status and prospects of lis education at king saud university - riyadh تقديم د. جبريل...
TRANSCRIPT
Status and Status and Prospects of LIS Prospects of LIS
Education atEducation atKing Saud King Saud
University - Riyadh University - Riyadh تقديمتقديم
العريشي. جبريل العريشي. د جبريل د
I. IntroductionI. Introduction The Library and Information Science The Library and Information Science
Department was established by the approval of Department was established by the approval of the University Higher Council in its session the University Higher Council in its session 1405/1406H which was held on 26 Rabee 1405/1406H which was held on 26 Rabee Awal,1406. Awal,1406.
Fifty undergraduate students started their Fifty undergraduate students started their study at this department in the first semester study at this department in the first semester of the academic year 1406/1407.of the academic year 1406/1407.
More than 800 students graduated from this More than 800 students graduated from this department with a B.Sc. degree by the end of department with a B.Sc. degree by the end of the 1the 1stst semester 1423/1424H. semester 1423/1424H.
Most of these graduates are working now in Most of these graduates are working now in information institutions, and the others work in information institutions, and the others work in the private sector in various educational, social the private sector in various educational, social and economical fields. and economical fields.
I. IntroductionI. Introduction The department plan until the end of the The department plan until the end of the
academic year 1412/1413H. covered 120 academic year 1412/1413H. covered 120 academic units divided as follows:academic units divided as follows:
The University and College requirements are 28 The University and College requirements are 28 units.units.
Free subjects are 6 units.Free subjects are 6 units. General specializations are 27 units. General specializations are 27 units. Supporting specialization are 12 units.Supporting specialization are 12 units. Specialization in Library/Information are 47 Specialization in Library/Information are 47
units, of which 34 units are compulsory and the units, of which 34 units are compulsory and the other 13 are selective as well as 9 units for other 13 are selective as well as 9 units for Information section taught at the college of the Information section taught at the college of the Computer and Information Science. Computer and Information Science.
I. IntroductionI. Introduction
By 1By 1stst semester of the academic year semester of the academic year 1413/1414H; the system was changed 1413/1414H; the system was changed into levels system and the plan into levels system and the plan consisted 128 units divided as follows. consisted 128 units divided as follows. The University and College requirements The University and College requirements
are 27 units.are 27 units. General Specialization are 85 units.General Specialization are 85 units. Information Service and Bibliographic Information Service and Bibliographic
Control are 16 units.Control are 16 units.
I. IntroductionI. Introduction Due to the big changes which occurred in the information Due to the big changes which occurred in the information
studies during the last two generations, and because the studies during the last two generations, and because the current plan had been adopted for more than 16 years, it was current plan had been adopted for more than 16 years, it was necessary to upgrade it to cope with changes and business necessary to upgrade it to cope with changes and business varieties. We can sum up the shortcomings in the current plan varieties. We can sum up the shortcomings in the current plan as follows:as follows:
Some overlapping and frequency of the fundamentals and content Some overlapping and frequency of the fundamentals and content of a number of subjects.of a number of subjects.
Some subjects are not coping with the recent information Some subjects are not coping with the recent information revolution.revolution.
Subjects of the current plan are not supportive enough to the Subjects of the current plan are not supportive enough to the recent scientific concepts.recent scientific concepts.
Some subjects focus on traditional matters which are no longer of Some subjects focus on traditional matters which are no longer of significance they took before.significance they took before.
The Department graduates found a different business market of The Department graduates found a different business market of that which was some years ago. that which was some years ago.
Training is not enough for a highly qualified graduate.Training is not enough for a highly qualified graduate. The graduate lacks the educational aspect which has become very The graduate lacks the educational aspect which has become very
necessary for the business market. necessary for the business market. The subjects are not parallel with the prospective vision of the The subjects are not parallel with the prospective vision of the
information technology in the kingdom perception of the information technology in the kingdom perception of the information technology in the Kingdom. information technology in the Kingdom.
II. Upgrading the B.Sc. II. Upgrading the B.Sc. degree Plandegree Plan
The continuous development in information technology, and The continuous development in information technology, and information service made radical changes in the library and information service made radical changes in the library and information profession and the librarian’s job. information profession and the librarian’s job.
