Management education in Latin America and the Caribbean

This paper examines some issues relating to the development in Latin America and the Caribbean of the managerial expertise that underpins the modernisation of library and information services. It reports on part of a joint IFLA/FID project, principally funded by the UNESCO Participation Programme, and reviews results from two surveys. One obtained responses from Schools of Librarianship and Information Sciences in the region, providing data on the priorities they attach to elements of their management curriculum, and teaching methods. The other gathered data from employers on their awareness of modern management techniques, their management development needs and approaches, and their perceptions of the management education available. The results of the two surveys are compared and considered, and some proposals are made for addressing issues raised. Whilst the Schools appear to be meeting the employers’ key requirements, there is still some degree of mismatch between employers’ expectations and Schools’ priorities, but the Schools are open to change and a constructive dialogue is advocated. It is also suggested that more attention needs to be given to staff development and to the provision of supporting continuing education programmes to raise the level of management knowledge and expertise, and that the international organisations should consider encouraging the production and exchange of teaching materials. A major challenge for the Schools will be to overcome the traditionally rigid disciplinary boundaries within the Universities to collaborate on new course developments.