Library and information science education in Morocco: observations on a recent visit to the “Ecole des Sciences de l'Information” and the “Centre National de Documentation” in Rabat

Abstract

The contribution of the Centre National de Documentation (CND) and the Ecole des Sciences de l'Information (ESI) in Rabat to the development of library and information services and the education of a professional workforce in Morocco is reviewed. The work of both institutions has to be seen in the context of national economic and social development planning in Morocco, with particular reference to the development of education and encouragement of science and technology research. Since the first national development plan of 1973–1977 much emphasis has been placed on the expansion of education at all levels and on vocational and professional education in particular. The CND's role in document collection and indexing, its publication of numerous indexes and bibliographies and its role in the development of a national information network are highlighted. ESI's three-year undergraduate programme for “informatistes” and its two-year postgraduate programme for “informatistes specialisés” are described. While the undergraduate programme has expanded beyond projected numbers, the postgraduate programme has not yet achieved the numbers estimated as necessary by CND. As funding from outside bodies decreases, efforts are being made to expand staff development and research, including an agreement with the Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

[French, German, and Spanish translations can be found on pp. 75–77].