Training for Library and Information Studies: a comparative overview of LIS education in Africa

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Ocholla, Dennis N.

Affiliations: Department of Library and Information Science, University of Zululand, X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa. Fax: +27 035 7933911; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: A comparison of manpower development and training for library and information services by the Departments of Library and Information Studies (LIS) in Africa is reviewed. The curricula, programmes, accreditation, resources, fieldwork, continuing education, trainees and trainers are explored and surveyed through literature review and also by means of contacts made between the author and the LIS Departments covered. It is noted that many countries plan to develop their domestic LIS education programmes but problems associated with inadequate resources and infrastructure, as well as qualified trainers, still affect the dispensation of modern syllabi. LIS education in the Anglophone countries, including South Africa, has shown significant growth as opposed to that which is found in Francophone and Lucophone Africa. There exist close links between LIS education in Africa and the levels of LIS development in the former metropole (e.g. Britain, France and Portugal) and support is received from these foreign governments for the improvement of library and information services. The trends, issues and problems presented and discussed in this paper are considered by the author to be of value to comparative studies in library and information science. A list of LIS education institutions in Africa is appended.

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-2000-18103

Journal: Education for Information, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 33-52, 2000