DATALIS™

Innovating Professional Education

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DEVELOP Workshop – March 27, 2024

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On March 27, 2024 nearly 100 library and information science professionals gathered in San Diego, CA to take the next step in innovating professional education. The workshop leads are deeply grateful to each of the facilitators for helping the workshop be a success!

Meet our Group Coordinators.

Meet the LEADING Fellows from universities across the US that have helped coordinate design groups during the workshop

Abass Ahmed

PhD Student, College of Computing and Informatics, Drexel University

    Hannah Jones

    Circulation and Patron Services Librarian, Dominican Theological Library

      Kay P Maye

      Scholarly Engagement Librarian for Social Sciences and Data, Tulane University

        Sarah Siddiqui

        STEM Librarian, Carlson Library, University of Rochester

          Hanlin Zhang

          PhD Student, UNC Chapel Hill

            Kate Kargozari

            PhD Student, University of North Texas

              Scott McClellan

              PhD Student, Drexel University College of Computing and Informatics

                Synatra Smith

                CLIR/DLF Postdoctoral Fellow in Data Curation for African American Studies

                  Mason Jones

                  PhD Student, University of Maryland

                    HyungSeung Koh

                    Assessment Librarian and Assistant Professor of Library Services, University of Northern Iowa Library

                      Juliane Schneider

                      Research Librarian — Metadata, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

                        Xiaohan Yan

                        PhD Student, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

                          Rose, Bud, Thorn: Themes from LEARN

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                          In the kickoff LEARN event for DATALIS, participants contributed over 200 ideas related to the core DATALIS problem: How might we help libraries collaborate to innovate professional education that impacts recruitment, growth and retention.

                          Using AI and human review, we analyzed these 200+ ideas to generate ten themes each for our Rose, Bud and Thorn activity. A lot of these themes are familiar – challenges new graduates face in aligning their skills with library needs, changing funding models and financial constraints, and an ongoing shift in skills needed within libraries.

                          These themes will inform the next phase of work in DATALIS – our WORK workshops. To register for one of our WORK workshops on February 7, 8 or 15 visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/datalistm-2919479

                          Your insight and comments on our initial dataset will be used to seed this workshop – you can add comments to our shared Rose, Bud, Thorn theme sheet.

                          Area ThemeDescription
                          Thorn Challenges in Professional DevelopmentThere’s a clear theme of the difficulties faced in continuous professional development, including the mismatch between available training and actual job requirements, high costs, lack of time, and issues with online learning modalities.
                          ThornInadequate Hiring Practices and Workforce ManagementThe text highlights the struggle in hiring people with specific expertise (like management experience), the limitations of rigid job descriptions, and the disparity in how different staff members are valued and compensated.
                          ThornChanging Funding Models and Financial ConstraintsThe shift to a grant-centric funding model in libraries and the associated instability and sustainability issues are a significant concern. Also, there are challenges related to the high costs of professional development and education.
                          ThornTechnology and Skill GapThere is an emphasis on the gap between the skills taught in library and information science (LIS) programs and the practical skills needed in the field, particularly in areas like data science and human-computer interaction.
                          ThornInstitutional and Organizational ChallengesThis includes resistance to change within libraries, bureaucratic hurdles, and issues with existing professional organizations. The theme also touches on the lack of support for library staff in terms of professional growth and development opportunities.
                          ThornEducational Program Limitations and AccessibilityThe text points to the limitations in LIS educational programs, including their inability to keep up with current practices and the lack of specialized training. Accessibility of these programs and the expectation of prior knowledge or experience are also concerns.
                          ThornMentoring and Career Development IssuesThere’s a theme surrounding the challenges in mentoring, particularly the lack of support for mentors and the exclusion of mid or later career individuals from mentoring programs.
                          ThornWorkplace Culture and EnvironmentIssues such as burnout, lack of capacity, vocational awe, and unhealthy work-life boundaries are highlighted. Also, there’s mention of inhospitable workplace environments and the resistance to change among library staff.
                          ThornEquity and Diversity in the WorkplaceThe text touches on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), such as challenges in implementing DEI training and the disparity in how people from different backgrounds are treated and compensated.
                          ThornImpact of Digital Transformation and Online LearningThe shift towards online learning and its challenges, including digital equity issues and the varying effectiveness of online programs, is a recurring theme. There’s also a concern about keeping up with technological advancements and integrating them into library services.
                          RoseIntegrated Learning and Working OpportunitiesEmphasis on the value of assistantships and internships that provide both education and practical experience in the field, including paid opportunities that enhance learning.
                          RoseInnovative Hiring and Placement ProcessesThe development of new student hiring processes that facilitate job placements for library school students, highlighting the collaboration between libraries and educational institutions.
                          RoseProfessional Networking and CollaborationThe importance of building a network of professional colleagues, mentorship opportunities, and collaboration across different types of libraries for skill sharing and innovation.
                          RoseFlexible and Diverse Professional DevelopmentIncreasing access to professional development in various formats (online, in-person) and through different platforms to accommodate diverse needs and schedules.
                          RoseReal-World Relevance in EducationThe introduction of timely and applicable classes in library and information science programs that address current real-world challenges and trends.
                          RoseAdvancements in Virtual Learning PlatformsThe success and accessibility of virtual platforms for training, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, making education more accessible.
                          RoseDiversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in CurriculumIntegration of DEIA principles into the core curriculum of library and information science programs, moving beyond elective courses.
                          RoseRole of Ethics in Librarianship and TechnologyThe recognition of the ethical tools provided by librarianship, especially in the context of the fast-paced technology sector.
                          RoseFusion of Traditional Library Roles with New TechnologiesThe growth of library positions that blend established library frameworks with new technological approaches, reflecting the evolving nature of the field.
                          RoseEnhanced Support and Recognition for Graduate StudentsFocusing on treating graduate students as peers, offering them skilled-labor pay, and acknowledging their contributions to the field.
                          BudPositive Job Outlook in Academic LibrarianshipThe expectation of good job prospects for academic librarians due to mass retirements, indicating a generational shift in the workforce.
                          BudAI and Technology IntegrationExploration of how artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics can enhance library work, increase creativity, and improve workflows, despite some skepticism about AI’s current capabilities.
                          BudMentoring and Training ProgramsThe importance of formal and informal mentoring and training, particularly for leaders, and the emphasis on on-the-job training for technical skills.
                          BudCollaborative Relationships and Interdisciplinary WorkIncreased collaboration with researchers, data engineers, and other professionals, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships.
                          BudAccessibility and Diversity in Professional DevelopmentEfforts to make learning accessible to all backgrounds, focusing on BIPOC scholarship opportunities and incorporating diverse lived experiences as expertise.
                          BudRedefining Professional Roles and EducationAcceptance of non-MLIS training for librarian positions, rebranding cataloging to metadata, and apprenticeship models in librarianship.
                          BudInnovative Learning Formats and Online EducationThe growth of self-directed online learning opportunities, micro-learning, and tool-based education, especially for data science and AI.
                          BudAdvocacy and Community EngagementDiscussions on disability/accessibility advocacy, anti-racism efforts, and the need to apply an equity lens throughout library practices.
                          BudProfessional Development and BurnoutConversations about burnout, work-life balance, and the need for professional development, alongside the rise of free webinars and online resources for continued learning.
                          BudLibrary Science Education and Curriculum DevelopmentThe challenges in engaging contemporary students with traditional library science curricula, and the need for more in-depth data science programs within iSchools.

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