Skills developed through library and information science education

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report a study designed to identify qualifications and skills that library and information science (LIS) students should have when they graduate. Design/methodology/approach – The reported research examines the curriculum of 49 institutions in three countries which offer programs in LIS. Course descriptions are studied through the web and the module specifications presented there. Findings – The study identifies 59 qualifications/skills that were central to graduation in the field of LIS. Research limitations/implications – Course specifications have some limitations as they do not always include the detailed description that would be desirable. Originality/value – The paper examines the orientation of institutions that provide LIS programs and, more importantly, the way that orientation is integrated into their programs of study.