The impact of LIS education in school libraries in Botswana

Abstract

Library and Information Studies (LIS) education in Botswana started in 1979 with the establishment of Department of Library & Information Studies (DLIS) at the University of Botswana. The Department of Library and Information Studies of the University of Botswana is the only credible institution offering LIS education covering certificate, diploma, undergraduate and post graduate qualifications. LIS education is therefore rudimentary as it’s only offered by one institution. The spread of LIS Education to other institutions is non-existent despite the fact that school libraries in Botswana do not have qualified library staff. This has had a negative impact on the qualification of school libraries as more and more teacher librarians could not be absorbed by DLIS. This paper deals with LIS Education in Botswana with particular reference to teacher librarians and their both traditional and technology needs. It demonstrates that teacher librarians in Botswana lack both traditional and technology skills and that while they are receptive to the new emerging technologies, the paucity of training opportunities is abounds. This trend can be seen as a disadvantage to would be teacher librarians. Thus the purpose of this paper is to share and exchange views on the major issues, opportunities and challenges for LIS Education in Botswana and some recommendations.