Education for Librarians

In Singapore, the Master of Science in Information Studies programme is offered by the Nanyang Technological University. It is seen as a professional qualification for information professionals working in libraries and information centres. This programme builds skills across the breadth of the information studies field and provides opportunities for students to take courses in either Library Science or Information Analytics.

The LIS education system in Suriname is irregular. Training is provided when needed. Over the years more than seven library training programmes were organized by several institutions:

• Diploma Training "Library Assistant" offered three times the Foundation Cultural Center Suriname, one time by the Foundation Documentary Information programs Suriname (DIOS), and one time by the Foundation National Database Suriname (this last training was sponsored by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Suriname).
• Diploma Training Postgraduate "Library Assistant" offered once  at the Foundation Cultural Center Suriname.
• Diploma Training "Library Management" (once) at the Foundation DIOS.
• Diploma Training "Information Specialist" at the Foundation National Database Suriname in collaboration with GO Training, school for information in the Netherlands. This training was sponsored by the Twinning Facility Suriname;
• At present,  the newly established Library School Suriname offers two library programs: "Library Assistant" and "Library Manager".

The library and information science teaching system in the country includes:

• Al Wasl University offers a Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science.
• Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute (ADVETI) offers Library and Information Services Diploma.
• The University of Sharjah offers Library and Information Systems Diploma.
• The British University in Dubai (BUiD) offers a Postgraduate degree in Informatics (Data and Knowledge Management).
• Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers a bachelor's study program in document management and archival sciences.
• University of Sharjah offers electronic documentation and archiving diploma.

The UK is home to 15 providers of Library and Information Science training and education, which are accredited by CILIP against an agreed set of quality standards and guidelines. A full list of these accredited courses is available via the link below, but examples include City University of London, University College London, Colleg Llandrillo (Wales), University of Glasgow and Ulster University.   Generally, LIS instruction in the UK is post-graduate (although some under-graduate training is also available) and offered via a combination of campus-based and distance learning. An increasing proportion of LIS students are from outside the UK.

To support the growth and development of the library sector, Uzbekistan has established several educational institutions dedicated to training future librarians. The State Institute of Art and Culture and the Tashkent University of Information Technologies (TUIT) are the main institutions offering programmes in Information and Library Systems. However, the education and training of librarians face several challenges. The current higher‑education curriculum is outdated, and specialised training programmes do not fully meet modern professional requirements. As a result, more than 70% of library staff do not have a formal background in librarianship, which affects the overall quality of library services. High staff turnover, driven by low salaries, also remains a problem. In addition, electronic catalogues—including consolidated catalogues—and electronic libraries often fall short of international standards. There is a clear need to develop a system for assessing the qualifications and competencies of library staff. Such a system should meet both national information‑service requirements and international standards, helping to strengthen the country’s information infrastructure and expand international cooperation. Currently, only six higher‑education institutions offer appropriate programmes for training future library professionals. Tashkent University of Information Technologies (TUIT), one of the country’s leading universities, has a Department of Information and Library Systems where around 60 full‑time students, 6 master’s students, and 4 postdoctoral researchers are enrolled. The university also has regional branches in Fergana and Nukus, where around 85 students study in this field.   The Republican Information‑Library Centre conducts training sessions both in traditional and distance‑learning formats. The Centre includes a Model Automated Library, created as a training platform for information‑library specialists using RFID technologies. This enables participants in professional development courses to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice. The Model Library is equipped with modern tools such as RFID tags, programming devices, inventory scanners, self‑service machines for borrowing and returning books, and a security system, all integrated with the IRBIS information‑library system. The Centre also has specialised scanners for digitising library collections and an electronic reading room connected to major international scientific databases (including EBSCO, Springer, and Wiley), providing researchers with access to valuable resources. The Centre can accommodate up to 100 specialists at a time. It includes a 35‑seat conference hall, two theoretical classrooms with 20 seats each, and computer rooms with 25 seats. Upon successful completion of the courses, participants receive a certificate issued by the Centre for Quality Control in Education. From 22 April to 12 July 2024, training programmes under the theme “Fundamentals of Information‑Library Activity Management” were delivered, forming eight groups. During this period, 183 heads of information‑library centres and staff members completed professional development training.

Zambia has four training institution providing LIS programmes. These include University of Zambia providing BA, MA and Phd programmes in LIS. Barotseland University provides a BA programme in LIS. Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce provides Certificate and Diploma programmes in LIS. Zambia ICT College provides a Certificate programme in LIS.

There are a number of library schools in Zimbabwe that offer courses in librarianship. The library schools include: Bulawayo Polytechnic, Gweru Polytechnic, Harare Polytechnic, Kushinga Phikelela Polytechnic, Mutare Polytechnic, National University of Science and Technology, and Zimbabwe Open University. A person with five 'O' level subjects may start studying for a National Certificate (1 year) in Library Management and Information Science and pursue a National Diploma (3 years including attachment year) and then study for a Higher National Diploma (1 year). A person with a Higher National Diploma may apply to study for a Bachelor of Science Honours in Library and Information Science (2 Years) at the Zimbabwe Open University. The National University of Science and Technology offers a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Library and Information Science (BSc. Hon. LIS) (4 Years); a Master of Science Degree in Library and Information Science (MSc LIS) (2 Years) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Science (PDLIS).