The world has evolved to an age where information technology and information explosion are here with us.
There is therefore need for information professionals to acquire higher and relevant qualifications and skills for libraries and other information centres.
It is due to this need in our country that the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLINS) programme is being introduced at Kisii University.
The Bachelor of Library and Information Science programme at Kisii University is a structured professional and discipline-specific curriculum. The available electives (specialization) are:
- Library and knowledge management;
- Records and archives management;
- Information systems and communication technology;
- Publishing and media informatics.
JUSTIFICATION
Hitherto, most schools of library and information science have leaned towards either the Arts and Social Sciences or Physical and Natural Sciences.
The Bachelor of Library and Information Science degree programme at Kisii University cuts across disciplines whilst being professionally focused.
Secondly, it emphasizes the learning of international languages in order to overcome the monolingual handicap of other training schools in Kenya.
This will produce information professionals who are marketable, both nationally and internationally.
Furthermore, the programme has a major element of training in Information and Communication Technology.
This programme covers French but other languages will be offered as need arises, which will enable the graduates to be even more competitive in the job market.