library professional staff to provide IL instruction, a lack of commitment among librarians for IL instruction, a lack of training opportunities for librarians and a lack of interest from library users. These obstacles have a negative effect on IL instruction in the university libraries of Islamabad. Therefore, this study suggests that librarians are needed to take several necessary steps to overcome these obstacles to achieve the best results in IL instruction programs.Originality/valueThis study presents a picture of the status of IL skills, current practices and barriers to offering IL instruction in the university libraries of Islamabad. This research bridges the gap in the existing literature and will help to create awareness about the importance of IL skills among LIS professionals in Pakistan. Moreover, the findings of this study will help encourage librarians for the enhancement of IL instruction services in university libraries of Islamabad in particular and Pakistan in general.

Librarians’ competencies for implementing embedded librarianship in university libraries

The present study examines the extent of academic librarians’ teaching, research, communication, and interpersonal skills; key competencies required for the successful implementation of embedded librarianship in Tanzania. A mixed research approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, was deployed to guide the collection of data from 166 librarians and 6 directors. Whereas cross-section survey questionnaires were used to collect data from librarians from six university libraries. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from directors. Regarding statistical analysis, descriptive statistics were performed to derive frequencies and percentages from quantitative data collected. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form. The findings suggest that librarians’ teaching skills and their knowledge of the research cycle are inadequate, while their communication and interpersonal skills are sufficient to allow them to effectively embed their services in their users’ (researchers, students, and teaching staff) activities. To effectively adopt embedded librarianship, the authors recommend the allocation of adequate funds to support diverse external and in-house training, the development of harmonized library and information science (LIS) curriculum, and the use of social media to interact with users.

Redesigning Library and Information Science Curriculum for Sustainable Environmental Transformation Among Students of the Department of Library and Information Science, Lead City University

The core tool for measuring the sustainability of the Library and Information Science (LIS) discipline is the curriculum which has always been a source of concern within the Nigerian space. It was on this premise that the study systematically investigated the redesigning of LIS curriculum for sustainable environmental transformation among students of the Department of LIS, Lead City University (LCU). Findings of the study showed that the majority of students opined that the redesigned curriculum is promoting sustainable environmental transformation as it is equipping the ideal 21st-century librarian with the requisite skill set (70%); redefined curriculum promotes a socially oriented librarian (53.2%); curriculum emphasizes the economic implications of the library for sustainable environmental transformation (43.3%); curriculum broadens the horizon of students further into meeting the information needs of the present clienteles without compromising the future generations (55.7%). The outcome of the study is expected to inform policy in adopting the redefined LIS LCU curriculum in Nigeria.

Library and Information Science Curriculum in Pakistani Universities: A Comparison with Higher Education Commission Approved Curriculum

The main theme of this research article is to equate the library and information science curriculum taught at Bachelor of Studies (BS) level at the Pakistani schools of library and information science with curriculum designed by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Efforts were made to dig out and download the required information from the websites of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and schools of library and information science where the BS-LIS program is in functioning mode. In cases of non-availability of the desired information on the concerned university website, the authors consulted prospectuses and also approached the faculty/focal person of the concerned department for the requisite information. Seven out of fourteen LIS schools are offering BS-LIS programs in Pakistan. The majority of these schools follow the guidelines of the HEC in connection with BS-LIS programs in the country. Revision of LIS curriculum by the HEC is currently needed, as course revision has not taken place since 2014. The oldest schools of LIS are required to offer BS-LIS programs, as they have not yet initiated this program. This study is beneficial in designing a market-based curriculum for library science professionals in Pakistan. This attempt also helps the university authorities to make possible the compatibility of their BS-LIS program in line with the HEC curriculum. Uniformity in LIS curriculum at the national level is also a probable output of this study that can assist our professional bodies to achieve accreditation with international bodies.

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

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.

Importance of Including the Role of Clinical Medical Librarian in Library and Information Science Curriculum Development: A Review

JULA provides a forum for the publication of research and developments done by university library professionals and opens the doorways to explore the current topics related specifically to university library profession. Full text articles available.We invite you to contribute scholarly work to ‘Journal of University Librarians Association (JULA)’, which is a double-blind peer-reviewed, biannual journal of University Librarians’ Association, Sri Lanka.Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka is now indexed in EBSCO and LISA.

