Challenges In The Education And Training Of Library And Information Science Students
(A Case Study Library And Information Science Department Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri)
The challenges confronting the education and training of Library and Information Science (LIS) students are complex and varied. In the dynamic landscape of information management, Library and Information Science programs grapple with the need to equip students with a diverse skill set that encompasses traditional library practices as well as cutting-edge technological advancements. Balancing the dichotomy between foundational knowledge and emerging trends proves to be a formidable task for educators. Additionally, the integration of practical experiences, such as internships and real-world projects, is crucial to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. Furthermore, the evolution of information technologies requires a constant reassessment of curricula to ensure relevance and prepare students for the rapidly changing demands of the information profession. Despite the inherent challenges, fostering adaptability, critical thinking, and a global perspective within LIS students is imperative to navigate the intricate nuances of contemporary information landscapes.
This project work is on the challenges in training and education of library and information science professionals with a particular case of those in IMSU and FPNO library school. The objectives of this include finding out the challenges of librarianship profession. Also discover the perception of the profession by the general public and also recommend on how he identified problems could be solved. The research design of this work was drawn, procedure for data collection and the method of data analysis. At the end, summary of the finding was stated, where the total number administered and the return rate which include valid and invalid number. Under the conclusion, the different finding was stated under the, the different numbers of objectives.
Finally, the recommendation was made which include that, the parent institution and commissioner of education should help to finance the library to enable the profession grow. Libraries should try as much as possible to ensure that a good public relation programme is implemented in many ways to explain, interpret and defined what librarianship is and why it should continue to exist.
Title page i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Abstract v
Table of contents vi
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background of the study 3
1.2 Statement of problem 4
1.3 Research question 5
1.4 Purpose of the study 5
1.5 Significance of the study 5
1.6 Scope and limitation of the study 6
1.7 Operational definition of terms 6
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 7-12
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 13
3.1 Population of study 13
3.2 Instrument of data collection 14
3.3 Method of data collection 14
3.4 Method of data analysis 14
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA 15-20
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 INTRODUCTION 21
5.1 Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation 21
5.2 Summary 21
5.3 Conclusion 21
5.4 Recommendation 22
Bibliography 23
Appendix 24
Questionnaire 25
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The study of the principle and practice of library operation and administration is new in Nigeria. It was introduced by the colonial masters.
It did not become an identifiable discipline nor did it emerge as a separate course or field of study. It until the later half of the 19th century.
It emerged as a response to the socio-economic development of the nation.
The library as a store house of information is very essential in every aspect of life. For business, decision making, effective planning, communication, research and advancement. We need information for everyday activities and so cannot do with out it. The development countries of the world understand this and appreciate the role of information in national growth.
The Nigeria as a developing country has just realized the need for libraries as centre for selection “EG” acquisition, processing storage and dissemination of information, and for this reason there are today various types if libraries such as public libraries, school libraries and academic libraries in Nigeria, each rendering information services to their different communities of users.
Librarianship as a profession catering for the services and operation of the library has been accepted as an important and noble profession. Librarians comes together and interact through the Nigeria library association (NLA) which for gears has been the link through its annual general meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops and other activities both at the national and state levels.
Despite all efforts of Nigeria library association and the services of libraries and librarians, the profession has not attained its full growth and development as other profession like medical, engineering, legal and nursery etc. it has been experiencing some drawbacks that are affecting its growth.
The drawbacks range from the challenge of perception to the growth and development of the profession. The poor image of the profession (librarianship) as a result of the ugly perception of the profession by the general public, is disheartening and so constitutes a very big challenges to library and information profession in Nigeria.
Besides the attitude of librarians themselves also brings about many challenges in librarianship in Nigeria. Both librarians feel inferior, this are enable to stand and defined themselves and their not been legally recognized like medical profession, legal, etc. it was only in 1995. This is a great achievement and land mark.
Moreover, the adequate supply of well qualified teaching staff and the effectiveness of the Nigeria library Association (NLA) are not assured and so constitutes its own problem towards the profession.
The funding and patronage of the library as the base for the training of librarian on the part of the government also arouse worries and affects the growth of librarianship in Nigeria.
Inspite of all these Ogunseye 1984 pointed out that librarianship as a profession has come to stay.
Librarianship students are accepted as academic disciplines in our universities. Researches into the problem in all the frontiers of knowledge in library studies are being carried out.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
like the university, the library came into existence in 1981 with the government of the university of Madonna High school, Chitee Uboma. As the former Imo state university, the pioneer university librarian was Mr. Kalu Onyeoka with Mr. Herbert O.M. Iwuyi as the deputy. On it’s relocation to Owerri, the university librarian became a senior lecturer of library and information science from the university of Maidugri, Dr. Ralph U. Ononogbo who is to day the university librarian of Michael Opkara university of Agriculture Umudike. The immediate past university librarian is Mr. M.S. Onife, who ventured from the position from FUTO.
