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

IFLA Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 034003522110315
Author(s):  
Gina de Alwis Jayasuriya ◽  
Aminath Riyaz ◽  
Shaheen Majid
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Indian Ocean ◽  
The Republic

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.

scholarly journals ICT Adoption by Library Professionals in India: Challenges and Opportunities

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Technology Literacy ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Communications Technology ◽  
Training Environment ◽  
Managerial Support ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
The Subject ◽  
And Training

In this research, the use of ICTs in India by librarians, particularly in the use of mobile phones, was the focus of this study. To gather the required data for the research, surveys were performed and this approach was implemented. The questionnaire was presented to eight librarians from eight teacher college libraries in the subject of study who responded to it, and the results were used to inform the research. According to the conclusions of the study’s materials, ICT use by professional librarians in India is still a relatively recent phenomena, and as a result, it is still in its early phases. The study showed that while libraries utilise information and communications technology (ICT) to deliver some services, these services are insufficient in part as a result of challenges such as a lack of money, a scarcity of trained personnel, and a lack of managerial support. According to the findings of this study, college librarians should get training in information and communications technology literacy since ICT is a dynamic, continuously practising, and training environment that they should take advantage of, as demonstrated by the results of the study. It was proposed that students have access to contemporary ICT instruments, such PCs, printers and scanners, to help them with their home maintenance tasks in order to enhance the administration of educational institutions. The recommendation was also made that libraries should get sufficient help in this respect. The research also advised that college bibliographers participate in attachment programmes with the help of students at the major university libraries to understand the finest practises of modern librarians.

Echoes down the corridor. Experiences and perspectives of library and information science education (LISE) during COVID-19 through an African lens

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis N. Ocholla
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Future ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
New Research

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in enormous challenges, but also presented opportunities that have notable implications for the future. The aim of this paper is to explore and discuss the experiences, perspectives, challenges and opportunities of Library and Information Science Educators (LISE) during the pandemic. The aim is articulated in the following three research questions: How is the COVID-19 pandemic experienced by LISE and in research? What are the perceptions formed during the period? And what are the challenges and opportunities?Design/methodology/approachThis is an interpretivist qualitative study informed by disaster management theories. The study involved the content analysis of existing literature with a focus on COVID-19 and higher education, particularly LISE, in conjunction with an open-ended email questionnaire that was sent to selected LIS educators/faculty/staff from major LIS Schools from eight sub-Saharan African countries. The author used personal experiences and observation to supplement the data and the interpretation.FindingsResults show more similarities than differences in how the COVID-19 pandemic is experienced and perceived, as well as the challenges and opportunities that it brings to the sector. As a whole, political factors are most pronounced, meaning that administration and decision-making need more attention in the sector. Also notable is that opportunities are mostly linked to technological factors, which will determine the “new normal” for LISE in the future. Almost all the narratives focused on the middle level of (during) the disaster life cycle, which is understandable as the complete cycle of the disaster is yet to come, likely when COVID-19 ceases to be a threat.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was small, as related studies focus more on COVID-19 and higher education, with hardly any focusing on LISE. The COVID-19 pandemic has not ended, so the disaster management life cycle cannot be fully exploited. Furthermore, the author’s categorization of responses within PEST was largely judgmental.Practical implicationsNew research, teaching and learning developmental paths have been created for LISE. The study provides practical reflection on the effects of COVID-19 on the sector and HEIs that can inform discourse and responses to the pandemic.Originality/valueThe study explores a new research domain in LISE and due to limited research in the domain brings together important voices/narratives – based on their experiences – of LIS educators in Africa on the research area. Further, it proposes the future of LISE under COVID-19 within the 4IR framework.

scholarly journals E-LIS: Unique Model for Subject Specific Open Access Repository

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella De Robbio
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Strategic Issues ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Subject Specific ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Global Vision ◽  
Open Archives ◽  
Voluntary Basis

E-LIS established in 2003 is an international open access archive on librarianship, information science and technology, and related disciplines. It uses the Open Archives Initiative (OAI) protocol and tools to facilitate interoperability between repository servers. E-LIS is the first e-server and largest repository in Library and Information Science (LIS) and is managed and maintained by an international team of experts working on a voluntary basis. The purpose of this paper is to describe the main characteristics (technical and organizational) of the archive and its configuration and customisation, and discuss its policies, aims and mission. Its main focus, however, is on the E-LIS organizational model and on the strategic issues correlated to Open Access (OA). The challenges and opportunities of E-LIS consequent to a global vision for the LIS are also discussed. It explains how E-LIS stimulates participation from all over the world, which helps research activities on the subject worldwide. The paper emphasises that E-LIS can promote OA movement in general, and so it can help in disseminating the OA philosophy serving as a model to reveal the benefits of international subject specific open access repositories.

scholarly journals Three-Dimensional (3-D) Scanning Within Academic Libraries: Exploring and Considering a New Public Service

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason A. Reuscher
Keyword(s):  
Public Service ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Digital Repository ◽  
Digital Scholarship ◽  
New Public ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

