Weaving diversity into LIS: An examination of diversity course offerings in iSchool programs

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Subramaniam, Mega M.^{; *} | Jaeger, Paul T.

Affiliations: College of Information Studies, University of Maryland, South Wing, College Park, MD, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. E-mail: mmsubram@umd.edu

Abstract: This study examines the current state of diversity course offerings in Library and Information Science (LIS) programs through the analysis of syllabi of diversity-related courses offered in the American Library Association accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLS) programs at iSchools (a group of information schools that include the majority of the largest LIS programs) in North America. Utilizing Pawley's four paradigms that dominate research and teaching in LIS – science/technology, business/management, mission/service, and society/culture – this study analyzes the syllabi of diversity-related courses to better understand the content, context, availability, emphases, and level of these courses, as well as the paradigm into which the course fits. This study found only a small number of courses in the sample focused on diversity, and of these courses, almost all were electives that emphasized a small number of diversity topics. The analysis of the findings forms the basis for recommendations about improving the focus on and for future studies of diversity in LIS education.

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-2010-0891

Journal: Education for Information, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 1-19, 2011