Project Information
Re-conceptualising and re-positioning Australian library and information science education for the twenty-first century is a research project funded by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) under its Priority Projects Program.
This project will investigate the key question of How can Australian library and information science (LIS) education produce, in a sustainable manner, the diverse supply of graduates with the appropriate attributes to develop and maintain high quality professional practice in the rapidly changing 21st century?
The project is framed around three areas of consideration which represent key stakeholder groups in library and information science education. These areas of consideration are students, employers and higher education.
Project Aim
The project's primary objective is to develop a Framework for the Education of the Information Professions in Australia. The purpose of the Framework is to:
- re-conceptualise the Australian LIS profession and its education and training for the twenty-first century
- provide guidance on how best to reposition and reshape Australian LIS education to ensure it remains dynamic, responsive and sustainable to the evolving information age in response to the ever changing marketplace demands of the twenty-first century
- provide evidence based strategic directions and recommendations
- establish a detailed action plan for implementation
Participating Institutions
The project is being undertaken by eleven institutions that represent the broad spectrum and diversity of university and vocational LIS education in Australia. Participating institutions include:
- Queensland University of Technology (Project Leader)
- Charles Sturt University
- Curtin University of Technology
- Edith Cowan University
- Monash University
- RMIT University
- University of Canberra
- University of South Australia
- University of Tasmania
- University of Technology Sydney
- Victoria University
Project Outcomes
This project will establish a consolidated and holistic picture of the Australian LIS profession and identify how future sustainable delivery of education and training for the profession can be achieved. The project aims to:
- Undertake a complete analysis of LIS education practices and issues in Australia and internationally
- Develop a Framework for the Education of the Information Professions in Australia that provides a set of strategic directions and recommendations for sustainable LIS education in Australia
- Formulate an action plan that outlines mechanisms through which the identified strategic directions and recommendations can be implemented
- Establish a LIS educator's community of practice initiative that will support and guide the future of LIS education in Australia, and will provide the opportunity to exchange innovative practice and to undertake collaborative ventures
- Host a one day forum to facilitate the sharing and dissemination of LIS education issues in Australia
- Establish and manage a project website to facilitate national and international sharing and discussion of issues relevant to the project
- Enhance the profile of the LIS profession, with LIS education regarded as a leading academic discipline that promotes best practice in higher education
- Position Australia as a national leader in LIS education