The article discusses the creation of a three-dimensional (3-D) scanning service within an academic library. Academic libraries generally offer two-dimensional (2-D) or flatbed scanning to their patrons—why not 3-D scanning? Inspired by the routine use of the former, the author investigates the reasoning for offering as a service the latter, defining what it is from a library and information science perspective, how it complements the digital repository and digital scholarship projects being supported within academic libraries, and why libraries should consider it as a public service independently from 3-D printing. A technical description of the scanning equipment and an informal, qualitative account are given from experience using a NextEngine 3-D scanner within an academic library, highlighting some of the challenges and opportunities that such a technology might present.

scholarly journals Practicums as part of study programmes in library and information studies

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 91-99
Author(s):  
Primož Južnič ◽  
Bob Pymm
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
The Other ◽  
Practical Work ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Practical Skills ◽  
Collaborative Partnership ◽  
Professional Work ◽  
Student Work ◽  
The Many

In Library and Information Science (LIS) courses, practicums serve as a specific bond between theory on the one hand and practical work and the profession on the other. In seeking to prepare graduates for the profession and for professional work, LIS programmes use practicums as a model to enhance the library school curriculum. During the traditional LIS practicum, one already makes use of the many advantages online tools provide, building online portfolios or keeping student work diaries online while undertaking the practical part of one’s practicum. This enables easy and constant communication among all three stakeholders: host institutions, educational institutions, and students. Whilst it is important to engage actively with industry to provide students with opportunities to participate in ‘experiential learning’ and in building practical skills and knowledge, it is also important to ensure this is done in a systematic manner, and with a genuine desire on the part of the employers for a collaborative partnership. Striking similarities regarding practicums and placements between geographically distant countries such as Australia and Slovenia, and the opinions and attitudes that all three stakeholders – students, host institutions and educational institutions – share, indicates that traditional practicums, undertaken in a physical workplace, are still a key component of an LIS education.In Library and Information Science (LIS) courses, practicums serve as a specific bond between theory onthe one hand and practical work and the profession on the other. In seeking to prepare graduates for theprofession and for professional work, LIS programmes use practicums as a model to enhance the libraryschool curriculum. During the traditional LIS practicum, one already makes use of the many advantagesonline tools provide, building online portfolios or keeping student work diaries online while undertakingthe practical part of one’s practicum. This enables easy and constant communication among all threestakeholders: host institutions, educational institutions, and students. Whilst it is important to engageactively with industry to provide students with opportunities to participate in ‘experiential learning’and in building practical skills and knowledge, it is also important to ensure this is done in a systematicmanner, and with a genuine desire on the part of the employers for a collaborative partnership. Strikingsimilarities regarding practicums and placements between geographically distant countries suchas Australia and Slovenia, and the opinions and attitudes that all three stakeholders – students, hostinstitutions and educational institutions – share, indicates that traditional practicums, undertaken in aphysical workplace, are still a key component of an LIS education.

scholarly journals Mental healthcare services in Mauritius

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 64-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mridula S. Naga
Keyword(s):  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Capita Gross Domestic Product ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The World Bank ◽  
Local Dialect ◽  
The Indian Ocean ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Republic

The Republic of Mauritius is a group of islands in the south-west of the Indian Ocean, consisting of the main island of Mauritius, Rodrigues and several outer islands, situated 900 km to the east of Madagascar. It has a total land area of 2040 km2 and a population of around 1.2 million. Mauritius has a multiracial population whose origins can be traced mainly to Asia, Africa and Europe. English is the official language but French remains the most widely spoken, along with the local dialect, Creole, which is derived from French. Mauritius is classified as an upper middle income country in sub-Saharan Africa by the World Bank. It has a per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of US$13 200.

Internationalization of Library and Information Science Education in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

2020 ◽  
pp. 225-245
Author(s):  
Piotr Lapo ◽  
Gadobek Makhmudov ◽  
Marat Rakhmatullaev
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Soviet Union ◽  
Political Development ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Library Education ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Internationalization Of Education ◽  
Library And Information Education

Internationalization of education is of particular importance both for improving the quality of library and information education and for strengthening scientific, cultural, and political development in countries in Central Asia. The discussion in this chapter is divided into two parts: 1) library and information education in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as part of the Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union, which specifically provides an overview of the current policies of the higher education internationalization, current state of library development and library education, the challenges and recommendations for improvement; and 2) challenges and opportunities common in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan and a general conclusion internationalization of Library and information science education in these four countries.

Internationalization of Library and Information Science Education in Central Asia

2020 ◽  
pp. 207-224
Author(s):  
Piotr Lapo ◽  
Nurila Davletyarova
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Library Education ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Library Development ◽  
Higher Education Internationalization

In the Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) with the total population over 50 million people, there are more than 25 thousand libraries. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are two of the countries that made strides in economic reforms along with other areas of development, including the libraries. This chapter, which emphasizes the development of Library and Information Science education, provides an overview of the current policies of the higher education internationalization and the current state of library development and library education. From the current initiatives, challenges and opportunities are drawn, and a summary on similar internationalization practices are presented.

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