Challenges and problems of Library and Information Science Education in selected African countries

It is widely acknowledged that LIS schools in many developing countries are not keeping abreast of the rapidly changing digital environment and are facing new knowledge and skills demands from employers. In the period 2008-2012 INASP supported 12 curriculum review workshops in Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Zanzibar and Zimbabwe. Also, in November 2012 INASP commissioned 4 research reviews to gather more up-to-date information: (1) Assessment of LIS education in Ethiopia; (2) Investigation into the current state of LIS education in the East Africa region; (3) Tracer study of LIS education in Tanzania; (4) Empowering Library Association leaders in quality assessment for LIS education; (5) Assessment of the changing needs of information professionals in Zimbabwe. This paper summarises the main findings. Curriculum development and support is an activity which INASP intends to intensify. These reviews will inform our future work. Not only will we continue to offer support for curriculum revision but also training in curriculum delivery with a view to improving pedagogical skills, identifying where LIS staff need new knowledge, and offering appropriate training opportunities. We also hope to encourage the formation of a network/consortium of LIS schools across partner countries to work collaboratively in areas such as teaching, research, staff and student exchanges, workshops, curriculum development and distance teaching