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 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…

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…

The challenges to education for librarianship and information science are numerous and great: technology, research, expanding curricula to address problems of special constituencies, and recruiting committed individuals. Changes are occurring rapidly, and practitioners and educators must work together to ensure the challenges are met. Thirteen…