The Role of Theory in the MLIS Curriculum

Authors

  • Heidi Julien University at Buffalo
  • Amy VanScoy University at Buffalo
  • John Budd University of Missouri
  • Laura Saunders Simmons University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21900/j.alise.2024.1682

Keywords:

Theory and practice; Praxis

Abstract

This panel explores the integration of theory into the master’s curriculum for library and information studies. Balancing theoretical focus with more practical emphasis can be a challenge, and engaging students in theory by tying it to practice can be complicated. The panel will provide opportunities to explore these challenges in the specific contexts of reference and information literacy instruction courses, but also more generally throughout the LIS curriculum.

References

Barron, S., & Preater, S. (2018). Critical systems librarianship. In K. P. Nicholson & M. Seale (Eds). The politics of theory and the practice of critical librarianship (pp. 87-113). Library Juice Press.

Budd, J. M. (2001). Knowledge and knowing in library and information science: A philosophical framework. Scarecrow.

Budd, J. M. (2003). The library, praxis, and symbolic power. Library Quarterly, 73(1), 19-32. doi:10.1086/603373. doi:/10.1086/603373.

Drabinski, E. (2018) Foreword. In K. P. Nicholson & M. Seale (Eds). In The politics of theory and the practice of critical librarianship (pp. vii-ix). Library Juice Press.

Fox, M. J. (2014). Enabling gender-inclusivity in LIS education through epistemology, ethics, and essential questions. Journal of Education for Library & Information Science, 55(3), 241–250.

Goldman, A. I. (2002). Pathways to knowledge: Private and public. Oxford University Press.

Hicks, A. (2018). Making the case for a sociocultural perspective on information literacy. In K. P. Nicholson & M. Seale (Eds). The politics of theory and the practice of critical librarianship (pp. 69-85). Library Juice Press.

Kern, M. K. (2014). Continuity and change, or, Will I ever be prepared for what comes next? Reference and User Services Quarterly, 53(4), 282-285.

Nicholson, K. P., & Seale, M., eds. (2018). Introduction. In K. P. Nicholson & M. Seale (Eds). The politics of theory and the practice of critical librarianship (pp. 1-18). Library Juice Press.

Rioux, K. (2010). Metatheory in library and information science: A nascent social justice approach. Journal of Education for Library & Information Science, 51(1), 9–17.

Thompson, K. M. (2009). Remembering Elfreda Chatman: A champion of theory development in library and information science education. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science,

(2), 119-126.

VanScoy, A., Julien, H., & Harding, A. (2022). “Like putting broccoli in a quiche:” Instructors talk about incorporating theory into reference courses. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science 63(3), 321-334.

Downloads

Published

2024-10-16

Issue

Section

Panels (Juried)