People use the words "profession" and "professional" in a multitude of ways. This article provides an extensive discussion about the idea of "profession." The author discusses how librarianship stacks up against the established professions and explores whether librarianship is considered as a profession. The author argues that librarianship is not…

Outlines theoretical and practical dimensions of the use of bibliometrics (i.e., the scientific study of recorded discourse) to enhance library school curricula. A proposal for a course at the master's level and future prospects for teaching bibliometrics are included. Twenty-six references and a course syllabus are appended. (EJS)

Examines the definitions of information science, the general development of information science education, and its present status in graduate library education in Canada, including specific lists of courses offered and a list of information science topics. (CWM)

Argues that the academic goals and commitment to interdisciplinary research as a rationale for the new University of Chicago Graduate Library School as described by Douglas Waples in "Library Quarterly" (1931) have yet to be fully achieved. It is concluded that a new graduate library school ought to be reinvented. (Author/EM)

Discusses the problem of how library education fits into higher education. The aspects of library education that are most compatible with academic rather than professional values are described, and organizational models of library education are defined that can respond to the problems noted. (EM)

This essay on education for special librarianship discusses need for dialog between library educators and special librarians, recruitment for library field and library education, library school faculty recruitment and curriculum design, and the education of special librarians. Ten references are included. (EJS)

Examines issues arising from recent controversy associated with American Library Association's (ALA) support of MLS degree as minimum requirement for professional employment. Highlights include ALA involvement in legal cases and viewpoints of ALA groups focusing on goals, constituency and handling of conflict versus nature of librarianship and its…

This paper presents some definitions and makes distinctions among the forms of field experience drawn from the literature, and surveys the goals of librarianship and library education in using field experience as an element in the library school curriculum at the master's level. Further, it explores learning theory for insights on the…

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has taken advantage of a unique and timely opportunity to build on core strengths in information studies and on complementary strengths elsewhere in the Graduate School of Education and Information Science (GSE&IS) and on campus to achieve an academic program that lies at the intellectual core…

This essay on the issue of qualifications for librarianship highlights debate over the Master of Library Science (MLS) as legitimate academic credential or minimum qualification, use of the MLS, change and new directions that are transforming field of librarianship, nonlibrarian specialists, and professional role and behavior. Ten sources are…

Discusses highlights of a survey undertaken to determine practitioner attitudes toward specific courses in the present M.L.S. program. Topics highlighted include training and/or education, elective courses suggested by respondents, professional competency, American Library Association and Office of Personnel Management viewpoints, and continuing…

Discusses the background, issues, and implications of Special Libraries Association participation in the accreditation process of graduate library and information science programs. The American Library Association's Committee on Accreditation Project's major recommendations are included and the Special Libraries Association's responses are…

Discusses six theories or explanations for the remarkable persistence of criticism of library schools: conservatism, backgrounds of library school deans and directors, library educators, importance of socialization in professional education, the library student personality, and attitudes toward librarianship. An anthology of 97 years of criticism…

Review of the history of education for special librarianship within library education reveals that 70 years of progress in special librarianship has had little impact on the traditional methods and philosophy of library education. Information resources management as a tool for special librarians should be integrated into future library education.…

Examines focal points for chronic tension between library educators and practitioners: changing programs and students, experience versus education in new personnel, criticism of practitioners, and accreditation. Comparison of library and information education with education for other professions and questions for commission on excellence in…