Identifying approach and methodology for the continued progress of library studies and information management

Thesis Abstract

In this study the writer looked at identifying approaches and methodology for the continued progress of library studies and information management in the school of library and information science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The objective of the study was to identify the necessary skills, approach, methodology and barriers to acquiring skills necessary for the continued progress of library studies and information management. Four research Questions guided the study and Descriptive survey was used as the research design. The population of the study consists of 185 library and information science undergraduates. Also, a total number of 100 LIS undergraduates were selected as a sample for the study using purposive and stratified random sampling technique. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. In addition, the presentation of data was arranged around the questionnaire items which were designed from the research objectives postulated for the study. The data was analyzed using the simple mean method. Findings from the study revealed that the necessary skills needed for the continued progress of library science and information management includes Marketing and Teaching skills, Leadership and Human Resource Management skills, Communication skills, IT Related skills, Evaluating and Reporting Skills. In addition, the study further revealed that the approach and methodology that could be used to acquire these skills were; increasing student centered educational opportunities, developing concepts surrounding information technologies, adapting curricula to reflect more diverse professions, and helping students to develop new models and skills for engagements among others. Barriers such as the fact that the present curricula only prepare students for traditional library system, and the fact that core ICT courses are offered as elective. Strategies such as, revamping of present curricula that was compartmentalized among others was given as a means of overcoming these barriers.