Analysis of courses and modules: education for digital librarianship

Abstract

The number of courses on digital libraries taught in schools of library and information science (LIS) in the U.S. has more than doubled in the past four years. As the digital library community has grown, the importance of the contributions of library science principles has been recognized. The need for restructuring library and information science education programs to support the need for digital librarians is recognized. Yet, it appears we do not know much about what skills are needed for professionals who work as digital librarians. This paper examines the curricular trends for digital librarianship and analyzes the skills seen as desirable for librarians to have as they expand services and resources to electronic sources in the digital age. The paper also reviews current research and programs relating to competencies and guidelines for digital librarianship in the future.