A tracer study of LIS graduates at the University of Zululand, 2000-2009

Abstract

The study traced Library and Information Science (LIS) graduates who graduated from the Department of Library and Information Science (now Information Studies) at the University of Zululand between the years 2000 and 2009. The study aimed to establish whether the graduates are employable, whether the curriculum is relevant to the LIS job market, and to investigate the perceptions of graduates about the LIS curriculum. A survey method was used to access the large and scattered LIS graduate population. A questionnaire consisting of both structured and unstructured questions was used as the main research instrument. A total of 50 graduates participated in the study. The results indicate that most LIS graduates are employed in the public sector, mainly in national, provincial and municipal libraries. Their daily tasks include, among others, cataloguing and classification, collection development, and abstracting and indexing. The results also revealed that cataloguing and classification and experiential learning remain critical knowledge and skills required in LIS-related jobs. The study concluded that LIS graduates are generally happy with the knowledge and skills they acquired from the department, but they are not happy with the overall curriculum offered. The study recommends that the department should embark on a curriculum review process that will include an internship programme and the balancing of traditional LIS modules with technology-related modules to cater for Information Science students.