Collaboration among Library and Information Science Educators in West Africa: Benefits, Challenges and Opportunities

Collaboration as a phenomenon is germane to educational success. This is because it creates a platform for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and skills. This study is concentrated on collaboration among library and information professionals in West Africa. It established perception of LIS Educators in West Africa about collaboration, identified areas of collaboration and the extent of LIS Educators engagement in it. The levels of collaboration (whether institutional, local, national or cross-national) among LIS Educators in West Africa, the benefits associated with collaboration as well as factors militating against collaboration among them were found out. The study concluded by recommending among others that LIS Educators should develop and maintain positive disposition and attitudes towards collaboration. Those who are presently having problems with where and how to connect with collaborators especially at the international levels should join and participate in professional social media networks such as; LinkedIn, ResearchGate, Academia.org, etc

协作作为一种现象，与教育成效息息相关。究其根源，协作能够搭建思想、知识与技能的交流平台。本研究聚焦西非地区图书情报从业者之间的协作行为，旨在明确西非地区图书情报学（Library and Information Science, LIS）教育工作者对协作的认知，梳理协作的开展领域，并考察其参与协作的程度；同时探明了西非地区图书情报学教育工作者的协作层级（涵盖机构内、地区内、国家内及跨国协作）、协作带来的收益，以及制约其开展协作的各类因素。研究最后提出多项建议，其中包括：图书情报学教育工作者应树立并保持对协作的积极倾向与态度；对于目前在寻找协作伙伴尤其是国际协作伙伴方面存在困难的人员，应当加入并积极参与专业社交媒体平台，如领英（LinkedIn）、ResearchGate、Academia.org等。