Teaching the teachers: comparing MLIS curricula to entry-level job descriptions

Note: This poster presentation is about work in progress for the presenter's MLA RTI project and does not have final results.

Objectives: The presenter entered the RTI program curious about the relationship between MLIS curricula and required skills in entry level jobs. Throughput the RTI program, this was narrowed down to two questions: Are MLIS programs adequately preparing graduates for the academic librarian job market, particularly in regards to skills and knowledge around teaching? Are MLIS programs’ curricula reflective of skills and experience expected in practice?

Methods: The presenter conducted a multifaceted and interdisciplinary literature review to find appropriate theoretical frameworks and design the project. The course catalogs for all ALA accredited MLIS programs were collected and analyzed using structured content analysis. Due to the pandemic disrupting the frequency of job postings, this part of the project was delayed and is being redesigned.

Results: The presenter will share preliminary data from evaluating the course catalogs of all currently ALA accredited MLIS programs.

Conclusions: TBD pending completion of the second part of the data collection and analysis.