Swiss Army Degree: Library and Information Science

Abstract

Purpose – The authors of this chapter, through exploratory survey research, asked several simple questions about what library workers wish they had learned during graduate school and what they would focus on now if they were just beginning their library and information science (LIS) education.

Methodology – The authors designed and distributed a simple pilot survey with multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

Findings – The survey results identify several key subjects and skills that library professionals wished they had focused more directly on during their LIS education. These included management, technology, pedagogy, and others. The authors suggest collaborating with other departments within the traditional university to deliver these skills so as to prepare future librarians for the dynamic and collaborative settings of modern libraries. Moreover, the authors also suggest using this information, and similar information from your own organizations, to guide future professional development opportunities in your libraries.

Citation

Fife, D. and Stephens, M.N. (2018), "Swiss Army Degree: Library and Information Science", Percell, J., Sarin, L.C., Jaeger, P.T. and Bertot, J.C. (Ed.) Re-envisioning the MLS: Perspectives on the Future of Library and Information Science Education (Advances in Librarianship, Vol. 44A), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 139-148. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0065-28302018000044A014