The library is accommodated in relatively large building in a low density noiseless area of the university. The library has a sitting capacity if 450 students and has a collection of 50,000 volumes of books.
IMSU library consist of the main library law library, college of median library and faculty of business administration library. A part from the academic library (main library), the branch libraries are located within the faculties or department as the case may be.
According to the fact sheet of IMSU (2004, the college of the library is made up of 50,000, volumes of books, 2000 bound periodicals, 3000 documents and thesis, 400 unbound journals, 4 titles of newspapers, magazines mining for 10 years, 7200 unprocessed book is in the work room and 10,000 gift of books in cartons. It is instructive to note that at the law library, there are 4500 books, 500 documents and thesis, 90 journals and 4 titles of newspaper and magazines running for 8 years. At the college of medicine and health science library, there are 2,000 books while the business faculty library has 850 books. The library has 850 books. The library has total staff strength of 50.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
As we know that library and information science profession is faced with many problems which include poor perception, lack of marketing of library success, poor staff, absence of ICT, etc.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
I. To find out the challenges of librarianship within the case study
II. To identify the attitude of librarian in relation to the profession
III. To find out if the Nigeria library association (NLA) is effective in directing the affair of the profession.
IV. To discover the perception of the profession by the general public
V. To identify the problems militating against library and information science profession
VI. To proffer solutions to the problems militating against the profession.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
A critical study of various literatures reveals that efforts have been made in the past to train and educate the library and information science professionals therefore, this research is thus an improvement on earlier ones as it focuses on the challenges in training and education of library and information science professionals.
However, this study will be of immense value to undergraduate students, librarians and researcher’s in their research on challenges in training and education of library and information science professional
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
In other to achieve the objective of this study, the following research questions have been formulated.
1. What are the challenges facing library and information science profession in IMSU and FPNO library schools?
2. What is the attitude of librarians in relation to the profession?
3. What strategies does the Nigeria library spoliation adopt in directing the affairs of the profession?
4. What are the perceptions of the profession by the general public?
5. What are the problems militating against library and information science profession.
6. What is the possible solution to the problem militating against the profession?
1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The project covers the challenges of training and education of library and information science professionals using IMSU and federal polytechnic Nekede Owerri library schools as comparative study.
Challenges In The Education And Training Of Library And Information Science Students:
The education and training of library and information science (LIS) students face several challenges in today’s rapidly evolving information landscape. These challenges encompass both traditional and emerging issues. Here are some of the key challenges:
- Technological Advancements: The constant evolution of technology has a significant impact on the field of LIS. Keeping up with the latest technologies, software, and digital platforms is essential, but it can be challenging for educators and students alike.
- Information Overload: The digital age has brought about an unprecedented amount of information. Teaching students how to navigate and manage this information overload is a critical challenge. They need to learn not only how to find information but also how to assess its quality and relevance.
- Diverse Information Formats: Libraries are no longer limited to physical books and journals. Students must be trained to work with a wide variety of formats, including digital resources, multimedia, and open-access content.
- Digital Preservation: Ensuring the long-term preservation of digital materials is crucial. Students need to understand the challenges of digital preservation and how to apply best practices to ensure the accessibility and integrity of digital collections.
- Information Privacy and Security: As data breaches and privacy concerns become more prevalent, students should be educated about ethical and legal issues related to information privacy and security. They need to know how to protect sensitive information and assist patrons with their privacy concerns.
- Changing Role of Libraries: Libraries are transforming into more than just repositories of books. They serve as community hubs, digital learning centers, and innovation spaces. LIS programs need to prepare students for these expanded roles and responsibilities.
- Interdisciplinary Skills: Library and information science professionals often work in interdisciplinary settings. Students must be equipped with the skills to collaborate with professionals from various fields, such as healthcare, business, and education.
- Cultural Competence: Serving diverse communities requires cultural competence. LIS students should be trained to understand and respect the cultural differences of their patrons and provide inclusive services.
- Funding and Budget Constraints: Many libraries face budget limitations, which can affect staffing and resources. Students should be aware of the financial challenges libraries may encounter and be prepared to address them.
- Professional Development: Lifelong learning is essential in the LIS field. Graduates must continue to update their skills and knowledge as the field evolves. Encouraging a culture of continuous professional development among students is crucial.
- Advocacy and Outreach: LIS professionals need to be effective advocates for their libraries and information services. Students should learn how to communicate the value of libraries to their communities and advocate for resources and support.
- Remote and Online Learning: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote and online learning. LIS programs may need to adapt to provide effective online education while maintaining the quality of instruction.
To address these challenges, LIS programs must continually update their curricula, collaborate with practitioners, and provide experiential learning opportunities for students. Graduates who are well-prepared to meet these challenges will be valuable assets to libraries and information organizations in an ever-changing information landscape.