It created new job opportunities in both sectors and public It created new job opportunities in both sectors and public market. market.
The new plan has been put in response to these needs hoping to The new plan has been put in response to these needs hoping to prepare the graduate student fully to deal with the information prepare the graduate student fully to deal with the information issues and capable of doing the information services by using the issues and capable of doing the information services by using the latest technologies of information storage, processing and latest technologies of information storage, processing and publishing including the Internet and the computerized data publishing including the Internet and the computerized data bases. bases.
The government established an independent Ministry for The government established an independent Ministry for Communication and Information Technology. The Ministry made Communication and Information Technology. The Ministry made initiatives to a prospective vision for information technology in initiatives to a prospective vision for information technology in S.A., which is the most important national plan project for S.A., which is the most important national plan project for information technology based on main bases such as reconstruct information technology based on main bases such as reconstruct the information sector, preparation of informative cadres, the information sector, preparation of informative cadres, developing the infrastructure of the information technology and developing the infrastructure of the information technology and communication, the development of the information industry and communication, the development of the information industry and the support of the Electronic Government. the support of the Electronic Government.
II. Upgrading the B.Sc. II. Upgrading the B.Sc. degree Plandegree Plan
We hope that these ambitions will be achieved by the We hope that these ambitions will be achieved by the following:following: Preparation of national specialist in information technology. Preparation of national specialist in information technology. Preparing the proper environment for using technology in Preparing the proper environment for using technology in
learning and education.learning and education. Fighting the computer illiteracy and the dissemination of Fighting the computer illiteracy and the dissemination of
the information education among the community. the information education among the community. Adoption and encouragement of electronic publication Adoption and encouragement of electronic publication
technology. technology. Preparation of the Arab-Islamic education including the Preparation of the Arab-Islamic education including the
religious, linguistic and research education and transfer it religious, linguistic and research education and transfer it electronically. electronically.
Support the national economy by developing the Support the national economy by developing the information technology industry and activating the information technology industry and activating the electronic trade.electronic trade.
Preparation of the specification, standards, measures of the Preparation of the specification, standards, measures of the information sector and giving proposals for its system.information sector and giving proposals for its system.
The Saudization of the latest technology to provide The Saudization of the latest technology to provide information for the decision makers.information for the decision makers.
III. Preparation of the B.Sc. III. Preparation of the B.Sc. Degree PlanDegree Plan
Awareness of selected patterns of the plans at the library and Awareness of selected patterns of the plans at the library and information studies at the Saudi, Arab, American, British and information studies at the Saudi, Arab, American, British and Canadian Universities. Canadian Universities.
Awareness of the standards of accepting the library and Awareness of the standards of accepting the library and information programs like the standards issued by the American information programs like the standards issued by the American Library Association (ALA).Library Association (ALA).
Awareness of the competency of the specialized library specialist Awareness of the competency of the specialized library specialist issued by the specialized Library Association, and the issued by the specialized Library Association, and the competency of the Library services for youths prepared by the competency of the Library services for youths prepared by the (YALSA).(YALSA).
Awareness of the initiatives suggested to plan prospective Awareness of the initiatives suggested to plan prospective perspectives for the information technology in S.A.perspectives for the information technology in S.A.
Review the department objectives in the light of the new trends Review the department objectives in the light of the new trends in the information studies and planning for a Master degree in in the information studies and planning for a Master degree in the latest technologies.the latest technologies.
Cognitive integration between the B.Sc. degree and MA Cognitive integration between the B.Sc. degree and MA programs.programs.
Planning the subjects and their specifications in accordance with Planning the subjects and their specifications in accordance with specified competences and capabilities. specified competences and capabilities.
Forwarding the plan to experts in the information studies. Forwarding the plan to experts in the information studies.
I.V. Specifications of the B.Sc. I.V. Specifications of the B.Sc. Degree PlanDegree Plan
Providing the student with the latest theories about Providing the student with the latest theories about the information and its knowledge and concepts.the information and its knowledge and concepts.
The student studies how to store, process and The student studies how to store, process and disseminate the information by using the computer, disseminate the information by using the computer, the internet and the statistically analysis. the internet and the statistically analysis.
