A review of the library and information science profession in the Maldives: Development, challenges and opportunities

Abstract

The Republic of Maldives, a small island developing state in the Indian Ocean, has achieved upper-middle-income and high human development category status, and one of the strongest information and communications technology infrastructures in South Asia. However, the country’s library and information science sector, which saw its inception over seven decades ago, has yet to advance beyond the initial development phase. This article traces the emergence of the library and information science sector in the country and draws attention to the myriad challenges faced by it. The article is also an attempt to draw the attention of government decision-makers and motivate them to understand and resolve the difficulties faced by the library and information science sector through engaging library and information science employers, educational institutions, professional trainers, and library and information science professionals. Some concerns are identified and five key action areas with associated action steps are suggested. These may resonate with other small developing countries that are facing similar scenarios.

The current state of academic librarians’ continuing professional development and the roles of continuing professional development providers in Thailand

“…As a result, academic librarians must harness innovative methodologies and accessible modes of CPD to keep pace with the evolving landscape of their field (Arua, 2019). It is increasingly imperative for individuals to assume proactive responsibility for their own professional development (Jayasuriya et al, 2022).…”

Continuing professional development in Cambodia: Perspectives of different stakeholders

“…The findings reveal a shortage of training providers and the non-existence or lack of CPD opportunities, which may also be repetitive, restricted to traditional topics and often not meet the real needs of library employees. These are common concerns that the LIS profession in many other countries faces (Alkatheeri, 2019;Chan and Auster, 2005;De Alwis Jayasuriya et al, 2021a;Ma, 2017;Maesaroh, 2012;Nguyen, 2008;Rafiq et al, 2017;Robinson, 2019).…”

“…Two of the studies cited by Varlejs (2016) are doctoral research conducted by Nguyen (2008) and Maesaroh (2012) on academic library staff development in Vietnam and Indonesia, respectively. Examples of more recent studies out of the region include research conducted in Pakistan by Hamid and Soroya (2017) and Rafiq et al (2017), a study on Sri Lanka by Masroofa (2021), and a study on CPD for the capacity-building of LIS employees in the Republic of Maldives (De Alwis Jayasuriya et al, 2021a, 2021b). Two studies that discuss the perspectives of LIS CPD providers are those by Majid (2004) and Rafiq et al (2017).…”