Education for Librarians

A degree in Library and Information Science (LIS) can be obtained through an accredited programme at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels at institutions and universities that offer studies in the field of culture. There are three universities and institutes offering LIS education. However, they are relatively limited in their educational scope and experience insufficient support. Among the prominent educational institutions offering specialised programs are the Department of Information and Knowledge Technologies at Mustansiriyah University, the Department of Information and Library Technologies at the University of Mosul, and the Department of Libraries and Information at the University of Basrah.   Nevertheless, in practice, there remains a pressing need for broader support and development in this sector. This is done via some institutions, see the section 'Library support organisations' for more information.

Bar Ilan University's Department of Information Science offers three degree programs: BA, MIS, PhD and is the only department in Israel that is a member of the international organization iSchools. The University of Haifa's Department of Information and Knowledge Management offers a MA program, and its Library and Information Studies Program offers a Post-Graduate Diploma in Librarianship. David Yellin Academic College offers a M.Ed program in Information and Library Science in Educational Systems, Oranim Academic College offer a course in Library and Information Science aimed primarily at teachers, the Western Galilee Academic College offers a librarianship course as part of their Multi-Disciplinary BA program.The Technion's Further Studies' Unit in Tel Aviv, and the Open University's External Studies' School for Managers both offer professional courses on library management.

In the academic year 2022, there were 193 universities offering librarian training courses consisting of more than 13 subjects. This includes 152 universities offering four-year programme and 41 junior colleges. During summer time between July and September, 5 universities offer short courses for librarians' training. According to the 2005 LIPER project, Library and Information Science Education Curriculum in Universities consist of eight core areas - Library and Information Science Fundamentals, Information Users, Information Resources Organization, Information Media, Information Services, Information Systems, Business Management, and Digital Information. Education in these core areas is available at the undergraduate level, and then further studying in individual information fields and information professional fields are available at the graduate level.

The University of Latvia Faculty of Social Sciences hosts the Department of Information and Library Studies which offers bachelor studies in information management and master’s degree studies in library and information science. The Latvian Culture College offers professional higher education study programme “Library Science and Information”. After graduation students receive diploma of 1st level professional higher education and obtain the qualification of Library Information Specialist. The National Library of Latvia, which has a status of institution of professional continuing education and professional development for adults, provides professional continuing education study programme for librarians. After graduation students receive qualification of Librarian (3rd level professional qualification level).

There are four universities in Malaysia that provide LIS educatio:

• Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) : Bachelor, Masters and PhD in Information Science and Library  Management
• Univeristi Malaya (UM): Masters and PhD in Library and Information Science
• Univeristi Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (IIUM) : Masters and PhD in Library and Information Science
• Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia  (USIM) : Bachelor, Masters and PhD in Library and Information Science

The Department of Information and Communication Studies at the University of Namibia is producing the Librarians and Archivists with the BA Honours Degree in Library and Information Studies and a Higher Diploma in Library and Information Studies.

Tribhuvan University Department of Library and Information Science has been running a Master programme in Library and Information Science (MLIS), a full-time academic course of 2 years duration. The department has also been running PhD course in Library and Information Science.  The Nepal Government owned body Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) has developed a curriculum of 3 Months (390 hrs) training program in para-professional librarianship. The CTEVT authorizes the eligible training institutes to run the training programme in Basic Library Management as per its curriculum. After the training all the trainees must sit in the skill test run by the CTEVT itself. The trainees who pass the skills test get a certificate and are considered as skilled workforce to compete in the employment examination of the Government.

The full-time courses have been discontinued or merged with other courses in ICT, business administration and management into "broad" bachelors and masters. At present, there are only hands-on training and retraining activities available for the entire information field, ranging from a 1-day workshop to a course of several months at all levels. Some courses are also taught in English and Spanish.

The Library and Information Science major in Korea is offered by both universities and colleges. The Library and Information Science major in Korea is offered by both universities and colleges. It also includes master's and doctoral programs. There is an educational institution designated by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.  Universities / colleges with Library and Information Science: 37, Educational Institutions designated by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism: 3 schools.

The State University of Moldova provides studies in Librarianship, Information and Archiving. During past five decades the school has undergone a series of changes, reflected in its change of name: from the School of Librarianship and Bibliography, to the School of Library Science and Information Assistance, to its present inclusion in the Department of Communications. Currently, the following specializations are included in the bachelor's degree program: librarianship, information assistance, and archives; IT and communications; and information and sociocultural services. Master's degree studies offer specializations in digital libraries and information services, and the management of information institutions. The MSU program focuses on developing competencies in cataloging, data analysis, communications, information literacy, needs assessment, and the use of the internet and other ICTs. The master's-level programs are of two types: research-based and professional-based.

One can obtain LIS degree from a specialized institution after completing a vocational school, or enter a certified undergraduate and graduate level program at institutes and universities offering studies in culture. There are more than 20 institutes and universities offering LIS education.

Currently, there are no institutions in Saint Lucia providing professional education and/or training programmes in the LIS sector. Up to the mid-2000's, the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College did offer Library Technical Assistant Program, but it is not available anymore. Those seeking professional qualification must travel out of the country to regional (e.g. University of the West Indies) or international schools that provide the training or enrol in on-line courses.