This paper reports on research into how to introduce diversity across the library and information science (LIS) curriculum and best practices for its implementation online. An anonymous online questionnaire sent to instructors teaching both online and face-to-face courses gathered insights into their attitudes and practices through questions concerning two topics: how they think diversity should be represented and what techniques they believe work. The exploratory analysis of quantitative data (with select qualitative open-ended feedback) serves as the basis for development of a framework for action based on best practices taking into consideration the attitudes and perceptions that inform current practice. Future research will test that framework.
Abdullahi, I., and Kajberg, L. ( 2004) A study of international issues in library and information science education: Survey of LIS schools in Europe, the USA and Canada. New Library World, 105(1204/1205), 345-356.
2.
Allard, S., Mehra, B. and Qayyum, M.A. ( 2007) Intercultural leadership toolkit for librarians: Building awareness to effectively serve diverse multicultural populations. Education Libraries (Special Issue: Outreach to Minority Populations), 30(1), 5-12.
3.
Chen, T. and Chen, T. ( 2006) Examination of attitudes towards teaching online courses based on theory of reasoned action of University faculty in Taiwan. British Journal of Educational Technology, 37(5), 683-693.
4.
Dogra, N. and Karnik, N. ( 2003) First-year medical students’ attitudes toward diversity and its teaching: An investigation at one U.S. medical school. Academic Medicine, 78(11), 1191-1200.
5.
Harasim, L. ( 1987) Teaching and learning on-line: Issues in computer-mediated graduate courses. Canadian Journal of Educational Communication , 16(2), 117-135.
6.
Haythornthwaite, C., Bruce, B.C., Andrews, R., Kazmer, M.M., Montague, R. and Preston, C. ( 2007) New theories and models of and for online learning, First Monday, 12(8). Retrieved April 15, 2010, from http://www.uic.edu/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/1976/1851
7.
Kajberg, L. and Lørring, L. (eds). (2005) European Curriculum: Reflections on library and information science education. Copenhagen: The Royal School of Library and Information Science. Retrieved April 15, 2010 , from http://www.sis.utk.edu/about/diversityhttp://biblis.db.dk/uhtbin/hyperion.exe/db.leikaj05.
8.
Kazmer, M.M. ( 2007) How do student experiences differ in online LIS programs with and without a residency? Library Quarterly, 77(4), 359-383.
9.
Liu, Y. ( 2005) Impact of online instruction on teachers’ learning and attitudes toward technology integration. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education-TOJDE, 6(4), Article 7, 66-74.
10.
Marchesani, L.S. and Adams, M. ( 1992) Dynamics of diversity in the teaching-learning process: A faculty development model for analysis and action. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 52(Winter 1992), 9-20.
11.
Markey, K. ( 2004) Current educational trends in the information and library science curriculum. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, 45(4), 317-339.
12.
Mehra, B. ( 2010) Integrating LGBTIQ representations across the library and information science curriculum: A strategic framework for student-centered interventions. In E. Greenblatt (ed.) Serving LGBTIQ library and archives users: Essays on outreach, service, collections and access. Jefferson NC: MacFarland & Company, Inc.
13.
Mehra, B. ( 2008) The cross-cultural learning process of international doctoral students: A case study in library and information science education. Saarbrucken, Germany: Verlag Dr. Muller.
14.
Mehra, B., Allard, S., Qayyum, M.A., and Barclay-McLaughlin, G. (2008) Aquí y allá (here and there) information-based learning corridors between Tennessee and Puerto Rico: The five Golden Rules in intercultural education. Education for Information, 26(3), 151-168.
15.
Mehra, B. and Bishop, A.P. ( 2007) Cross-cultural perspectives of international doctoral students: Two-way learning in library and information science education. International Journal of Progressive Education, 3(1), 44-64.
16.
Rovai, A.P. and Jordan, H.M. ( 2004) Blended learning and sense of community: A comparative analysis with traditional and fully online graduate courses. The International review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 5(2). Retrieved April 15, 2010, from http:// www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/viewArticle/192/ 274.%20Accessed%2019th%20March%202006
17.
Roy, L. ( 2001) Diversity in the classroom: Incorporating service-learning experiences in the library and information science curriculum. Journal of Library Administration, 33(3&4), 213-228.
18.
Villar, L.M. ( 2006) Online faculty development and assessment system (OFDAS) . The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 17(3).
19.
Wilson, C. ( 2001) Faculty attitudes about distance learning: A study of distance learning in Kentucky’s higher education system revealed faculty willing to use the technology but needing more institutional support. Educause Quarterly, No. 2, 70-71.
