How to Train Your Librarian: The Inclusion of Pedagogy and Learning Theory in LIS Degrees

Librarians are regularly required to develop and deliver innovative, engaging, and pedagogically sound workshops, classes and training sessions for patrons and colleagues, however teaching theory and pedagogy are not currently a core area in most LIS degrees. This paper reviews the inclusion of pedagogy and learning theory subjects in accredited LIS degrees in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada and the USA. We find that there is a relationship between explicit mention of pedagogy in professional accreditation documents and the presence of related subjects in LIS degrees, however, the majority of these subjects are electives. We suggest that in order to better support the teaching roles of librarians, educational subjects should be made core to all LIS degree structures, and that more explicit inclusion of pedagogy in accreditation documents is required.