Research Article
2 December 2021

Graduate Students’ Perception of a New Online Library and Information Science Program at a Regional Library School in the Caribbean: A Preliminary Investigation

Publication: Journal of Education for Library and Information Science
Volume 63, Number 4

Abstract

Online education is gaining momentum as technology continues to have an impact on the teaching and learning process. As a result, many library schools are currently offering library and information science (LIS) education in blended and online modes. This preliminary research is an examination of graduate students’ perception of a new online program implemented at a regional library school in the Caribbean. Fourteen participants were interviewed. The majority of the students enrolled in the programs were females between the ages of 30 and 49. Their primary reasons for studying online were distance from the university, family responsibilities, and work commitment. Students had a positive perception of most components of the program. They indicated a willingness to recommend the program to othershowever, they were not satisfied with quality and timeliness of feedback provided for some courses andthe availability of resources. To improve the experience of online students, necessary resources need to be procured and strategies employed to provide timely and quality feedback.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Journal of Education for Library and Information Science
Journal of Education for Library and Information Science
Volume 63Number 4October 2022
Pages: 357 - 371

History

Received: 30 October 2020
Submitted: 30 June 2021
Revision received: 30 June 2021
Accepted: 1 September 2021
Published ahead of print: 2 December 2021
Published in print: October 2022
Published online: 19 September 2022

Keywords:

  1. Caribbean
  2. Caribbean tertiary education
  3. graduate education
  4. higher education
  5. online education
  6. students’ perception, LIS education

Authors

Affiliations

Ruth Baker-Gardner
Biography: Ruth Baker-Gardner, Department of Library and Information Studies, University of the West Indies, Mona, currently lectures in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona, in Kingston Jamaica. Her research interests include LIS education, school librarianship, induction and mentoring, and academic integrity. Email: [email protected]
Department of Library and Information Studies, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica

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