South African Library and Information Science (LIS) Students’ Perceptions, Motivations and Reasons for Enrolling in the LIS Program

IF 0.8 4区 管理学 Q3 INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE
Talente Sibiya, M. Shongwe
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引用次数: 1

Abstract

Abstract Library and Information Science (LIS) has gone through many changes over the past two decades. These changes have had an impact on the youth who want to study LIS. Lack of knowledge about LIS and its career opportunities makes it difficult for young people to consider studying towards a LIS qualification. Literature reveals that most LIS students end up in the program accidentally and without knowledge of the content. This study investigated students’ perceptions regarding LIS, the reasons for enrolling, and motivating factors that make students study LIS. The study was informed by the Circumscription and Compromise theory. To answer the research questions, a survey was conducted in three LIS schools in South Africa. A questionnaire was sent to first and final year students, and 165 responded. The findings indicate that before they enrolled, many students had a slight idea of what LIS programs were and prepared them to be. The students’ decision to study LIS was mainly influenced by information brochures, followed by relatives, teachers, friends, and parents. Most of the students decided to study LIS when they were already accepted to enroll at university but did not choose LIS as their first-choice program of study. The availability of job opportunities and a stable LIS work environment are the main factors that motivated students to continue to study LIS. Students also indicated that they were satisfied with LIS and would recommend it to others to study. The study concludes that LIS is a compromise field of study because students did not initially want to study it. Interestingly, after enrolment, they became satisfied and motivated to continue with the program. Public awareness campaigns, especially in high schools, are encouraged to sensitize people about LIS.
南非图书馆和信息科学(LIS)学生参加LIS项目的感受、动机和原因
摘要图书情报学在过去的二十年里经历了许多变化。这些变化对想要学习LIS的年轻人产生了影响。由于缺乏对LIS及其职业机会的了解,年轻人很难考虑攻读LIS资格。文献显示,大多数LIS学生最终都是在不知情的情况下意外进入该项目的。本研究调查了学生对LIS的认知、入学原因以及促使学生学习LIS的激励因素。这项研究是根据回避和妥协理论进行的。为了回答研究问题,在南非的三所LIS学校进行了一项调查。向一年级和大四学生发送了一份调查问卷,共有165人回复。研究结果表明,在入学之前,许多学生对LIS项目有一点了解,并为他们做好了准备。学生学习LIS的决定主要受到信息手册的影响,其次是亲属、老师、朋友和家长。大多数学生在被大学录取后决定学习LIS,但没有选择LIS作为他们的首选学习项目。工作机会的可用性和稳定的LIS工作环境是激励学生继续学习LIS的主要因素。学生们还表示,他们对LIS感到满意,并将其推荐给其他人学习。该研究得出结论,LIS是一个折衷的研究领域,因为学生最初并不想学习它。有趣的是,在入学后,他们变得满意并有动力继续学习该项目。鼓励开展公众宣传运动,特别是在高中,提高人们对LIS的认识。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
1.70
自引率
0.00%
发文量
25
期刊介绍: Libri, International Journal of Libraries and Information Services, investigates the functions of libraries and information services from both a historical and present-day perspective and analyses the role of information in cultural, organizational, national and international developments. The periodical reports on current trends in librarianship worldwide and describes the transformation of libraries and information services resulting from the introduction of new information technologies and working methods. Background information and the latest research findings in librarianship and information science are made accessible to experts and a broader public. Articles are in English and conform to the highest academic standards.
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