The student studies more skills in English language.The student studies more skills in English language. Response to the requirements of both the public Response to the requirements of both the public
and private sectors of scholarly and practically and private sectors of scholarly and practically qualified manpower. qualified manpower.
The student can study the educational preparation The student can study the educational preparation program at the College of Education after he program at the College of Education after he completes satisfactorily the 7th level. completes satisfactorily the 7th level.
The student can be trained in two ways: (1) in a The student can be trained in two ways: (1) in a general way, (2) the cooperative learning way in general way, (2) the cooperative learning way in order to prepare the student for a job directly. order to prepare the student for a job directly.
V. Department Objectives & V. Department Objectives & New planNew plan
The Library and Information Science aims to:The Library and Information Science aims to:
The preparation of the manpower qualified in technical The preparation of the manpower qualified in technical and administrative jobs in both the public and private and administrative jobs in both the public and private sectors at the institutions concerned in the preparation, sectors at the institutions concerned in the preparation, processing and dissemination information.processing and dissemination information.
The preparation of excellent students, who can pursue The preparation of excellent students, who can pursue higher studies and research and learning in the higher studies and research and learning in the information studies. information studies.
Contribution in academic research concerned in Contribution in academic research concerned in information studies related to the human and information studies related to the human and development studies related to the human and development studies related to the human and development need for S.A.development need for S.A.
Community and continuous learning service by giving Community and continuous learning service by giving training courses, consultations and seminars.training courses, consultations and seminars.
V. Department Objectives & V. Department Objectives & New planNew plan
The new plan aims to enable the student to be The new plan aims to enable the student to be capable in the following fields:capable in the following fields:
The organization of information to be available and retrievable.
Knowledge of facts and scientific conceptions in the computer science and information technologies.
The Saudization of the information technology to use it in the programs of the information institutions programs.
Providing the information services necessary for the users.
Searching and preparation of the information for the user.
Management of the technical and administrative sections.
Conduct of the information issues in both public and private sectors.
VI. The Department Potential VI. The Department Potential and Requirements, for the New and Requirements, for the New
ProgramProgramDegreeNumberRemarks
Full Professor31 Part time
Associate Professor61 Part time
Assistant Professor101 Part time (Al Shoura Council)
Lecturer1Manager of documents at University
Demonstrator1Visitor
Scholarships21 to Canada, the Other to UK
VI. The Department Potential VI. The Department Potential and Requirements, for the New and Requirements, for the New
ProgramProgram The Department plans for the following:The Department plans for the following:
Recruitment of a number of demonstrators to Recruitment of a number of demonstrators to pursue their higher study to compensate the pursue their higher study to compensate the shortage of professors. shortage of professors.
Complement of equipping the labs with tools Complement of equipping the labs with tools and instruments necessary for training and instruments necessary for training students, in computer science, Internet, data students, in computer science, Internet, data bases and bibliographic control.bases and bibliographic control.
Provision of reference books, and the Provision of reference books, and the traditional and computerized information traditional and computerized information periodicals at the central library and the periodicals at the central library and the department lab.department lab.
VII. Curriculum DesignVII. Curriculum Design
The new B.Sc. degree plan consists of 128 The new B.Sc. degree plan consists of 128 units divided as follows:units divided as follows: 8 units Islamic studies, 8 units Islamic studies, 10 units (Arabic language)10 units (Arabic language) 3 units (stat)3 units (stat) 3 units (English at college of languages and 3 units (English at college of languages and
translation)translation) 7 units (English)7 units (English) 97 units (library and information science)97 units (library and information science)
The Student can join the Education college The Student can join the Education college after level 7 to be educationally qualified after level 7 to be educationally qualified through 3 semesters (64 units).through 3 semesters (64 units).
VII. Curriculum DesignVII. Curriculum Design The plan provides training in two ways: The plan provides training in two ways:
(1) general way, (2) cooperative learning way.(1) general way, (2) cooperative learning way. The cooperative learning way student is The cooperative learning way student is
excused of 12 units taken in the 8th level, and excused of 12 units taken in the 8th level, and these units are replaced by 12 units taught in ( these units are replaced by 12 units taught in ( 475 Library – 8 units ) and (477 Library – 4 475 Library – 8 units ) and (477 Library – 4 Units). Units).
