The electronic library and the future function and training of librarians

Abstract

In my paper I argue that as college and university libraries, and their concomitant systems of networked information resource instruction, become an intrinsic part of a pervasive electronic community, librarians must play a greatly increased role in the teaching process. Indeed, opportunities for library instruction are augmenting dramatically and the conventional procedural-focused approach to teaching clearly no longer suffices. However, it is a major contention of my paper that though library schools, the vast majority of whose MLS programs are of only one year duration, are facing the challenge of preparing librarians to utilize the technological and electronic tools of the modern library, they are inadequately training them in the complexities of teaching such tools. Certainly, only a few library schools currently offer even one full course in the various elements of pedagogy. Consequently, I propose the creation of MLS programs where all MLS students study educational psychology as well as the philosophy, principles, and methodology of teaching. I also recommend that all MLS programs last two years to ensure that library school students can study in breadth and in depth as a year-long elective the pedagogy that I am proposing.