Knowledge organization content in graduate coursework

Abstract

Purpose Knowledge organization (KO) content is central to educational programs of library and information science (LIS) and information and knowledge management (KM) programs. The components of information and KO have similar philosophies, theories, approaches, strategies and tools. LIS education programs have strong traditions of teaching KO. Fresh emphasis is noted on metadata, data mining, info-maps, knowledge maps, taxonomy, ontologies and other strategies for organizing an organization’s explicit and tacit knowledge. This paper aims to analyze how LIS schools have responded to the needs of developing competencies related to information and KO among its graduates. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzed the curricula of LIS accredited schools and leading schools in selected regions of the world based on the course titles presented on their websites. Findings This analysis provided an overall picture of the coverage of KO courses in LIS programs of 68 selected schools located in Southeast Asia, the Europe and accredited schools of North America. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited to the treatment of KO in 68 selected programs of LIS education. Practical implications Library and information education programs may benefit from the findings for incorporating needed content in KO coursework. Originality/value The study is ground-breaking as it addresses the needs of development of KO competencies among LIS professionals from the perspective of findings of a systematic study of the curricula of 68 schools.