Job requirements and challenges of LIS graduates in public libraries in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
This dissertation investigates job requirements and challenges of Library and Information Studies (LIS) graduates in public libraries. It is of paramount importance that a workplace recruits a workforce with requisite competencies to offer professional services. Having requisite competencies/employability skills help in keeping with the demands and challenges of the unfolding knowledge society whilst meeting the mission of the library and information services respectively. This study is aimed at investigating required competencies from LIS graduates by public libraries. The study emanates from skills gap, which is a concern to most public libraries. Skills gap relates to candidates with inappropriately skills that were placed in professional positions in some public libraries. It is also noted that drastic changes in the entire LIS market have constituted a daunting challenge, which eventually demands the revision and re-orientation of LIS curricula. Curricula revision and re-orientation is a process that cannot be achieved overnight. To understand the nature of required competencies for workforce in public libraries, the following objectives were set and investigated: to determine the job functions and requirements of the public libraries, to find out the perceptions of employers and LIS graduates on job requirements of the sector, to find out the perceptions of employers and LIS graduates about the LIS curriculum and to determine the challenges facing LIS graduates regarding their functions/duties in the work place. Post-positivism paradigm was employed through triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies in data collection and analysis. Content analysis and survey as research methods/designs were employed. The study collected secondary data from four (4) newspapers (Sunday Times, Ilanga, Mail and Guardian and Sunday Tribune) covering a three- year period (from January 2015 to December 2017) of job advertisements. This data was collected through qualitative and quantitative content analyses. Primary data was gathered from assistant directors and LIS graduates. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with assistant directors. Structured questionnaires were administered to LIS graduates. The data collected was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using themes, subheadings, graphics and statistics. Most advertised jobs (50%) required Grade 12, which is not a professional LIS qualification. Majority (85%) of the jobs required job experience of 1-3 years. There seem to be a knowledge gap in terms of cataloguing and classification as well as technical knowledge. v There is strong demand for generic skills, particularly computer literacy and communication skills. There is still need for new skills (51%). There seem to be no balance between theory and practice (70%). There is need for curriculum review. Employed LIS graduates face several challenges which include inadequate knowledge and skills, especially in cataloguing and classification, and information communication technologies. More practical exposure and on -job training are highly recommended. There is a strong need for development and promotion of continuing education through short courses and workshops to fill the knowledge and skill gaps. Regular curriculum review is essential to meet the rapidly changing information access and user needs. Experiential learning period should be extended and voluntary service learning needs to be encouraged. Employment of staff without tertiary qualification in LIS in public libraries requires review by Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) and other stakeholders. The originality of this study emanates from its scope, subject matter and the application. The study is significant for providing theoretical background for the development of research in the following domains: public libraries, LIS curriculum and LIS graduates/professionals.
Library and Information Education, LIS graduates
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