Shaping the Global Future of Library and Information Science Education: Lessons Learned from the Web-based Information Science Education (WISE) Consortium and Other International Collaborations

Abstract

The paper explores the past, present, and possible futures of international collaboration in the context of library and information science (LIS) education and highlights past and present examples in LIS education, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), and the iSchools organisation. A more detailed review of the Web-based Information Science Education (WISE) consortium explains how course sharing was accomplished, including schools in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and how the WISE + initiative extended collaboration to include professional associations. The 20-year history of WISE suggests multiple factors that should be considered when future LIS education collaborations are planned. The concept of collaboration as a continuum of future efforts is also discussed, including in research, internationalisation of student experience, doctoral education, continuing professional development/lifelong learning, supporting specialisations, and open access/open educational resources.