Job prospects for Mzuzu university library and information science graduates

Chaputula, Aubrey Harvey

doi:10.1108/nlw-11-2013-0089

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Like job satisfaction, the issue of employment opportunities and related challenges for library professionals have attracted the intention of many librarians and information specialists (Scherrer, 2004; Ocholla, 2008; Ameen, 2011; Harvey Chaputula, 2014). An earlier study by Rayman (1981) described the 1970-1979 period, in the USA, as a fluctuating period for library job opportunities.…”

Section: Related Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

Library employment

Kaba

2017

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the library employment in UAE and explore the perceptions of academic librarians toward job satisfaction, employment opportunities, employment challenges, and future actions needed to improve employment opportunities for librarians in UAE. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through an online survey questionnaire. A total of 62 academic librarians from public and private universities and colleges participated in the study. The collected data are analyzed to answer research questions and verify the hypotheses. Findings Respondents expressed high satisfaction with salary and benefits, job positions, responsibilities given to them, and appreciations from senior management. However, they are found unsatisfied with promotion policies and employment opportunity. They reported challenges for getting jobs and expressed concerns about the future of librarians in UAE. With the exception of experience, findings of the study show no significant difference of demographic factors on job satisfaction, the perceived employment opportunity, and challenges. Majority of participants believe that employment opportunity for librarians can be improved through IT courses, promotion policies, training, career structure, marketing, and changing school name. They agree that reducing the number of students will not improve employment opportunities for librarians. Research limitations/implications This is a descriptive study based on a survey questionnaire. Future studies may use qualitative methods such as the interview for more exploration and in-depth analysis. Practical implications The findings provide concerns about the future of librarianship in UAE and appeal to library educators, managers, and decision makers to improve employment opportunities for librarians. Originality/value The paper reports original research findings on job satisfaction, employment opportunities, employment challenges, and future actions as perceived by academic librarians in UAE.

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Section: Related Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

Library employment

Kaba

2017

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South African Library and Information Science (LIS) Students’ Perceptions, Motivations and Reasons for Enrolling in the LIS Program

Sibiya

Shongwe

2021

Libri

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Library and Information Science (LIS) has gone through many changes over the past two decades. These changes have had an impact on the youth who want to study LIS. Lack of knowledge about LIS and its career opportunities makes it difficult for young people to consider studying towards a LIS qualification. Literature reveals that most LIS students end up in the program accidentally and without knowledge of the content. This study investigated students’ perceptions regarding LIS, the reasons for enrolling, and motivating factors that make students study LIS. The study was informed by the Circumscription and Compromise theory. To answer the research questions, a survey was conducted in three LIS schools in South Africa. A questionnaire was sent to first and final year students, and 165 responded. The findings indicate that before they enrolled, many students had a slight idea of what LIS programs were and prepared them to be. The students’ decision to study LIS was mainly influenced by information brochures, followed by relatives, teachers, friends, and parents. Most of the students decided to study LIS when they were already accepted to enroll at university but did not choose LIS as their first-choice program of study. The availability of job opportunities and a stable LIS work environment are the main factors that motivated students to continue to study LIS. Students also indicated that they were satisfied with LIS and would recommend it to others to study. The study concludes that LIS is a compromise field of study because students did not initially want to study it. Interestingly, after enrolment, they became satisfied and motivated to continue with the program. Public awareness campaigns, especially in high schools, are encouraged to sensitize people about LIS.

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

Mubofu,

Mambo

2023

Open Information Science

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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.

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Job prospects for Mzuzu university library and information science graduates

Cited by 3 publications

References 13 publications

Library employment

Library employment

South African Library and Information Science (LIS) Students’ Perceptions, Motivations and Reasons for Enrolling in the LIS Program

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

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