Curricula development in library science : a nation-wide core curriculum? / Ursula Georgy

Curriculum development is a time-consuming process and often interminable. Pursuing the idea of creation
a nationwide core curriculum is one opportunity to develop a curriculum in library and information science
(LIS). It can be supposed that a project like this can be the initial point stimulating and encouraging the
widest possible discussion between different educational environments. Furthermore, it can strengthen the
cooperation and collaboration between LIS educational institutions, 'the European project in 2005 has
shown that there are more differences than similarities in the European LIS curriculum [Kajberg, L.0rring
2005]. But nonetheless the discussion about a core curriculum can be an opportunity and a challenge for
universities, students and libraries / companies in many countries around the world. The key question is
how to create reliable framework conditions that will speed up the procedure of developing a nation-wide
common core curriculum? A second question is: what consequences to be drawn if it appears that there
are only a few similarities in the curricula or the universities show little willingness to modify the curricula in
a study reform process?. The European project will be reflected and the own long time experience in
curriculum development will be contributed. A nation-wide or international core curriculum seems to be
inappropriate for a direct transfer into the participating institutes or universities. But finally, it would ensure
greater cooperation and collaboration, thereby multiplying the chances of long-term cooperations and
enhancing reputation of universities among employers, e.g. libraries.
Keywords: Curriculum; Core curriculum; Study reform; Library and Information Science (US); LIS
educational institutions; Bologna process