ERIC Number: EJ1150593
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0748-5786
EISSN: N/A
The Significance of Language Study in Library and Information Science: A Comparison of Two Programs in the United States and Honduras
Ford, Charlotte; Faires, Debbie; Hirsh, Sandra; Carranza, Nítida
Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, v58 n2 p77-93 Spr 2017
This comparative case study evaluated the role of foreign language study within the Library and Information Science (LIS) curriculum of two programs in the United States and Honduras. The purpose of this research was to understand the significance and usefulness of language courses from the perspective of the students enrolled. Students who had completed language courses in LIS programs in both countries were surveyed with regard to their motivation for language study, application of language skills in the workplace, most and least valuable aspects of the courses, and overall usefulness of courses. The results suggest that students in graduate LIS programs are interested in learning foreign languages when the courses are targeted to the students' specific interests and professional needs. The findings provide a curricular enhancement model that could be adopted at other universities, with key considerations focused on customizing language courses to the LIS context, required and elective course offerings, course delivery formats and student motivation.
Descriptors: Case Studies, Library Science, Information Science, Curriculum, Cross Cultural Studies, Second Language Learning, Student Surveys, Student Motivation, Language Skills, Job Skills, Graduate Study, Foreign Countries, Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, English (Second Language), Masters Programs, Student Attitudes, Course Selection (Students)
Association for Library and Information Science Education. 2150 N 107th Street Suite 205, Seattle, WA 98133. Tel: 206-209-5267; Fax: 206-367-8777; e-mail: office@alise.org; Web site: http://www.alise.org/jelis-2
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Honduras; California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A