Exploring LIS Curriculum

The practices of LIS educators provide agency and identity for developing LIS professionals. It is essential that LIS programs interrogate their curricula to best prepare emerging LIS professionals. The Curriculum SIG will present three projects that explore practices and curriculum for LIS training. Dr. Amanda Harrison, Dr. Rene Burress, Kelly Pryde, Dr. Cari Cusick, and Dr. Lauren Hays, will present “Teaching Accessibility in a Library and Information Science MLS program​.” LIS students must develop knowledge, skills, and awareness to create inclusive, accessible libraries (American Library Association, 2018; IFLA Standing Committee of Libraries Serving Disadvantaged Persons, 2005; Jaeger et al., 2013). Despite recognizing this need, surveys show minimal increases in ALA-accredited programs incorporating accessibility topics into core courses (Gibson, 1977; Walling, 2000). This study examines 2024–2025 syllabi and faculty interviews to assess how accessibility is taught in one MLS program. Researchers analyzed the pedagogical tools, techniques, and mindsets used to teach practical approaches to accessibility in libraries. The data was also examined to identify gaps. Preliminary findings will be presented, and a future scope and sequence for LIS curriculum development will be suggested. Dr. Fei Yu will present “Empowering Research Tracking, Evaluation, and Reporting in Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities: The Essential Role of Academic and Research Librarians.” This proposal highlights the challenges and information needs of research support staff and administrators in the Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (ASH) disciplines, emphasizing the critical role of librarians in addressing these needs through targeted services, tailored training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. We advocate for strategically developing LIS training programs to equip current and future librarians with essential skills, empowering them to effectively support research tracking, evaluation, and reporting processes, reinforcing their essential role within academic research institutions. Dr. Elizabeth Burns will present “The ALA Core Competences of Librarianship: Stories of Successful Integration.” How do LIS programs use the updated version of the Core Competences of Librarianship? The 2022 Core Competences of Librarianship were approved by the ALA Council after a multi-year revision process. These competences describe the knowledge, skills and abilities of a professional librarian. Two years post adoption it is a valuable time to explore the implementation of the ALA Core Competences of Librarianship. LIS programs must consider this document when developing and aligning their program curricula. This session will briefly introduce the Core Competences and then move into a discussion about the ways these newly revised competences can be considered by LIS program faculty. Specifically, speakers will share tangible examples of aligning the Core Competences with their program goals and learning outcomes.