1. Status and Prospects of LIS Education at King Saud University - Riyadh تقديم د. جبريل العريشي

2. I. Introduction The Library and Information Science Department was established by the approval of the University Higher Council in its session 1405/1406H which was held on 26 Rabee Awal,1406. The Library and Information Science Department was established by the approval of the University Higher Council in its session 1405/1406H which was held on 26 Rabee Awal,1406. Fifty undergraduate students started their study at this department in the first semester of the academic year 1406/1407. Fifty undergraduate students started their study at this department in the first semester of the academic year 1406/1407. More than 800 students graduated from this department with a B.Sc. degree by the end of the 1 st semester 1423/1424H. More than 800 students graduated from this department with a B.Sc. degree by the end of the 1 st semester 1423/1424H. Most of these graduates are working now in information institutions, and the others work in the private sector in various educational, social and economical fields. Most of these graduates are working now in information institutions, and the others work in the private sector in various educational, social and economical fields.

3. I. Introduction The department plan until the end of the academic year 1412/1413H. covered 120 academic units divided as follows: The department plan until the end of the academic year 1412/1413H. covered 120 academic units divided as follows: The University and College requirements are 28 units. The University and College requirements are 28 units. Free subjects are 6 units. Free subjects are 6 units. General specializations are 27 units. General specializations are 27 units. Supporting specialization are 12 units. Supporting specialization are 12 units. Specialization in Library/Information are 47 units, of which 34 units are compulsory and the other 13 are selective as well as 9 units for Information section taught at the college of the Computer and Information Science. Specialization in Library/Information are 47 units, of which 34 units are compulsory and the other 13 are selective as well as 9 units for Information section taught at the college of the Computer and Information Science.

4. I. Introduction By 1 st semester of the academic year 1413/1414H; the system was changed into levels system and the plan consisted 128 units divided as follows. By 1 st semester of the academic year 1413/1414H; the system was changed into levels system and the plan consisted 128 units divided as follows. The University and College requirements are 27 units. The University and College requirements are 27 units. General Specialization are 85 units. General Specialization are 85 units. Information Service and Bibliographic Control are 16 units. Information Service and Bibliographic Control are 16 units.

5. I. Introduction Due to the big changes which occurred in the information studies during the last two generations, and because the current plan had been adopted for more than 16 years, it was necessary to upgrade it to cope with changes and business varieties. We can sum up the shortcomings in the current plan as follows: Due to the big changes which occurred in the information studies during the last two generations, and because the current plan had been adopted for more than 16 years, it was necessary to upgrade it to cope with changes and business varieties. We can sum up the shortcomings in the current plan as follows: Some overlapping and frequency of the fundamentals and content of a number of subjects. Some overlapping and frequency of the fundamentals and content of a number of subjects. Some subjects are not coping with the recent information revolution. Some subjects are not coping with the recent information revolution. Subjects of the current plan are not supportive enough to the recent scientific concepts. Subjects of the current plan are not supportive enough to the recent scientific concepts. Some subjects focus on traditional matters which are no longer of significance they took before. Some subjects focus on traditional matters which are no longer of significance they took before. The Department graduates found a different business market of that which was some years ago. The Department graduates found a different business market of that which was some years ago. Training is not enough for a highly qualified graduate. Training is not enough for a highly qualified graduate. The graduate lacks the educational aspect which has become very necessary for the business market. The graduate lacks the educational aspect which has become very necessary for the business market. The subjects are not parallel with the prospective vision of the information technology in the kingdom perception of the information technology in the Kingdom. The subjects are not parallel with the prospective vision of the information technology in the kingdom perception of the information technology in the Kingdom.

6. II. Upgrading the B.Sc. degree Plan The continuous development in information technology, and information service made radical changes in the library and information profession and the librarian ’ s job. The continuous development in information technology, and information service made radical changes in the library and information profession and the librarian ’ s job. It created new job opportunities in both sectors and public market. It created new job opportunities in both sectors and public market. The new plan has been put in response to these needs hoping to prepare the graduate student fully to deal with the information issues and capable of doing the information services by using the latest technologies of information storage, processing and publishing including the Internet and the computerized data bases. The new plan has been put in response to these needs hoping to prepare the graduate student fully to deal with the information issues and capable of doing the information services by using the latest technologies of information storage, processing and publishing including the Internet and the computerized data bases. The government established an independent Ministry for Communication and Information Technology. The Ministry made initiatives to a prospective vision for information technology in S.A., which is the most important national plan project for information technology based on main bases such as reconstruct the information sector, preparation of informative cadres, developing the infrastructure of the information technology and communication, the development of the information industry and the support of the Electronic Government. The government established an independent Ministry for Communication and Information Technology. The Ministry made initiatives to a prospective vision for information technology in S.A., which is the most important national plan project for information technology based on main bases such as reconstruct the information sector, preparation of informative cadres, developing the infrastructure of the information technology and communication, the development of the information industry and the support of the Electronic Government.

