Alumni of the Faculty of Communication: career Opportunities of Library and Information Science Graduates

Abstract

Library studies have long traditions in Vilnius University. In 1991, when the Faculty of Communication was created, it meant a new stage of library studies within communicational paradigm. Since then, the number of library and information studies (LIS) graduates reached almost 1000. It is believed that LIS professionals, who graduated Vilnius University, not necessary start their employment in libraries; they also might successfully apply their knowledge and skills on other spheres like journalism, public information, administration and other. However, till 2009 there was no systematically collected information on their careers, job positions, and payment levels. Purpose of this paper is to present first attempt to survey of LIS graduates career experiences in Lithuania. Research project was carried out in 2009 as a bachelor project by one of the authors and was aimed at looking into career trends and experiences of Vilnius University Library and Information Science Institute LIS graduates during 1992-2008. During data collection 318 out of 901 graduated persons responded to the questionnaire. In order to avoid geographical and work place bounds, survey was conducted through web-based questionnaire. Lithuanian survey was build upon the experience and findings of similar LIS career research projects undertaken in USA, Pakistan and Canada. This paper might be interesting to lecturers for improving study program and process; to former and future students for strengthening their motivation and knowledge about possible career opportunities; potential employers for understanding the opportunities of LIS students; and a wider academic community.