In the context of an evolving digitally-oriented library and/or information science (LIS) discipline and framed by Andrew Abbott's Chaos of Disciplines theory, this article presents an epistemological overview of evolving competency requirements for a global digital information environment and the implications of this for future LIS education. In…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify and highlight the key constructs of an enabling policy environment and their probable impact on development and implementation of recognition of prior learning (RPL) process in higher education and training in South Africa with reference to library and information science (LIS) field.…

This article reviews the literature on trends and practices of recognition of prior learning (RPL) in Africa and internationally with specific reference to some of the key elements of the RPL system, including; purpose; assessment methods; quality assurance; and legislative and regulatory frameworks. In addition, a theoretical foundation of RPL is…

The Freedom Charter of the African National Congress (ANC), the triumphant South African liberation movement, proclaims that "the doors of learning shall be open" for all. Twenty years since coming to power, the doors of the universities are struggling to stay open for adult student-workers. An action research project into implementation…

This paper presents a comparison of first-level LIS education and training between South Africa and Canada, and based on this comparative description, qualitative identification of similarities and differences are made to highlight strengths and weaknesses in each case. The paper concludes that while similarities exist, the differences stem…

This study of the role and value of fieldwork in education for library and information science used questionnaires, logbooks, and interviews to assess attitudes toward and learning during fieldwork programs at two South African universities. Findings related to learning are reported, and recommendations for the design of a fieldwork program are…

This directory of 14 units at universities offering programs in librarianship and information science and their professional personnel provides a descriptive overview of the extent and variety of training in these fields available in South Africa in 1979. It includes, in separate sections, a directory of institutions; information about…

This issue includes nine articles that address the problems of library services for off-campus higher education programs. Highlights include guidelines versus standards for library services; accreditation expectations; five program models; distance learning for library education; the public library role; and programs in Canada, the United Kingdom,…

A case study of library science students enrolled in fieldwork programs through South African universities analyzed the positive and negative effects of the socialization that such programs provide. Recommendations are made to counter the negative effects experienced by some students, such as dissonance of values. (25 references) (LAE)

Assesses continuing education programs and initiatives in library and information service (LIS) in South Africa. Reviews how apartheid left educational institutions unevenly developed and argues that despite the availability of programs to most LIS personnel, those not belonging to professional organizations and those from previously disadvantaged…

The background of online information retrieval at the Institute for Medical Literature (IML), South Africa's center for providing such services to the country's biomedical community, is briefly sketched as an introduction to this description of IML's program to train medical librarians in online searching techniques. Materials used in the training…

Compares libraries at three historically disadvantaged universities (University of the Western Cape, University of Durban-Westville, University of Fort Hare), three historically white universities (University of Cape Town and the University of Natal in Durban and in Pietermaritzburg), and the University of Botswana. Discusses the legacy of…

Literature on general education in higher education generally and in library and/or information science education and training specifically, is reviewed. Drawing from this review and from the findings of an empirical study conducted in South Africa, this article discusses curriculum development in LIS education and training in both the university…

A collection of nine commissioned papers, one each from Scotland and South Africa and eight from Australia, address provisions for and problems with distance education for librarianship. Components and applications of directed private study in Scotland and the development, educational philosophy, methods, problems, and standards of correspondence…

All facets of library services activities are reported. Each of thirteen regional libraries is represented by brief individual reports. Statistics of library services activities are given in tabular form. (NH)