IFLA

As of 22 April 2009 this website is 'frozen' in time — see the current IFLA websites

This old website and all of its content will stay on as archive – http://archive.ifla.org

IFLANET home - International Federation of Library Associations and InstitutionsActivities and ServicesSearchContacts


Education and Training Section

Strategic Plan
2008-2009

Mission

The Section Education and Training (SET) of IFLA aims to improve Library and Information Science (LIS) education and to strengthen the links between foundational education and continuing professional development for professional and paraprofessional library staff.

The Education and Training Section strives to support and enhance LIS education in all countries, especially in developing countries, by working with and encouraging discussion amongst all stakeholders, including LIS educators, employers, professional associations and accrediting bodies, thereby seeking to place LIS education and training on the agenda.

The Education and Training Section actively supports the Profession Pillar of IFLA to improve methods, technical means and standards through education and training. The activities of the Education and Training Section are therefore relevant to all Divisions and Sections of IFLA and therefore acts as an advisory body in matters concerned with LIS education and training.

Goals

1. Foster international cooperation and interchange of experience amongst educators and practitioners providing foundation and continuing library and information science education programs.

(Professional Priorities: (h) Developing Library Professionals)

Actions

1.1 To develop a program of activity that encourages a high level of interest and collaboration amongst the members of the Section. [This then feeds into the subsequent goals.]

2. Uphold, strengthen and harmonise the academic and professional status of LIS staff through internationally recognised qualifications for LIS positions.

(Professional Priorities: (h) Developing Library Professionals)

Actions

2.1 Review the Guidelines for Professional Library /Information Educational Programmes 2000 (3rd revised draft 2003) to determine their currency and relevancy for LIS education and professional development in the dynamic information environment.

2.2 Maintain the online database on quality assurance in LIS education programs and publish it on the SET website.

2.3 Develop international criteria for quality assurance of LIS education programs.

3. Maintain a current directory of world-wide LIS educational programs, including continuing education and national LIS standards

(Professional Priorities: (h) Developing Library Professionals)

Actions

3.1 Develop strategies to update the World Guide to Library, Archive, and Information Science Education to ensure accuracy and currency of information on LIS education programs.

3.2 Transfer key elements of the print version of the World Guide to Library, Archive, and Information Science Education to an electronic database that is published on the SET website to disseminate the information more widely. The database should include the programs of library and information professional training that are delivered on campus and by open and distance education and that have state or public certification, together with relevant national LIS educational standards.

4. Foster the multicultural principles of IFLA

(Professional Priorities: (h) Developing Library Professionals)

Actions

4.1 Explore ways to have corresponding members of the section from cultures and countries not represented on the Standing Committee to become more active through more regular communications with the Section. (In the past we have not been successful in establishing communications with our corresponding members thus limiting our ability to have as much cultural diversity on ETS that might be desired.)

5. Disseminate information on innovative curriculum development and creative teaching methodologies and materials

(Professional Priorities: (h) Developing Library Professionals)

Actions

5.1 Newsletter: Issue a newsletter twice a year in print and electronic format. The focus of the newsletter will be emerging issues in library and information science education, including curriculum development and teaching methodologies and materials on literacy and digital librarianship.

5.2 Produce workshops and programs at IFLA conferences on curriculum development and creative teaching methodologies and materials and disseminate the content of these programs in the Newsletter to the membership of the section.

6. Establish new professional guidelines to encourage the incorporation of new knowledge, skills and competencies in traditional and open and distance LIS education programs

(Professional Priorities: (h) Developing Library Professionals); (i) Promoting Standards, Guidelines and Best Practices)

Actions

6.1 Review and revise the Guidelines for Professional Library /Information Educational Programmes 2000 (3rd revised draft 2003) to determine their currency and relevancy in the dynamic environment of LIS education. Specific attention should be made to the core knowledge and skills, the minimum educational requirements, the levels of teaching staff and quality assurance.

6.2 Continue sponsorship of E-Learning discussion group.

7. Encourage and support the development of conference programs that develop the understanding of all stakeholders in foundational education and continuing professional development for professional and paraprofessional library staff.

(Professional Priorities: (h) Developing Library Professionals)

Actions

7.1 Establish planning committees and develop programs for forthcoming conferences, drawing on opportunities for collaboration with other Sections:

  • Quebec 2008: focus on paraprofessional education programs
  • Milan 2009: focus on cultural heritage
  • Brisbane 2010

8. Foster a culture of LIS research in foundation and continuing education programs

(Professional Priorities: (h) Developing Library Professionals)

Actions

8.1 Collaborate with the Section on Library Theory and Research to strengthen the interest in the role of the LIS educator in research.

8.2 Encourage a stronger awareness amongst stakeholders about the need for and value of studies in research methodologies in LIS courses.

9. Establish an annual LIS Student Award to attend the IFLA World Library and Information Congress, managed by the SET.

(Professional Priorities: (h) Developing Library Professionals)

Actions

9.1 Develop the proposal and guidelines for an LIS Student Award to be submitted for approval by IFLA.

10. Increase membership of the SET

(Professional Priorities: (h) Developing Library Professionals)

Actions

10.1 Develop a recruitment strategy to attract more LIS schools to become members of SET.

10.2 Arrange for the SET Membership brochure to be translated into Italian to increase awareness and membership of the SET in Italy.