Prometheus revisited: library and information science education in an age of change

Resumo

This paper points to the major challenges arising from the emergence of the 'Information Society': information overload; the high level of skills required to take full advantage of the new Information and Communication Technologies; convergence in the information sector, in which information professionals face increasing competition with other professions for management positions; and funding the necessary investment. It considers the need for a broader range of knowledge and skills, a higher level of skills in teaching and facilitating the use of information; a greater ability to work with other people;·and a commitment to lifelong learning. It discusses some solutions adopted by British Schools of Librarianship to help students acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm, and some of the obstacles to development. Finally, it points to the dangers of inertia.