Dear Professionals, Probably, one of the best topics is being discussed in this forum. However, I reckon it would be more appropriate to concentrate more on what is NOT taught than what is part of syllabus. This would lead to know as to "What They Don't Teach You at LIS Schools". I believe everyone, who has put in a year in practical life, is aware of what is not taught is our LIS schools. They do not teach us how to read and how to write --- yes, they don't teach us how read people, nor do they teach us how to write our impressions on others. Changes are taking place with time, no doubt. For instance, when I was a student of LIS in 1994, they did not teach me anything (literally nothing) about library softwares. When I was interviewed by Libsys, I was asked about this software, and my reply was simple: "...sorry Sir, I don't anything about it...." "Have you heard about this software?" No Sir"...and then I worked for about four year for Libsys Corporation! Well, today I am told that they do teach about all major library softwares. Similarly, good amount of time and energy are spent on acquainting students with latest tools and technologies used in libraries today (e.g. RFID and other security systems - incidentally, in 1994 my university library collections were not bar-coded, hence nothing of the sort was taught either!). Besides, students are also now being equipped with various sources of information - internet, databases, online journals, etc. So, on the whole, good progress. But, my conviction is that the ability to read and write people techniques is still not taught in LIS School. Once we are able to equip our students with these very basic tools, the pattern and topics of our discussions would be different. Why do you think MBA freshers are able to take up better positions in any industry - be it petrochemical or pharmacy or cement? When LIS student faces an interview for a petrochemical company, he is asked questions about chemistry. But not so with an MBA...the difference is in people management. In fact we can be superior to an MBA in the sense that we have a specialized knowledge of LIS and we can learn people management too; which is next to impossible for an MBA! So my urge to all LIS Schools is to train our students on people management vis-à-vis the core syllabus of library science. This skill is acquired per force by each one of us in practical life; else it would not have been possible that our professionals are spread across all industries. What is imperative is that we start teaching it and emphasizing its importance now, today. Rafiq L Ansari Media Asset Controller / Archivist AJE Archives Al-Jazeera English Channel PO Box 23127 Doha, Qatar Mobile: +974 6628254 Email: rafeeque.ansari@aljazeera.net / rafiq.ansari@gmail.com@gmail.com -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.