Abstract

A review of various reports and studies reveals the most important aspects and events in 2014 of the library and information science (LIS) profession and academic programs. The economic crisis in Spain has continued to hit hard, although to a lesser extent. In this environment, a general major concern is to demonstrate the social benefits delivered by libraries. The profession is becoming more hybridized with other professional sectors. As for university education, we note a slight improvement in the statistical data, but also an outrageous structural reform of university cycles by the Spanish Ministry of Education. There has also been an unfair tightening of accreditation agency requirements for the approval of six-year research periods for academic researchers in LIS.

Abstract

This article aims to provide an overview of the current state of library and information science (LIS) education in Spanish universities. Data have been gathered from official statistical sources (Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports and National Institute of Statistics) and universities’ annual reports, in order to complement data provided by members of the Spanish Network of Information and Documentation University Centers and Departments  (RUID). Among other issues, a general decrease in the demand of LIS undergraduate studies and a slight increase in postgraduate studies are observed. Finally, the article presents several reflections on the challenges that these studies are currently facing, and suggests strategies that may be followed to strengthen not only LIS education but also the profession as a whole in this country.