How can library management education stay current and relevant?

Librarians have to be intently in tune with their patrons: universities with faculty and students; law firms with attorneys and their practice areas; businesses with their subject areas. Keeping up with state-of-the-art practices can be assisted by vendors in the fields, recognized expert's in respective fields, as well as creative insights based on observations and experiences of librarians through their practice.

Aprender haciendo, esto es esencial para cualquier profesional. En mi experiencia en la universidad siempre tuvimos prácticas en diferentes centros bibliotecas universitarias, museos, fototecas, centros de documentación. Esto me permitió conocer la práctica de esta profesión y poder catalogar o gestionar colecciones de diferente naturaleza.

Library management education must align with core competencies to ensure effective performance in the profession. These competencies encompass essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes, guiding curriculum development and accreditation. Regular review and updates to courses are crucial to reflect emerging competencies like strategic planning, advocacy, diversity, equity, inclusion, data literacy, and digital transformation. This alignment ensures graduates are equipped to meet evolving demands in library management effectively and ethically.

Experiential learning is core to scaffolding library management education to create resilience in the field. Libraries and librarian are competing with artificial intelligence (no offense to AI) so we either throw up our arms in despair or we define a niche and get creative in how we work to create comparative experience in information sharing and information literacy. AI is not the first innovation that librarians have adapted to and AI will not be the last. Information science is evolving rapidly and formats for delivering are becoming obsolete. Experience and resilience are the enablers for successful careers.

During my library management studies, I participated in a practicum at a local public library. Assigned to revamp the library's teen section, I applied theoretical principles to reorganize the space, curate relevant materials, and develop engaging programs. Through hands-on experience, I learned the importance of community engagement and inclusivity in library services. Collaborating with librarians and interacting with patrons provided invaluable insights into user needs and preferences. This experiential learning opportunity not only enhanced my practical skills but also deepened my understanding of the diverse roles and responsibilities within library management.

As an adjunct in a LIS program, I offered more than 25 fieldwork and directed study opportunities for students seeking practical experience in archival management in a library setting. Some of them also co-authored articles, gave poster sessions, or had other professional interactions as part of, or as a result of, these experiences. Anyone seeking library science education, whether as part of a degree program or a management training opportunity, should seek mentors who have real-world experience, can share "war" stories and how to overcome them, and can offer practical solutions to the situations they will encounter as they enter or advance in the profession.

Before online options existed, traditional library science management programs required travel and inconvenience for those in areas far away from institutions of higher learning. Blended, online, and hybrid options benefit students in a variety of ways: Travel is less of an issue, students interact with peers who are not always in the same area, and they can share their experiences in library settings that may be far away from the institution hosting the program. Interactive programs that allow students from broad geographic areas to share experiences offer students opportunities to learn about library management in various settings far from their backyard. Blended sessions that provide an in-person component are also beneficial.

Teachers are invested in their students’ success both inside and outside the classroom. The ultimate goal is to ensure that students become independent leaders and teachers who no longer need our support after they leave school. The key to achieving this is through a continuous process of learning and growth. The best ways to foster learning during a culture change... Communicate the vision and benefits. Provide learning opportunities and resources. Create a learning culture and environment. Monitor and evaluate the learning outcomes. Adapt and improve the learning strategy. Celebrate and sustain the learning achievements.

Research and innovation may happen as part of the daily life of a library administrator. Managers who stay in their offices, rarely interact with the staff or patrons, and never reach out to colleagues seal their fate. Another way to encourage research and innovation involves partnering with library science students or librarians beginning their careers as part of a leadership institute. Giving a librarian an opportunity to learn from a mentor, assist in a research project, or help solve a larger problem hopefully offers them the courage to move up the career ladder. Research may also include professionals outside of the library box, such as engaging in work with those in public admin, education, or other fields. Cast a large net!

Since most graduates go into practical positions rather than pursue theoretical PhD's, library science education programs must stay engaged with alumni. Having virtual or in-person events where alumni can interact with current students allows for the transmission of real-world knowledge today for tomorrow's leaders. This may involve more than a bit of nudging to get the alumni association and/or university foundation on board, but the effort will promote the program's visibility and enhance the educational experience for students of library management.