Library And Information Science Curriculum And Entrepreneurial Advancement For Sustainable Economic Development

Journal of Education, Vol. 9, No. 2

Abstract

This paper examined the Library and Information Science (LIS) curriculum as it promotes entrepreneurial advancement for a sustainable economy development in Nigeria. The study reviewed related literature on LIS curriculum and how it provides practical trainings, entrepreneurial skills and competence on various areas of specializations in LIS. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Fifty-two final year students of Library and Information Science constituted the population for the study. The 52 final year students were purposively used as sample for the study. A questionnaire titled "Library and Information Science Curriculum and Entrepreneurial Advancement Questionnaire" and University of Uyo bachelor of LIS programme handbook were used to collect data. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentages. The finding revealed that LIS curriculum has a lot in stock for entrepreneurial advancement but only a little is reflected on the curriculum to actually train students on competence and skills for entrepreneurial librarianship. The findings also revealed that students are fairly aware of the various areas of specialization in LIS but knew only a little on the various entrepreneurial opportunities in the area of specialization. It was concluded that Library and
information science curriculum can aid librarianship entrepreneurial advancement if required entrepreneurial courses are included in the curriculum and same taught to the LIS students. Based on the conclusion, it was recommended that LIS curriculum should include courses in the various areas of specialization and entrepreneurial librarianship. Also recommended was that LIS undergraduates
should be exposed to undergo  practicum at various LIS entrepreneurial outlets.