Use of new information technologies by Librarianship schools in Southern Brazil

Abstract

With the increased focus on the use of information technologies by the society, on the influence of these technologies in libraries, information services and systems, and on the role of the information professional, this paper highlights the responsibilities the Schools of Librarianship and Information Sciences will face as a challenge within this context. This paper identifies the disciplines covering the content of information technologies in six Schools of Librarianship in the southern region of Brazil. It also analysis their teaching methodologies, facilities and concerns regarding the new content and the updating and training of the faculty members. A bibliographic review points out whatever changes have occurred in the approach to the existing disciplines and in the role of the information professionals rather than in the curricula. Data were collected through questionnaires and forms and from literature concerning the schools. These data provide a profile of the schools with information about the date of their installation, academic system, school hours, number of classes and number of students entries per course; number of teachers, their qualification and work load; school facilities, number of disciplines covering information technology and provision of programmes for continuing education. It was verified that the courses given in the southern region are homogeneous in their profiles and no one has a more specific methodology. A large number of schools do not have adequate facilities and trained personnel to face the challenge within this context. When compared to new technologies, these schools still follow a more traditional approach to teaching and they lack a programme of continuing education for the staff and the graduates. Finally, recommendations for the improvement of teaching facilities, systematic programmes for continuing education research and services projects are given. These recommendations focus a better use of information technologies in the courses and the establishment of a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary team work.