The transformation of library education in Australia

Abstract

This qualitative interview study reports on the views a sample of Australian library educators holds about the broadening of library education to include programs for information professions other than librarianship. Five themes emerged from their discussion of the issue: the definition of and boundaries of librarianship, the desirability or non-desirability of moving to more broadly based programs, the reasons for the broadening process, obstacles to be encountered and the impact of the process on librarianship. It was found also that respondents could be placed in one of two groups based on their responses: the Conservers stress the importance of graphic records as a core concept and show little enthusiasm for expanding the boundaries of library education; the Expansionists see expansion into other information areas as highly desirable, are interested in information and information technology and emphasize the opportunities to be gained by expansion.