Ole Harbo, Royal School of Library and Information Science, Copenhagen, Denmark
1. An independent University.
The Danish parliament has decided upon a new law about the Royal School of Library and Information Science.
The most important change is the change in the general purpose of the school "to educate and do research to the highest scientific level". This means that the purpose of the school is the same as that of the universities and other higher educational institutions of the country.
2. A new educational structure.
The studies at the school will change in form and contents, so that the basic education will be a 3 years bachelor's degree in LIS.
This can be supplemented with ½ year so-called "profession - related
project", including topics related to different types of institutions in
the LIS-sector.
After completion of these two parts the degree awarded is
Librarian, RSLIS
The next step is
a 2 years masters programme in LIS
on the top of the bachelor or librarian education or a bachelors degree from another recognized programme.
The contents will be of the same nature as today which means forms in system related topics, but a broadening is foreseen for the future.
The last step is
a PhD-programme.
This will be established after an external evaluation of the schools research. (This evaluation was completed at the end of 1999 and was very positive. In Feb. 2000 the school is still waiting for the kick-off for the PhD-programme).
3. A new staff structure.
The most important is the creation of professorships with the school. (2 professorships are in Feb. 2000 under treatment and are supposed to be in effect during the summer 2000). For the rest of the academic staff there will be a system of new positions as lecturers to apply for. Those who can pass an evaluation will enter the new system with higher salary and other benefits.
4. A new internal structure.
The school had in the beginning of the 80'ies around 20 different academic departments. During the 90'ies they have been reduced into 12 and now they are merged into 3 departments:
1. Information studies
2. Library development
3. Culture and media.
All staff belongs to one of these departments headed by an appointed leader.
The departments are responsible for different parts of the educational
programmes and for their research programme.
It is the policy that each department shall have only few research programmes focused at the main purposes of the department.
5. Other changes.
The branch of the school in Aalborg is integrated into the new structure so that academic staff are members of the 3 departments and the administrative activities will only take place at one location or within the same system.
The continuing education will be supplemented with longer courses (1 term) that might be a part of the masters programmes.
The melting pot is being stirred very effectively these years.