Hanadi_Buarki_PhD_Thesis.pdf (3.27 MB)
Towards an improvement of LIS graduates ICT skills and employability needs in Kuwait
thesis
posted on 2010-06-16, 07:44 authored by Hanadi J. BuarkiThe aim of this research was to explore the ICT skills of LIS students in Kuwaiti HE
that are potentially defined by the job market. These skills are deemed essential for
the employment of LIS graduates in different job market sectors. As a result, the ICT
skills of current LIS students, the needs of employers, and the LIS curriculum in
Kuwait were all investigated. In addition the factors that had an impact on students
ICT skills were also investigated.
To fulfil the research aim and objectives, mixed research methods were employed.
The research subjects were employers, LIS students, and teaching staff. Their views
were sought through qualitative and quantitative methods that included: 54 semistructured
interviews; 225 self-administered questionnaires; these were supplemented
by three focus groups; and content analysis of relevant web sites, reports, and LIS
syllabus to provide further documentation and analysis.
The main findings of the research were: (1) overall the students had knowledge and
basic ICT skills, but they lacked advanced searching and internet navigation skills.
85% of the students did not have enough ICT skills; their ICT skills level was selfrated
as intermediate or beginner ; (2) the research investigated negative factors
such as: unsuitable teaching and learning environment, negative attitudes, social
influences, and lack of resources; (3) the students most preferred teaching and
training method was group training ; (4) the employers identified further ICT skills
and non-ICT skills that LIS graduates should possess for employability; (5) gaps were
found in the curriculum and in teaching and training the ICT courses such as: course
content was inconsistent; did not reflect the needs of the job market and were
outdated; an imbalance between theory and practical training, courses had different
outline and little use of the English language hindered the students ICT skills
improvement and ICT use. In addition, work placement needed careful consideration.
Recommendations based on the research findings and conclusions were made to the
DLIS in Kuwait and stakeholders. Future ideas were identified for further research.
History
School
- Science
Department
- Information Science
Publisher
© Hanadi J. BuarkiPublication date
2010Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.EThOS Persistent ID
uk.bl.ethos.519936Language
- en
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Keywords
Library and Information Science professionalsInformation and Communication Technology skillsKuwaitJob marketCurriculumHigher EducationDepartment of Library and Information ScienceLIS employersLIS studentsPrivate sectorPublic sectorTeaching staffInformation and Computing Sciences not elsewhere classified
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