Modern Curricula in African Library Schools: Setting the Agenda for Sustainable Development

Education systems and institutions are established to produce graduates that are equipped with skills to provide solutions to societal challenges and advance human development. To achieve this, among other goals, these systems and institutions are expected to run based on curricula that reflect global realities and community needs. There has been advocacy for modern curricula adoption and integration into the programmes run in African library schools, to ensure librarians and information professionals are trained adequately and prepared to meet global standards in the provision of information services and actively involved in the promotion of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, the extent of the willingness and readiness to revise and implement modern curricula in African library schools is still characterised by uncertainty. What are the new areas to be incorporated? Are the areas in line with SDGs and prepare LIS graduands for sustainable development? Do the library schools have the manpower/skilled personnel for the implementation of modern curricula? Building on this background, this study sought to highlight the phenomenon and investigate the state of adoption of modern curricula in African library schools with a view to set agenda for sustainable development. The study adopted a survey research design of quantitative methodology. Using an electronic questionnaire designed with Google Forms, data were collected from the staff of library schools in the five regions in Africa. The data collected are presented in piece charts and discussed with descriptive analysis. The study discovered that information literacy is the topmost area identified to pursue sustainable development and lack of funds, and lack of computing tools and technological facilities as the major challenges hindering the adoption and incorporation of a modern curricula system in African library schools. It was recommended that practical steps be taken by AfLIA towards the unification of LIS schools in the continent, through a reliable database system and periodic meetings to deliberate strategic mechanisms to have a working, modern curricula system that embraces and prepares LIS professionals that can engender sustainable development.