A new approach to information education

Issue title: The Role of Undergraduate Programmes in Library and Information Studies

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Sherron, Gene T.

Affiliations: School of Information Studies, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2048, USA. Tel: +1 904 644 6400; fax: +1 904 668 2562; email: sherron@LIS.fsu.edu

Abstract: Approaching its fiftieth anniversary in 1997, Florida State University's School of Information Studies saw a need in the area of information support services and determined it was in its best interest to add an undergraduate program; the rationale for that decision is delineated and the four-year process to plan, propose and gain authorization to offer a new degree in a state university system is briefly described. The emphasis is on the curriculum, which includes core courses related to the core competencies associated with this new baccalaureate degree. The electives that complete the 36 hour major are also described. The development process for this curriculum drew heavily on the three library schools which have information-oriented rather than specifically library-oriented bachelor's degree programs: the University of Pittsburgh (1979 – Information Science), Drexel University (1984 – Information Systems), and Syracuse University (1987 – Information Studies). The job titles and places where the graduating students are expected to find employment are also discussed.

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1997-15205

Journal: Education for Information, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 153-169, 1997