Examines roots and development of Master's of Library Science (MLS), and discusses two basic questions: whether master's-level education should be more than instrumental, and more theoretical than practical. Also discussed are technological developments, and aspects of current master's curriculum, core curriculum, and specialization, which…

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the elements affecting the weakness of the library and information science (LIS) profession in Japan in terms of quality of education, the employment system, and career development of Japanese librarians. It also provides an overview of the current status of LIS education in Japan and examines the…

Discusses 7 interrelated issues critical to education for librarianship and argues that each issue is amenable to resolution. Areas discussed include professional versus academic expectations, library science and information science, undergraduate programs, minority recruitment, international librarianship, size and organization of library…

Discusses the need for multiculturalism to be a part of the library science curriculum to prepare librarians for work in culturally diverse societies and library environments. Reports results of a library school survey on the issue of multiculturalism as it relates to curriculum modification or revision. The survey's questionnaire is appended.…

A library school dean, a public library director, and a recent graduate working as a public librarian give their reactions to a set of competencies recently developed by the Public Library Association's Education for Public Librarians Committee. Background and future plans for the document are also explained. (SLW)

Based on a survey, the major characteristics of Sub-Saharan African library schools are summarized. An analysis of the current situation and suggestions for development are given in the areas of objectives, research and publication efforts, financial support, and physical facilities. Also considered are the staff, students, and programs of the…

Charts main trends in professional education for librarianship and information science based on United Kingdom educational practices in 1970s. Structure of courses, problems of formulating a theoretical basis, environment of need, the curricula, problems of the core curriculum, and research in curriculum development are highlighted. A 129-item…

Discusses the professional preparation of school library media specialists at Syracuse University using a competency-based approach, highlighting background of competency-based education, development of competency statements and curriculum, and assessment of competencies. Integration of joint competency-based program into two schools and with a…

The challenges to education for librarianship and information science are numerous and great: technology, research, expanding curricula to address problems of special constituencies, and recruiting committed individuals. Changes are occurring rapidly, and practitioners and educators must work together to ensure the challenges are met. Thirteen…

Discusses the impact of advances in information technology on library school curriculum. Topics addressed include a history of information technology in library schools; the rate of technological change; education versus training; information studies versus computer science; future possibilities; and the relationship between practitioners and…

Five concentrations have been introduced as part of a major redesign of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville School of Information Sciences (SIS) program. One of the concentrations currently offered is "Scientific and Technical Information." Background, environment, and content of the concentration are described, as well as plans for…

Discusses issues of diversity in library and information science-education programs and how these efforts can be addressed positively to better serve students and their future users. Topics include a historical background, attracting people of diversity for doctoral programs and faculty positions, curriculum issues, and recruiting. (Author/LRW)

Conclusions drawn from brief visits to library schools in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the Slovak Republic in 1992 and 1993 are presented. Visits were made to 10 schools, appropriate ministries, and major libraries and information centers. The visits were largely supported by the Trans European Mobility Programme for…

In recognition of the centennial of the College of Information Studies at Drexel University (Pennsylvania), the history of the school is reviewed by a former dean, with reference to anecdotes and exemplary events. Drexel opened in 1891 and began its library science training program the following year. The founding years through 1921 were followed…

The first of information science is in something of a jumble, because there is no universally accepted definition of the field, much less an agreement on what the core information is or what curriculum should be followed. Information science teachers must decide what kind of graduate they are trying to turn out in order to be competitive with…