Factors to Consider in Formulating Library and Information Science Curriculum for the 21st Century

Abstract

The purpose of Library and Information Science education is to educate individuals for careers as librarians and information specialists to undertake instruction, research and service programs that will assist them meet up with current and emerging library and information technology needs. This paper discussed factors to consider in library schools while formulating Library and Information Science curriculum in the 21st century. The study found out that staff, instructional technology, open distance education, choice base, need based curriculum and need for national and international accreditation agency are some of the factors to consider in order to meet up with the current trends in the 21st century and job market. The paper also found out that inadequate infrastructure, / instructional facilities, lack of information and communication technology skills and outdated library and information science curriculum are some of the challenges facing library and information science will continue to have problem in the digital era, these challenges can only be met if educators, library and information professionals work together and bring improvement through the curriculum with a great impact on work places. The paper recommends that inadequate infrastructure and facilities, library and information staff should be trained and retrained on how to use information and communication technology facilities, and the library and information science curriculum should be updated regularly in order to meet up with the current trend in the profession and job market