The department wrote to the English The department wrote to the English Department to have its approval to teach some Department to have its approval to teach some English subjects. They also wrote to the English subjects. They also wrote to the computer science section at the Computer computer science section at the Computer Science College to avoid any duplicity in the Science College to avoid any duplicity in the subjects related to the computer technologies.subjects related to the computer technologies.
Field Training ProgramField Training Program
The idea of the field training program of the The idea of the field training program of the Library and Information science section is an Library and Information science section is an essential part of the academic program. essential part of the academic program.
Students, at level 8, should work some time Students, at level 8, should work some time at a government or private institution at a government or private institution concerned with information services in order concerned with information services in order to have experience in their specialization. to have experience in their specialization.
The students during the training duration The students during the training duration should be subject to all rules and regulations should be subject to all rules and regulations applied on the institution’s staff in which they applied on the institution’s staff in which they are trained. The field training is a must for are trained. The field training is a must for the graduate.the graduate.
Field Training Program Field Training Program ObjectivesObjectives
The field training program aims to:The field training program aims to: Give an opportunity to students to acquires practical Give an opportunity to students to acquires practical
experience before graduation.experience before graduation. Enable the student to acquire experience and skill to Enable the student to acquire experience and skill to
apply the concepts and theories which he studied in the apply the concepts and theories which he studied in the archive work. archive work.
Provide concerned institutions with information about the Provide concerned institutions with information about the graduates of the section which contributes to attract and graduates of the section which contributes to attract and employ the best trainees. employ the best trainees.
Enable the student to acquire the practical experience in Enable the student to acquire the practical experience in the planning and organization of projects under direct the planning and organization of projects under direct supervision and encourage the student to have supervision and encourage the student to have independence and initiative.independence and initiative.
Enable the student to acquire the skills of time Enable the student to acquire the skills of time management.management.
Enable the student gets accustomed to bear Enable the student gets accustomed to bear responsibility; to be punctual and how to deal the society responsibility; to be punctual and how to deal the society individuals; how to respect others and listen to their individuals; how to respect others and listen to their opinions and other necessary skills.opinions and other necessary skills.
Field Training DurationField Training Duration Field training duration is ten weeks, not less than, 300 Field training duration is ten weeks, not less than, 300
work hours (six hours daily). work hours (six hours daily). The students takes training on the work site. He can’t The students takes training on the work site. He can’t
cut training without a reasonable excuse approved by cut training without a reasonable excuse approved by the training coordinator and the institution he is the training coordinator and the institution he is training in.training in.
Conditions of Joining the Field Training:Conditions of Joining the Field Training: The student has to complete the 7th level The student has to complete the 7th level
satisfactorily to be qualified for the field training.satisfactorily to be qualified for the field training.
Field Training Institutions
The section selects the institutions carefully The section selects the institutions carefully before sending students. before sending students.
Libraries and information centers and other Libraries and information centers and other cooperative institutions provide training cooperative institutions provide training opportunities according the agreement opportunities according the agreement between the section and the training between the section and the training institution. institution.
Trainees join certain jobs according to the Trainees join certain jobs according to the training plan. training plan.
The training institution follows up and assesses The training institution follows up and assesses the student at the end of the training duration the student at the end of the training duration using a special form sent confidentially to the using a special form sent confidentially to the section (form/2). section (form/2).
The student himself gives his remarks about The student himself gives his remarks about the training institution to his academic the training institution to his academic supervisor (form/4).supervisor (form/4).
Field Training Plan & Field Training Plan & ReportsReports
The academic supervision prepares, with coordination of The academic supervision prepares, with coordination of the training institution, a proposed training plan to be the training institution, a proposed training plan to be applied as a training program. The training institution may applied as a training program. The training institution may prepare that proposed training plan to be applied after prepare that proposed training plan to be applied after being approved or amended by the academic supervisor.being approved or amended by the academic supervisor.
