Internationalization of Library and Information Science (LIS) education is not only desirable but also critically necessary. The education of future library and information professionals who are able to understand the global information access, and to promote systems of communication among people throughout the world are vital for the success of the profession. This paper examines and analyzes the inclusion of international issues in LIS education in Europe, the USA, and Canada. The data gathered via a questionnaire survey of 60 LIS programs in Europe, the USA and Canada are presented. The provision of a program that addresses global views in LIS education is recommended.

PurposeThis paper aims to stress the importance of international and intercultural opportunities in serving as essential components in educating and training library and information professionals. More specifically, it provides an overview of issues and trends in internationalization of higher education (HE) in general and illustrates how the concept of and approaches to internationalization have affected library and information science (LIS) educational settings and programs primarily in Europe and the USA.Design/methodology/approachBased on a literature review, the paper discusses the meaning and definition of the concept of internationalization. Using a framework that draws on theoretical work on internationalisation of HE programs/contexts an analysis is then presented of the changing nature of internationalization in HE environments. The theoretical analysis is coupled with illustrations of current internationalisation practices, projects, strategies and players within LIS education communities in Europe and the USA. Finally, a discussion of the principal issues of internationalization of the LIS curriculum is presentedFindingsA synthesis is provided of the body of knowledge on the topics of internationalisation in general and within the HE sector in particular. Also presented is an overview of the multifaceted internationalisation activities taking place within LIS education. A range of thoughts and suggestions are given on how LIS schools can respond to the challenges of an increasing global world and, more specifically, how they can develop LIS programs and create classroom settings that are truly international in orientation and scope.Research limitations/implicationsThe geographical scope is limited to Europe and North America and the focus of the study is particularly on issues and challenges within the LIS education community.Practical implicationsExposure to international educational environments and acquisition and absorption of intercultural values and skills serves to enhance and enrich the academic background of LIS students/graduates and add to the employability and career development of the coming LIS professionals. International outlook, networking and intercultural communication skills are essential for practitioners, policy makers, leaders, decision makers, researchers and educators in the LIS field.Originality/valueNo comprehensive study of the internationalization of LIS programs in the context of HE sector‐specific internationalization theory has previously been published. The paper makes a difference in the way it reflects on LIS internationalization issues and tasks from the perspective of the published literature on internationalization of HE.

Initially, three samples of carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were synthesized from neem tree material. Afterward, these samples were coated with hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) to form h-BN and CNT composite (h-BN-CNT). The essence of using h-BN (being a perfect insulator) with armchair SWCNT (being a conductor) is to create an interface between an insulator and conductor. The samples were treated under three different transition metal nanoparticles; silver, iron, and nickel. Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis reveals that h-BN/CNT is thermally more stable with silver than iron and nickel nanoparticles. TGA profile showed resistance to mass loss at the beginning due to the higher thermal resistivity by the impurity compounds. The DFT calculation, generalized gradient approximation (GGA), and Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) analysis found engineered bandgap energy of 3.4 eV for the synthesized h-BN-CNT heterostructure. Because of its unique structural and electronic properties such as tunable bandgaps, the h-BN-CNT heterostructure may open new ways for manipulating excitons in the CNTs, and thus can be explored to develop various new electronic devices.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to suggest to move successfully beyond the fragmented and cursory treatment of diversity that prevails in library and information science (LIS) education should articulate a vision of teaching and learning within the diverse society we have become. That vision must then be used to guide systematically, the inclusion of intercultural issues throughout the LIS education. Presents four salient characteristics that define the culturally responsive LIS educator. Recommends that LIS educators examine critically the curriculum and revise it as needed to make issues of diversity central rather than peripheral. Design/methodology/approach -Using four salient characteristics, the paper discusses the approach LIS educators should use in order to create the interconnectedness of the themes that are made up of knowledge, skills, and disposition. Using this framework as theoretical bases an analysis is then presented for changing nature of LIS education. Findings -It was found that to prepare future library professionals for a multicultural society, educators in LIS schools must first articulate a vision of teaching and learning in a diverse society. The four salient characteristics identified will serve as the framework for infusing cultural diversity issues in LIS education. Originality/value -The paper presents, how LIS educators could promote a more equitable and just society through inclusion of diversity issues in the education of future library professionals.

Provides an historical perspective for the fight for diversity in US libraries, defining diversity, describing the changing demographics and discussing problems of implementing diversity. The lack of diversity in middle management posts in the US Government is noted. Work within the American Library Association, including recruiting initiatives and the Spectrum Initiative, a Diversity Fair, the establishment of a Presidential Committee on Library Service to Minorities are described. Concludes with examples of services provided by public libraries and considers prospects for the future.