Core and More: Examining Foundational and Specialized Content in Library and Information Science

• DOI: 10.3138/jelis.60.1.2018-0034
• Publication Date: 2019-01-25T17:03:08Z
• Authors: Laura Saunders
• Keywords: 4. Education; 05 social sciences; 0509 other social sciences

A master’s degree from an ALA-accredited institution can prepare graduates for a wide range of job functions and career paths, but the variety of jobs raises some questions about how LIS programs are meeting the wide range and evolving needs of employers in order to best prepare students for professional positions. What knowledge, skills, and aptitudes (KSAs) are necessary for practitioners? What are common competencies and foundational areas of knowledge that apply across information settings and job functions, and which skills and competencies are specialized enough to be relevant only to certain positions? This study reports on the results of a nationwide survey of over 2,000 practicing information professionals and LIS faculty who were asked to rate 53 skills and competencies as core or specialized. The findings identified 11 core KSAs but also suggest that areas of emphasis vary by type of information setting. The findings have implications for LIS programs and faculty.