The Integration of Intelligence Analysis into LIS Education

摘要

This paper seeks to contribute some insights into whether intelligence analysis (IA) as a topic can be integrated into library and information science (LIS) education. The text is primarily built upon a review of the literature on the connections between IA and LIS and an analysis of the websites of 58 ALA-accredited LIS schools. The review of the literature suggests that IA and LIS have a complementary relationship and, if they converge well, a synergistic effect may take place. The analysis of the websites reveals that nearly 47% of ALA-accredited LIS schools have incorporated some type of intelligence education into their course offerings. Nevertheless, to develop a full-fledged integration of IA into LIS education, there are still a number of technical, adaptive, and ethical challenges to be met. These challenges can be translated into a series of research opportunities which should augment the future expansion of LIS field.