Investigating the Relevance of Library Information Science Curriculum to Systems Librarians at Kenya’s Schools of Information Sciences

This study sought to establish the effectiveness of the current curriculum and methodologies used in Schools of information Sciences as a tool to train Systems Librarians in Kenya. It examined the current curricula used by selected Library and Information Schools (LIS) in Kenya, established the content of Information Communication Technology (ICT) courses that are offered in LIS curricula in Kenya, and its relevance to needs. It used a case study of four universities in Kenya that offer LIS education. The study used descriptive case study design to collect data on issues related to LIS curricula as they are at present in the selected universities in Kenya through analysis and comparison curriculum used. In the study, the dependent variable is Systems Librarians while the independent variables include schools of information Sciences in Kenya and LIS curriculum. The study was carried out in selected Universities that teach Library and Information Sciences in Kenya. The study used purposive sampling technique to show accurate, reliable, and valid information from a more representative of all the population who are involved in the developing and implementing the curriculum as well as those who employ the Systems Librarians. The findings show that curricula used by LIS schools in Kenya do not have adequate Information Communication Technology courses to equip those aspiring to be Systems Librarians with adequate skills to carry out their mandate effectively. It shows that there are more general courses that are covered that are not helpful to the students. The study recommends that LIS curricula be reviewed to address the shortcomings noted by increasing the number of ICT courses, benchmarking with universities in developed countries, establish a model LIS for Systems Librarians and standardize curricula for LIS.

CURRICULAR IMPLICATIONS OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT FOR LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

The introduction of knowledge management into the library and information science curriculum comes with some implications that bordered on how knowledge management is being taught and represented in the curriculum design for LIS education. The investigation was carried out from the viewpoint of LIS community in Nigeria using a web-based survey questionnaire and interview. Certified librarians in Nigeria constitute the unit of analysis; their population stood at 6,504, and only 369 participants completed the survey, followed by interviews with five professors from library schools in Nigeria. The result from findings indicated that from the six variables raised on the implications of knowledge management on library and information science education, only two variables score above the Mean Variable Score (X=3.98) benchmark, the need for KM competencies to be fully integrated into the LIS curriculum score the highest mean score (X=4.46), followed by the need for the LIS curriculum to keep changing to accommodate new development in KM. It also manifested in the study that the current curriculum did not adequately equip LIS professionals for knowledge management practice. More so, knowledge management can be treated as a separate course on its own and as well be integrated into the existing library and information science courses. From the seven knowledge management concepts and themes raised, only four variables score above the Mean Variable Score (X=4.32) benchmark, interpersonal relationship leads the pact with a mean score (X=4.39), followed by research and evaluation with a mean score (X=4.38), knowledge management tools, technics and technologies with a mean score (X=4.36) and lastly leadership and managerial role with a mean score (X=4.35). Also from the four variables raised on responsibilities of LIS schools, two of the variables score above the Mean Variable Score (X=4.4) benchmark, need for LIS schools to train and retrain LIS educators score the highest mean score (X=4.45) followed by the need for LIS schools to collaborate with other allied disciplines in the design and training of LIS professionals for KM with a mean score (X=4.4). This implies that effective training and education for KM calls for cooperation and collaboration among different academic units.

An evaluation of digital library education in library and information science curriculum in Nigerian universities

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the library school’s curriculum in Nigeria with the aim of comparing it with international and national library and information science (LIS) guidelines regarding provision of “digital libraries” course. Design/methodology/approach This study covered 31 universities offering LIS approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The main instrument for data collection for the study was analysis of departmental documents containing the LIS curriculum. Second, some library and information science educators from universities that were yet to integrate the course digital libraries in their LIS curriculum were interviewed. Findings This study revealed that majority of the library schools offer the course “digital libraries” or related areas as core course in their curricula. However, only few library schools have computer laboratories for students to enhance digital library skills. Some LIS educators in the library schools identified challenges such as lack of qualified information and communication technology (ICT) staff to handle the course coupled with lack of computer laboratories equipped with modern computers with stable internet facilities in the LIS departments in Nigeria. Practical implications The findings from this study may inform curriculum revision and updating efforts to make it more relevant by incorporating a stand-alone course on “digital libraries” and provision of computer laboratories in the LIS departments to produce future ICT/digital librarians. Originality/value If university administrators, decision-making body in the departments and LIS educators understand the factors that are currently standing in the way of integrating a course on digital libraries, then those barriers can be removed or lowered. If the enabling factors are appreciated, then actions can be taken to stimulate the implementation of the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN)/NUC recommendations in all library schools in Nigerian universities.

