Medical Library and Information Sciences Educational Barriers: A Qualitative Study Publisher

Summary: Medical LIS education faces key barriers in Iran. Research highlights curriculum issues and calls for reforms to meet current needs. Can improved training boost graduate success? #MedicalEducation #LIS

Hashemian M¹ ; Zarefarashbandi F² ; Rahimi A² ; Yamani N³ ; Adibi P⁴
Source: Journal of Education for Library and Information Science Published:2023

Abstract

This study aims to identify the most important barriers in medical library and information sciences (medical LIS) education in Iran and to present suitable solutions to remove these barriers. In this qualitative study, data were gathered from semi-structured interviews with 18 medical LIS PhD students and then analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Educational barriers in medical LIS divided into four categories: curriculum barriers, department and faculty member barriers, official education and professional needs barriers, and student and graduate barriers. Medical LIS education requires major changes, including changes in the current curriculum, quality evaluation of educational groups and faculty members, matching curriculum with current stakeholder needs, as well as addressing motivational and employment barriers for graduates. © Association for Library and Information Science Education, 2023 Journal of Education for Library and Information Science 2023.