The Role of Multiculturalism and Diversity in Library and Information Science: LIS Education and the Job Market

Library and Information Science (LIS) education has responded positively to calls for professionals to be educated to serve the increasingly diverse and multicultural population in the USA and Canada. Analyzing LIS school websites' missions, goals, and objectives as well as program curricula, this study reports on the expressions of multiculturalism and diversity in the programs and in courses. The study also explores the positions, types of institution, and geographic locations that advertise for diversity in information professionals, plus the qualifications, skills, and languages sought by employers. The paper argues for continued emphasis on the part of LIS programs to recruit students with multicultural backgrounds and for recognizing that a second language (other than English) is indispensible for new professionals.