First level library and/or information science qualifications at South African universities and technikons: a comparative study of curricula

The article focuses on some of the findings from a comparative study of first level library and/or information sciencequalifications offered at South African universities and technikons. A survey was used through self-administeredquestionnaires to solicit the views of employers, past students and educators in the LIS field regarding the qualificationsand their relevance to the LIS services work environment. The study confirms that the university Post-graduate Diploma inLibrary and/or Information Science and the B.Bibl. (or equivalent four-year university degree) are established professionalLIS qualifications in South Africa. While the technikon NO: LIS is generally viewed as a paraprofessional qualification, LISservices employers are not using this qualification in its paraprofessional context. The technikon B.Tech. (LIS) cannot beviewed as a professional LIS qualification as it lacks general education and furthermore, it is a qualification in thehierarchy of paraprofessional LIS qualifications that runs parallel to the professional LIS career path. The study suggeststhat the professional body, educators, employers and graduates and diplomates in the LIS field in South Africa havespecific roles to play in ensuring understanding that LIS professionalism and paraprofessionalism are alternative careerpaths, each with their own career progressions and with valuable roles to play in LIS services.