Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
2023
Abstract
Taking a cursory look at the trends of LIS education among the six GCC countries, certain patterns in the practice of LIS profession in the States with two or more library schools were identified. In spite of the low representation of the LIS education in the region, the influx of expatriates to the region has closed the gap that lack of library and information professionals would have created. However, the increasing youth unemployment rate of the nationals of the Gulf States have prompted their governments into actions. The United Arab Emirates in particular, through the employment policy initiative for its citizens has mandated private companies with at least 50 skilled workers in the country to ensure its citizens constitute 2% of every 50 skilled workers in the company.
Given that there is only one library school (private) in the country, this paper x-rays the potential employment opportunities that LIS education could create for the unemployed citizens of the UAE (otherwise known as Emiratis). This is based on the premise that education sector is arguably the largest employer of skilled labour that the country seek for its citizens. Data of private schools across the country were sourced from education authorities in the seven Emirates that make up the country and categorized by grades. The recommended number of librarians required for each grade category by stakeholders in the field was determined. The finding corroborating Boumarafi, (2008) shows that on a short term of 5-year period, LIS education targeting private schools only could create 1330 skilled jobs for Emiratis. This is beside hundreds of other job opportunities in about 100 higher institutions of learning in the country which are not factored in this paper. The identified patterns which could pose challenges to LIS education from achieving its mandate are highlighted and recommendations are made on how to overcome them.