What is the Value of LIS Education? A Qualitative Study of the Perspectives of Tennessee's Rural Librarians

摘要

This article presents a qualitative study of the perspectives of 44 rural librarians in Tennessee about the value of LIS education in improving their library services in the 21st century. The purpose is to develop a responsive LIS curriculum that is particularly geared towards integrating rural information needs and expectations. Specifically, this article addresses: What are the critical information needs of rural library clients in Tennessee?; What are the most important information resources/services provided in Tennessee's rural libraries?; What is the value of LIS education in maintaining/improving Tennessee's rural library services?; What is the future role of LIS education in the context of changes experienced in the 21st century? Findings indicate there is an urgent need for professional library education for those working in Tennessee's rural libraries in the areas of: information technology competencies, managerial/administrative/public administration, public services, and technical services.