Disturbingly Weak: The Current State of Financial Management Education in Library and Information Science Curricula.
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| Title: | Disturbingly Weak: The Current State of Financial Management Education in Library and Information Science Curricula. |
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| Authors: | Burger, Robert H.1 rburger@illinois.edu, Kaufman, Paula T.2 ptk@illinois.edu, Atkinson, Amy L.3 alatkins@illinois.edu |
| Source: | Journal of Education for Library & Information Science. Jul2015, Vol. 56 Issue 3, p190-197. 8p. 2 Graphs. |
| Subject Terms: | *Information science education, *Library administration, *Financial management, *Educational accountability, Financial literacy |
| Abstract: | Financial management skills are necessary for responsible library management. In light of the profession's current emphasis on financial literacy, the authors posed four questions: (1) to what extent are library and information science schools providing courses in financial management for their graduates; (2) what is the quality and quantity of library financial management textbooks available for current librarians and librarians in training; (3) to what extent are there sufficient library continuing education venues available in North America to provide this training; and (4) does any evidence exist to show that librarians with library financial management responsibilities are well-trained enough to manage library finances competently and effectively? This study attempts to answer the first question. The authors examined the curricula of all American Library Association (ALA) English-language accredited library schools in North America to determine the extent to which financial management skills are taught. The results are worrying. Although many accredited Library and Information Science (LIS) programs require a general library management course for program completion, only a small percentage of these courses offered even a brief focus on financial management. The authors conclude by encouraging professional organizations and graduate library schools to enhance their menus of educational programs. The profession must provide the skills and support necessary to ensure the profession's future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of Education for Library & Information Science is the property of Association for Library & Information Science Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Education Research Complete |
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| Abstract: | Financial management skills are necessary for responsible library management. In light of the profession's current emphasis on financial literacy, the authors posed four questions: (1) to what extent are library and information science schools providing courses in financial management for their graduates; (2) what is the quality and quantity of library financial management textbooks available for current librarians and librarians in training; (3) to what extent are there sufficient library continuing education venues available in North America to provide this training; and (4) does any evidence exist to show that librarians with library financial management responsibilities are well-trained enough to manage library finances competently and effectively? This study attempts to answer the first question. The authors examined the curricula of all American Library Association (ALA) English-language accredited library schools in North America to determine the extent to which financial management skills are taught. The results are worrying. Although many accredited Library and Information Science (LIS) programs require a general library management course for program completion, only a small percentage of these courses offered even a brief focus on financial management. The authors conclude by encouraging professional organizations and graduate library schools to enhance their menus of educational programs. The profession must provide the skills and support necessary to ensure the profession's future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 07485786 |
| DOI: | 10.12783/issn.2328-2967/56/3/2 |
