The silencing of multiculturalism in the agenda of the federal universities of southeast and northeast Brazil: Trends in the formation of librarian and information science scientist

Abstract

This article investigates the graduation system of librarians and information science scientists, at federal universities of the southeast and northeast regions of Brazil. More precisely, our research aims to discuss the extent to which the courses on Library Science and Information Science encompass Multiculturalism in the field of university teaching, research and extension. We take account of the theoretical framework of Multiculturalism and Intercultural Education, leading an investigation of qualitative and quantitative nature. The evidence indicates that the discussions on Multiculturalism still occurs in an incipient way in four of the six universities of the southeast. More than that, the debate is absent at two universities in this region. On the other hand, in the Northeast region it is incipient in four of the eight universities surveyed, being absent in the others. Our work may contribute to stimulate reflections on the role of the university in the informational demands of multicultural societies.