Affiliations: McGill University, School of Information Studies 3661 Peel St. Montreal, QC, Canada
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Joan C. Bartlett, McGill University, School of Information Studies 3661 Peel St. Montreal, QC, Canada. Tel.: +1 514 398 6976; Fax: +1 514 398 7193; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: This paper describes the 20-year evolution of an information studies program from one primarily focused on librarianship, to one that now encompasses a range of interdisciplinary topics including knowledge management, user-experience design, data science, and bioinformatics, among others. The program revisions, course development, and faculty renewal were guided by the School’s strategic plan to centre its teaching and research on the focus of the interaction between people and information, supported by technology. Over twenty years, the proportion of interdisciplinary courses increased from less than 10% to almost half. There were a number of challenges throughout the process, including finding the right balance within the program, maintaining accreditation, and working with limited resources. Yet, the outcomes have been well worth the effort, and we suggest best practices based on our lessons learned.
Keywords: LIS education, iSchool curriculum, program development, interdisciplinary courses
