An assessment of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science curriculum of the University of Tennessee

The purpose of the study was to assess the appropriateness of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science curriculum of The University of Tennessee as preparation for competency in first professional positions as perceived by graduates of the program. Survey questions were designed for collecting and analyzing data from individuals who completed the GSLIS program between 1975-1979 and who had applied their education in a library or other information related position.

Results of the survey show that the 128 sample respondents believe the multi-purpose GSLIS curriculum at The University of Tennessee is appropriate for first professional positions. Graduates obtained a variety of positions in all four major types of libraries, i.e., 31 percent in school, 24 percent in academic, 23 percent in special, and 22 percent in public. Graduates also performed a multiplicity of job functions. Even though there are no specified library tracks and specializing is not encouraged in the GSLIS program, 91 percent of the respondents reported that they specialized in a type of library or subject area. The results indicate that school librarians were best prepared to perform more of the major job functions required in their positions than respondents in any other type of library. Overall, curriculum strengths were in school librarianship, materials selection, and reference.

Results of the study indicated that the curriculum could improve its instruction in management, personnel functions, automation, subject specialities, career guidance, and practical applications. Respondents felt that there needs to be a better balance between theory and practice, i.e., more field experiences and other opportunities for applying theory to practice. Findings also indicated that the curriculum could be improved by providing more courses and instruction in specialized areas such as medicine, acquisitions, serials, services for the handicapped, and nonprint media.