Richard J. Cox and Edie Rasmussen
School of Library and Information Science
University of Pittsburgh

Reinventing the Information Professions
and the Argument for Specialization in LIS Education:
Case Studies in Information Technology and Archives

JURIED PAPER SESSION, Wednesday, February 12, 1997, 4:00pm - 5:30pm

For decades there has been argument about whether the MLS degree should be a generalized, first professional degree or whether it should accommodate specializations. Generally, the debate has centered on the internal nature of LIS education without taking into account the broader information needs of society or the guidelines and standards produced by a variety of professional associations. This paper will argue that specialization is not only a positive, but that it is a necessity given the usual one-year MLS programs in place.

The authors, using their respective specializations of archival studies and information technology, will consider how specialization meets the needs of most students entering into MLS programs, provides a better recruiting tool for prospective students, and actually serves as a mechanism for introducing students to the basic principles, theories, and issues of library and information science. The authors also will consider the matter of the convergence that the information technologies seem to suggest, while wrestling with the divergence suggested by different professional standards of the diversity of information disciplines. More rigor, possibilities for independent research, a more meaningful fieldwork, and a stronger MLS curriculum all seem to be the outcome of accommodating specializations while still preparing individuals to work in a diversity of information venues.

.......................................................................................................

Previous abstract || Next abstract || Preliminary program || ALISE home