The trainee has to select a subject during the first three The trainee has to select a subject during the first three weeks of training (form1) at the end of the training weeks of training (form1) at the end of the training program he should submit a report explaining his practical program he should submit a report explaining his practical experience. The report is divided into two parts: (1) experience. The report is divided into two parts: (1) general part concerning the training institution, (2) general part concerning the training institution, (2) technical part concerning the work he has done during the technical part concerning the work he has done during the training duration. In the second part, the trainee explains a training duration. In the second part, the trainee explains a problem he contributed to its solution, or a system or data problem he contributed to its solution, or a system or data base he contributed to its development, or a bibliographic base he contributed to its development, or a bibliographic or indexing work he accomplished. or indexing work he accomplished.
Students’ Assessment - Field Students’ Assessment - Field TrainingTraining
50% of the rating grade is given to the report and 50% of the rating grade is given to the report and the verbal presentation made by the student, the the verbal presentation made by the student, the remaining.remaining.
50% is given to the assessment of the training 50% is given to the assessment of the training institution (form/2).institution (form/2).
The Role of the Faculty in the Field Training The Role of the Faculty in the Field Training Program:Program: Three members of the faculty participate in the Three members of the faculty participate in the
supervision of the field training. They are as supervision of the field training. They are as follows:follows:
1. Field Training coordinator:1. Field Training coordinator: The head of the section undertakes this role. He The head of the section undertakes this role. He
prepares a list of the students nominated for training. prepares a list of the students nominated for training. He appoints the academic advisers who will be entrusted He appoints the academic advisers who will be entrusted to follow up the training process of the students.to follow up the training process of the students.
Students’ Assessment - Field Students’ Assessment - Field TrainingTraining
2. Academic Supervisor:2. Academic Supervisor: He supervises and advises some of the section He supervises and advises some of the section
students. He assesses the reports in respect of students. He assesses the reports in respect of the training process. He instructs them how to the training process. He instructs them how to write the final report in an academic way. He write the final report in an academic way. He decides in association with the concerned decides in association with the concerned faculty member the rating degree, (form/3).faculty member the rating degree, (form/3).
3. The Third Member of the Faculty:3. The Third Member of the Faculty: The training coordinator entitles one of the The training coordinator entitles one of the
faculty members in association with the faculty members in association with the academic supervisor to read the final report academic supervisor to read the final report and discuss it with the student to decide the and discuss it with the student to decide the final rating degree to that report.final rating degree to that report.
M.A. Degree in InformationM.A. Degree in InformationFirst Admission First Admission PrerequisitesPrerequisites In addition to what came in the Higher studies In addition to what came in the Higher studies
unified Regulation for Saudi Universities the unified Regulation for Saudi Universities the M.A. students who have not obtained the B.Sc. M.A. students who have not obtained the B.Sc. degree in Library and Information Science must degree in Library and Information Science must fulfill the following:fulfill the following:
Pass 2 Units of the Collections Development Pass 2 Units of the Collections Development Information Organization. Information services and Information Organization. Information services and Technology. Those who have not worked six months al Technology. Those who have not worked six months al least in an information type of work, they have to pass least in an information type of work, they have to pass field training topics.field training topics.
Pass a competency test in English Language by the Pass a competency test in English Language by the English department at King Saud University or English department at King Saud University or (TOEFL 400), or equivalent of other accredited (TOEFL 400), or equivalent of other accredited English tests.English tests.
M.A. Degree in InformationM.A. Degree in InformationSecond: Degree Second: Degree RequirementsRequirements
Studies 36 units at three semesters as well as Studies 36 units at three semesters as well as writing a dissertation after passing the all-subjects writing a dissertation after passing the all-subjects test. test.
Those who have obtained a degree in a specialization Those who have obtained a degree in a specialization other than Library and Information Science study other than Library and Information Science study complementary subjects decided by the department complementary subjects decided by the department board, in addition to the program subjects. board, in addition to the program subjects.
The reason for is that this program is proposed for The reason for is that this program is proposed for the first time and will give a good academic the first time and will give a good academic reputation to the higher studies program. The reputation to the higher studies program. The academic dissertation will add another dimension academic dissertation will add another dimension which is the benefit from researchers in the field of which is the benefit from researchers in the field of the academic publication of the faculty like the other the academic publication of the faculty like the other academic departments at the university.academic departments at the university.