The Integration of Special Needs for People Living with Disabilities in Tanzania’s LIS Curriculum

This paper presents the study findings that examined the integration of special needs in the Library Information Science (LIS) curriculum by Tanzania’s library schools.The Social Model of Disability by Oliver (1990)underpinned the study, which deployed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches as well as survey research design. The questionnaire, interview and content analysis were used in data gathering.The study found that special needs in the LIS programme is integrated in one university as an elective and not covered as a core subject. Moreover,the study found that the integration of special needs in the LIS curriculum is important in improving library services, also providing services to people with disabilities. Furthermore, it was established in this study that the integration of special needs in the LIS curriculum faced the challenge of relying on staff lacking training in special needs in addition to lacking assistive equipment. In addition, inadequate funding, lack of information resources (Braille materials), lack of sensitisation and awareness of universities and government decision-makers were other challenges the study identified. The study, therefore, recommends for special needs to be a compulsory subject for undergraduates as well as postgraduates in all disciplines. The physical layout of the campus buildings in all the universities should also be friendly to people living with disabilities. The government should also provide adequate funds to all universities to support people living with special needs.

Power Up: Games and Gaming in Library and Information Science Curricula in the United States

Gaming provides a number of social and educational benefits, and while games are present to an extent in American libraries, content related to supporting games and gaming in libraries is largely lacking in library programs in the United States. The researchers used a survey to determine factors that affected LIS educators’ inclinations to include or exclude content related to gaming in their curricula. LIS educators who included gaming-related content tended to have had more experience with gaming, higher preferences for multiple genres of games, more teaching experience, and a position title indicating tenure. LIS educators who excluded gaming-related content tended to have less experience with gaming, lower preferences for multiple genres of games, less teaching experience, and a position title indicating untenured status. LIS educators who currently excluded gaming from their curricula but had an interest in including it indicated that professional development materials and experiences, such as conference workshops, course modules, or best practices guidebooks might encourage them to do so.

Reference speed dating: Creating a spark at the reference desk

Reference services, whether face-to-face or virtual, have been and remain a core library service. The importance of reference services is reflected in the library and information science (LIS) curriculum, but it is often overlooked in continuing education opportunities for librarians. In both master’s degree programs and the few continuing education offerings for reference services, instructors generally focus on the reference interview. For many working librarians, this can feel rote and ineffectual. After all, they already learned this in school. Experienced librarians may also feel that the reference interview is old hat, while newer librarians would benefit more from real-world practice than a repeat of their reference class.

Greek and Spanish Undergraduate Perspectives on Academic Librarianship, Within and Beyond Library Science Curricula

Library and information science undergraduate programs’ adequacy to prepare new information professionals has become the topic of an ongoing debate, with opposing arguments about curricular structure and focus. Within this context, this study, forming part of ongoing doctoral research, analyzes students’ opinions on how to enhance library school curricula to effectively respond to academic librarians’ new roles and functions. By repositioning the lens on the practical and experience-driven student perspective, away from standard educational practices, the researchers pilot-tested a library science student survey. The mix-methods, student codeveloped, survey instrument was tested with a small self-selection sample of future information professionals in Spain and Greece. The study’s goal was to contribute to the limited body of research concerning students´ perceptions and awareness about library science education. Survey participants were provided the opportunity to critically evaluate their library school undergraduate programs’ responsiveness to the changing academic librarianship landscape. Responses, analyzed by using descriptive statistical and inductive thematic techniques, revealed a limited academic librarianship related content in library and information science curricula. Furthermore, results highlighted a reserved optimism with respect to the library’s prospects of upgrading its role in the university, an ambivalence towards librarian’s future roles, and a diffuse skepticism around the system’s potential to grasp the opportunities that the new information and communication technologies offer. The merit of the study resides in both the diversity of participants’ insightful comments and the use of a student validated survey instrument making them active contributors to the library school program’s assessment process. Dissimilar to stereotypical research projects, this initiative opens a different perspective to program evaluation and its subsequent alignment with academic library stakeholders’ needs.