Adequacy of LIS Curriculum in Response to Global Trends: A Case Study of Tanzanian Universities

Abstract

This study examines the adequacy of the library and information science (LIS) curriculum in responding to fast-changing global trends in the library profession developments. The study utilizes a case study design to investigate the University of Dar es Salaam and Open University of Tanzania. The findings of the study reveal the importance of aligning LIS education curriculum with global trends to ensure that graduates have the requisite skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the ever-evolving field. The study highlights digital literacy, emerging technologies, user-centered services, and diversity, equity, and inclusion as critical areas requiring prioritization in the LIS curriculum. The study recommends the development of technical skills, soft skills, emerging technologies, and cultural competencies with practical training opportunities, real-world case studies, and industry partnerships. The study emphasizes the importance of information security and privacy, data management and analysis, collection development and management, marketing and outreach, digital humanities and scholarship, and accessibility and universal design in LIS education.

Keywords

• library and information science
• curriculum
• global trends
• emerging technologies
• user-centered services
• digital literacy