Potentials at the Potentials at the DepartmentDepartment
The department from its The department from its initiation until the initiation until the
academic year academic year 1421/1422H recruited a 1421/1422H recruited a
number of visiting number of visiting professors from 2-10 professors from 2-10
professors in each professors in each semester. It has become semester. It has become self-sufficient since the self-sufficient since the
academic year academic year 1422/1423H because 1422/1423H because
seven of those who were seven of those who were sent on scholarships came sent on scholarships came
back with doctorate back with doctorate degrees. Therefore, the degrees. Therefore, the faculty status is stable, faculty status is stable,
and an M.A. degree could and an M.A. degree could be initiated. be initiated.
Position (Academic Degree)
NationalityTotal
SaudiNon-Saudi
Professor213
Associate Professor336
Assistant Professor10-10
Lecturer1-1
Demonstrator1-1
Scholarships2-2
Grand Total19423
Plan Preparation MethodPlan Preparation Method Awareness of excellent examples of the Awareness of excellent examples of the
Libraries and Information section at the Saudi, Libraries and Information section at the Saudi, Arab, American and British Universities.Arab, American and British Universities.
Awareness of the accreditation criteria of the Awareness of the accreditation criteria of the M.A. degrees issued by the American Library M.A. degrees issued by the American Library Association (ALA), and the curriculum Association (ALA), and the curriculum proposed for the M.A. degree in Documents proposed for the M.A. degree in Documents and records issued by the (SAA).and records issued by the (SAA).
Awareness of the competences of the Awareness of the competences of the specialized Library specialists issued by the specialized Library specialists issued by the (SLA), and the competences the Library (SLA), and the competences the Library services offered to the youths prepared by services offered to the youths prepared by (YALSA).(YALSA).
Review the Department goals in the light of Review the Department goals in the light of the new trends and preparation of a program the new trends and preparation of a program for the M.A. degree. for the M.A. degree.
Plan Preparation MethodPlan Preparation Method Preparation of the proposed programs Preparation of the proposed programs
for the B.Sc. and M.A. degrees.for the B.Sc. and M.A. degrees. Specification for the areas of the Specification for the areas of the
Library and Information application.Library and Information application. Specification of the competences of Specification of the competences of
both the B.Sc. and M.A. programs both the B.Sc. and M.A. programs based on the areas which had been based on the areas which had been specified.specified.
Preparation and specification of the Preparation and specification of the curriculum to picas the presentation of curriculum to picas the presentation of the plan to experts in Library and the plan to experts in Library and information learning.information learning.
RecommendationRecommendation Focus on selection of brilliant students to join the Focus on selection of brilliant students to join the
Library and information sections. Library and information sections. Meetings should be held between the sections heads Meetings should be held between the sections heads
and faculty members and the new students at the and faculty members and the new students at the beginning of every semester to explain the goals of beginning of every semester to explain the goals of those sections.those sections.
Conduct continuous studies for programs of learning Conduct continuous studies for programs of learning at the academic sections at Saudi Universities. Every at the academic sections at Saudi Universities. Every three years there should be a review of the programs three years there should be a review of the programs to cope with the scientific development in this field.to cope with the scientific development in this field.
There should be an organized plan of each section to There should be an organized plan of each section to build up the faculty by appointing lecturers and build up the faculty by appointing lecturers and helping them to pursue their higher education.helping them to pursue their higher education.
Conduct a survey of the business market in Saudi Conduct a survey of the business market in Saudi Arabia in order to know the jobs required, specially Arabia in order to know the jobs required, specially in the national development plan to decide the in the national development plan to decide the number of students to be admitted.number of students to be admitted.
RecommendationRecommendation Improve the performance and development Improve the performance and development
of the programs by using latest educational of the programs by using latest educational technology.technology.
Create relationship with Saudi Library Create relationship with Saudi Library Associations in order to assess the sections’ Associations in order to assess the sections’ programs and the connection of graduates programs and the connection of graduates with the society issues and problems.with the society issues and problems.
Conduct studies for the faculty intellectual Conduct studies for the faculty intellectual production and its relation to their production and its relation to their specialization.specialization.
Conduct studies to measure the functional Conduct studies to measure the functional satisfaction for the specialists who work at satisfaction for the specialists who work at Saudi Libraries and Information Centers.Saudi Libraries and Information Centers.
