Information and library education: a manifesto for the millennium

ISSN： 0968-0810

Source： Librarian Career Development, Vol.4, Iss.4, 1996-04, pp. : 20-25

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Abstract

Argues, as the millennium looms, that education for librarianship and information work faces uncertain times. Reviews the recent fragmentation of library education, raising such issues as the obsession with "emerging" markets, the influence of the "new" vocationalism and the rise of National Vocational Qualifications and Continuing professional development. Notes that these developments bring with them the danger of a return to apprenticeship and the end of library and information science. It is argued that such decline is not inevitable. Suggests that library and information science must re-emphasize its distinctiveness as an academic discipline, reassess its targeted labour market and work together with other stakeholders to develop a restructured system of occupational education based on accessibility and co-operation. The result might then be the rebirth of the librarian in a "new age".