Student Perspectives of MSLIS Education in an Aging Society
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| Title: | Student Perspectives of MSLIS Education in an Aging Society |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Joseph Winberry |
| Source: | Journal of Education for Library and Information Science. 2026 67(1):21-39. |
| Availability: | Association for Library and Information Science Education. Available from: University of Toronto Press. 5201 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M3H 5T8 Canada. Tel: 416-667–7929; Fax: 416-667–7832; e-mail: journals@utpress.utoronto.ca; e-mail: office@alise.org; Web site: https://www.utpjournals.press/loi/jelis |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 19 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Student Attitudes, Graduate Students, Masters Programs, Information Science Education, Aging (Individuals), Library Services, Older Adults, Gerontology, Core Competencies, Library Science, COVID-19, Pandemics, Integrated Curriculum |
| DOI: | 10.3138/jelis-2024-0055 |
| ISSN: | 0748-5786 2328-2967 |
| Abstract: | The COVID-19 pandemic re-emphasized social and digital vulnerabilities experienced by some older adults (people 65 years and older). In considering how library and information science (LIS) can best serve older adults, the importance of education and curricula is discussed. Existing literature indicates that (1) older adults are either missing or minimized from post-secondary students' perspectives, (2) when introduced to older adults, post-secondary students often become interested in meeting their needs, and (3) there are numerous strategies that may facilitate this introduction. To better understand these issues in an LIS context, current students or recent graduates of ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science programs were asked to participate in a qualitative survey. Sixty-five participants completed a survey which showed that while 96% felt it was important that their programs offer classes on older adults, 86% reported classes on youth but not older adults. Additionally, 80% felt that they could become more interested in the needs of older adults if their programs introduced them. Participants also shared how they and LIS more broadly could serve older adults through the lens of the ALA core competencies. The results were aligned with studies from other fields that indicate a lack of engagement with older adults and gerontology career paths. A framework is presented which LIS professors and administrators can use to increase the presence of older adults or other underrepresented populations in their curricula and programs. Future research is needed to provide more tools for preparing students for work in an aging society. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1501881 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | The COVID-19 pandemic re-emphasized social and digital vulnerabilities experienced by some older adults (people 65 years and older). In considering how library and information science (LIS) can best serve older adults, the importance of education and curricula is discussed. Existing literature indicates that (1) older adults are either missing or minimized from post-secondary students' perspectives, (2) when introduced to older adults, post-secondary students often become interested in meeting their needs, and (3) there are numerous strategies that may facilitate this introduction. To better understand these issues in an LIS context, current students or recent graduates of ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science programs were asked to participate in a qualitative survey. Sixty-five participants completed a survey which showed that while 96% felt it was important that their programs offer classes on older adults, 86% reported classes on youth but not older adults. Additionally, 80% felt that they could become more interested in the needs of older adults if their programs introduced them. Participants also shared how they and LIS more broadly could serve older adults through the lens of the ALA core competencies. The results were aligned with studies from other fields that indicate a lack of engagement with older adults and gerontology career paths. A framework is presented which LIS professors and administrators can use to increase the presence of older adults or other underrepresented populations in their curricula and programs. Future research is needed to provide more tools for preparing students for work in an aging society. |
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| ISSN: | 0748-5786 2328-2967 |
| DOI: | 10.3138/jelis-2024-0055 |
