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Keywords
Curricula, Education, Librarians, Malta
Abstract
The Maltese Islands strive to keep abreast with the developments taking place within the realm of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The University of Malta appointed its first full-time lecturer in Library Studies in 1992, within the Centre for Communication Technology (CCT), in response to an increase in the number of libraries and a need felt by librarians for professional training. Growing need for professional training from library professionals has led to the University appointing a second full-time academic and seriously considering offering Library and Information Studies at degree level, as of October 2003. This paper discusses in detail the challenges faced by the Division of Library and Information Studies at the University of Malta, in the context of a small island state.
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Introduction
As a candidate member seeking accession to the European Union, Malta is one of the signatories of the Bologna Declaration. With a population close to 400,000, the Maltese Islands strive to keep abreast with developments taking place within the realm of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The government implements an e-government programme and most schools are currently equipped with computers with Internet access.
At present, the University of Malta is in the process of implementing the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), from which both Maltese and visiting foreign students who are studying in Malta through the Erasmus Programme, are benefitted (University of Malta, 2002). In 1992, the University of Malta appointed its first full-time lecturer in Library Studies, within the Centre for Communication Technology (CCT). This came in response to an increase in the number of libraries and a need felt by librarians for professional training. It was also inspired by the enthusiasm shown, since 1968, towards short courses organised periodically by different bodies.
Since 1993, the University of Malta has been offering 2 year Diploma (DipLIS) evening courses to practising and aspiring librarians and information professionals. The course has grown in both content and popularity. In view of the growing and sustained interest, the University, through the CCT, sought to meet this growing need for professional...