Information Science Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: Present Practices and Future Possibilities
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Date
1997-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This thesis examines the trends in information science education being offered at master's
degree level within Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa, with a view to identifying its current
status, core competencies shared in common, problems, and implications, and to draw
suitable recommendations for its improvement. Analysis of the master's programmers being
offered in the selected schools in the US and UK was done to identify the situation in the
"Developed World".
A survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires, interviews and informal
discussions. Respondents included the Deans of schools of LIS , SISA graduates from 1990
to 1996, and experts in the field. Analysis of the survey findings was based on the Unesco
Modular Curriculum for Information Studies, with special emphasis on Information
Science
Findings reveal that (1) information science as an academic discipline is relatively new in
SSA, and almost exclusively offered in library schools except ARC IS and SIS A
programmers; (2) the size of information scientists is very small; (3) there's a general lack
of highly qualified faculty; (4) small level of IT in the curricula; (5) limited laboratory and
bibliographic facilities; (6) lack of standards for accreditation; (7) inadequate funding; and
(8) lack of alumni association, and academic links. Due to the differences in the levels of
development, the situation in the US and UK was comparatively better. The overall pattern
of the courses, their durations, and admission requirements share many features in all
programmers
. SISA program has been recognized as very strong, more IT oriented, and relevant to
LIS employment and market demands. Career developments of SISA graduates seem to
be excellent, and career prospects for information scientists are promising within
governmental, private, and international organizations.
Future possibilities and recommendations focus on active service and unity of purpose
among LIS schools, professional associations, professionals in the field , and the user
community. Recognition of information as a vital resource for socio-economic
development, by the governments and the private sector, is paramount to the future of
information science education in SSA. The need for the curricula to reflect and remain
responsive to the developments in the "Information Age" has been underscored. Profiles
of information scientists and schools of information science in SSA have been developed
to facilitate the invisible college.
This study, as is expected, would help Library and Information Science Schools in SSA
improve their academic programmers, build cooperation among schools and their products
thereby building and strengthening a strong community of information professionals in the
region
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Keywords
Information Science