A view to the future of the library and information science profession: A Delphi study

2002 ◽  
Vol 53 (5) ◽  
pp. 397-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shifra Baruchson-Arbib ◽  
Jenny Bronstein
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Study ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
The Future

MOOCs Evolution and Perceptions of Library and Information Science Professionals

2021 ◽  
pp. 60-78
Author(s):  
Anna Kaushik
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Massive Open Online Courses ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Massive Open Online ◽  
Scholarly Literature ◽  
The Future ◽  
Science Domain ◽  
Main Barrier

This chapter provides the genesis of the massive open online courses (MOOCs) concept and perceptions of library and information science professionals towards the evolution of MOOCs in libraries and the information science domain by using a survey. The results of this study revealed that a majority of library and information science professionals who participated in this survey were working in academic libraries and aware of the MOOCs concept from three years, by scholarly literature. The MOOCs concept was updated and useful in libraries and the information science domain, while a lack of MOOCs related specific to competencies and skills emerged as the main barrier. This survey also showed that the concept of MOOCs will continue to grow in the future. This chapter will be helpful to understand the concept of MOOCs and the insights of library and information science professionals in the MOOCs context.

The employment landscape and LIS education in Pakistan: challenges and prospects

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amara Malik ◽  
Kanwal Ameen
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Future Orientation ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Job Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Job Titles ◽  
The Future ◽  
Information Landscape

Purpose This study aims to explore the current and future employment opportunities for library and information science (LIS) graduates. It identifies future employers and emerging competitors in the information landscape. The strategies that may be used to respond to and capture the future job market are also presented for LIS schools in the light of the study findings. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative approach coupled with the interview technique was used for collecting insight into the phenomena. Face-to-face and telephonic semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 faculty members (professors, associate professors and assistant professors) from 8 LIS departments. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data to present the participants’ opinions regarding various aspects of the job market in the country. Findings It was found that the job market was still traditional (library) and would continue to be so for the next five to seven years. However, the findings also indicated the emergence of a non-traditional job market in the country. New job titles and functions relevant to the emerging job sector other than libraries in the information environment were noted. Originality/value Findings may have a direct impact on the future orientation, survival and sustainability of LIS programs in the country. The study may inform curriculum revision and updating efforts to make it more relevant and responsive to future needs.

Echoes down the corridor. Experiences and perspectives of library and information science education (LISE) during COVID-19 through an African lens

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis N. Ocholla
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Future ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
New Research

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in enormous challenges, but also presented opportunities that have notable implications for the future. The aim of this paper is to explore and discuss the experiences, perspectives, challenges and opportunities of Library and Information Science Educators (LISE) during the pandemic. The aim is articulated in the following three research questions: How is the COVID-19 pandemic experienced by LISE and in research? What are the perceptions formed during the period? And what are the challenges and opportunities?Design/methodology/approachThis is an interpretivist qualitative study informed by disaster management theories. The study involved the content analysis of existing literature with a focus on COVID-19 and higher education, particularly LISE, in conjunction with an open-ended email questionnaire that was sent to selected LIS educators/faculty/staff from major LIS Schools from eight sub-Saharan African countries. The author used personal experiences and observation to supplement the data and the interpretation.FindingsResults show more similarities than differences in how the COVID-19 pandemic is experienced and perceived, as well as the challenges and opportunities that it brings to the sector. As a whole, political factors are most pronounced, meaning that administration and decision-making need more attention in the sector. Also notable is that opportunities are mostly linked to technological factors, which will determine the “new normal” for LISE in the future. Almost all the narratives focused on the middle level of (during) the disaster life cycle, which is understandable as the complete cycle of the disaster is yet to come, likely when COVID-19 ceases to be a threat.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was small, as related studies focus more on COVID-19 and higher education, with hardly any focusing on LISE. The COVID-19 pandemic has not ended, so the disaster management life cycle cannot be fully exploited. Furthermore, the author’s categorization of responses within PEST was largely judgmental.Practical implicationsNew research, teaching and learning developmental paths have been created for LISE. The study provides practical reflection on the effects of COVID-19 on the sector and HEIs that can inform discourse and responses to the pandemic.Originality/valueThe study explores a new research domain in LISE and due to limited research in the domain brings together important voices/narratives – based on their experiences – of LIS educators in Africa on the research area. Further, it proposes the future of LISE under COVID-19 within the 4IR framework.

Charting a multi-dimensional role of future librarians

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 302-311
Author(s):  
Loriene Roy ◽  
Elizabeth Kennedy Hallmark
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Science Courses ◽  
The Future ◽  
Service Training ◽  
The Times ◽  
Difficult Times

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to involve readers in an exercise in conceptualizing the library workplace of the future and how to prepare librarians to be successful in these future scenarios. Design/methodology/approach This paper introduces a visualization exercise that invites readers to contemplate the likelihood and desirability of five scenarios for libraries of the future. Readers are also invited to create a new scenario. Readers then can reflect on the skills and aptitudes librarians would need to have or acquire in order to succeed in one of the scenarios. The method involves visualization, reflection, and self-assessment. Findings The authors have tested this exercise in in-service training with public, academic, and special librarians as well as with students in graduate library and information science courses. The end result is deep conversation, engagement, and sharing. Research limitations/implications The authors have observations on the effectiveness of this future exercise with students and practicing librarians but did not structure its use as a research project. In years of attending conferences and delivering over 600 conference presentations, the authors have yet to observe a similar future exercise being employed. Practical implications This exercise promotes reflection and discussion. It enables librarians to consider these scenarios on their own or in groups of varying sizes. It has application in understanding the complexity of futurism and how it might impact their future lives. And it emphases that individual librarians have some degree of independence in how they respond to change and, ultimately, a future much different from the present. Social implications Libraries are social institutions and their services reflect and respond to changes in society. Recent changes in governance around the world, warfare, the refugee crisis, and episodes of violence have contributed to tension. These are the times when librarians are called on more than ever to respond. Considering possible and improbable futures and one’s response to those futures are helpful in preparing one’s professional response in these difficult times. Originality/value This paper introduces an original model for discussing many possible futures for libraries and for librarians to consider their roles in those futures.

scholarly journals Management: Framing the Framework: The Rigorous Responsibilities of Library and Information Science

2016 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan W. Filbert
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Resource Management ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Information Resource ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Digital Environment ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Complex Information ◽  
The Future

The ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education offers library and information science (LIS) professionals a conceptual approach for leading information literacy efforts in a digital environment. But while a good start, Nathan Filbert suggests that it is not enough to validate librarianship’s transdisciplinary potential. In this column, Filbert addresses the programmatic and directional efforts necessary for LIS to realize expansive expertise in information resource management, reference, and user services in the evolving, complex, information ecosystem. Drawing on the profession’s past and present, he suggests a vision and a philosophy for mediating the infosphere of the future.—Editor

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