The ‘Core’ in library and/or information science education and training

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Raju, J.

Affiliations: Department of Library and Information Studies, Durban Institute of Technology, M.L. Sultan Campus, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, Republic of South Africa. Tel.: +0270313086773; Fax: +0270313086778; E-mail: jayar@dit.ac.za

Abstract: The issue of what constitutes or should constitute the ‘core’ in library and/or information science (LIS) education and training is one that is frequently debated. This article reviews literature related to this matter and cites findings from an empirical study conducted in South Africa on library and/or information science education and training. The literature reviewed as well as findings in the study suggest that while it is possible to identify certain knowledge and skill components as being appropriate for the core library and/or information science curriculum for a first-level LIS qualification, it is difficult to be precise about what exactly constitutes or should constitute the core in library and/or information science education and training. This core is continuously evolving, as the information environment to which LIS education and training programmes need to respond is also in a state of flux.

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-2003-21102

Journal: Education for Information, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 229-242, 2003