7. II. Upgrading the B.Sc. degree Plan We hope that these ambitions will be achieved by the following: We hope that these ambitions will be achieved by the following: Preparation of national specialist in information technology. Preparation of national specialist in information technology. Preparing the proper environment for using technology in learning and education. Preparing the proper environment for using technology in learning and education. Fighting the computer illiteracy and the dissemination of the information education among the community. Fighting the computer illiteracy and the dissemination of the information education among the community. Adoption and encouragement of electronic publication technology. Adoption and encouragement of electronic publication technology. Preparation of the Arab-Islamic education including the religious, linguistic and research education and transfer it electronically. Preparation of the Arab-Islamic education including the religious, linguistic and research education and transfer it electronically. Support the national economy by developing the information technology industry and activating the electronic trade. Support the national economy by developing the information technology industry and activating the electronic trade. Preparation of the specification, standards, measures of the information sector and giving proposals for its system. Preparation of the specification, standards, measures of the information sector and giving proposals for its system. The Saudization of the latest technology to provide information for the decision makers. The Saudization of the latest technology to provide information for the decision makers.

8. III. Preparation of the B.Sc. Degree Plan Awareness of selected patterns of the plans at the library and information studies at the Saudi, Arab, American, British and Canadian Universities. Awareness of selected patterns of the plans at the library and information studies at the Saudi, Arab, American, British and Canadian Universities. Awareness of the standards of accepting the library and information programs like the standards issued by the American Library Association (ALA). Awareness of the standards of accepting the library and information programs like the standards issued by the American Library Association (ALA). Awareness of the competency of the specialized library specialist issued by the specialized Library Association, and the competency of the Library services for youths prepared by the (YALSA). Awareness of the competency of the specialized library specialist issued by the specialized Library Association, and the competency of the Library services for youths prepared by the (YALSA). Awareness of the initiatives suggested to plan prospective perspectives for the information technology in S.A. Awareness of the initiatives suggested to plan prospective perspectives for the information technology in S.A. Review the department objectives in the light of the new trends in the information studies and planning for a Master degree in the latest technologies. Review the department objectives in the light of the new trends in the information studies and planning for a Master degree in the latest technologies. Cognitive integration between the B.Sc. degree and MA programs. Cognitive integration between the B.Sc. degree and MA programs. Planning the subjects and their specifications in accordance with specified competences and capabilities. Planning the subjects and their specifications in accordance with specified competences and capabilities. Forwarding the plan to experts in the information studies. Forwarding the plan to experts in the information studies.

9. I.V. Specifications of the B.Sc. Degree Plan Providing the student with the latest theories about the information and its knowledge and concepts. Providing the student with the latest theories about the information and its knowledge and concepts. The student studies how to store, process and disseminate the information by using the computer, the internet and the statistically analysis. The student studies how to store, process and disseminate the information by using the computer, the internet and the statistically analysis. The student studies more skills in English language. The student studies more skills in English language. Response to the requirements of both the public and private sectors of scholarly and practically qualified manpower. Response to the requirements of both the public and private sectors of scholarly and practically qualified manpower. The student can study the educational preparation program at the College of Education after he completes satisfactorily the 7th level. The student can study the educational preparation program at the College of Education after he completes satisfactorily the 7th level. The student can be trained in two ways: (1) in a general way, (2) the cooperative learning way in order to prepare the student for a job directly. The student can be trained in two ways: (1) in a general way, (2) the cooperative learning way in order to prepare the student for a job directly.

10. V. Department Objectives & New plan The Library and Information Science aims to: The Library and Information Science aims to: The preparation of the manpower qualified in technical and administrative jobs in both the public and private sectors at the institutions concerned in the preparation, processing and dissemination information. The preparation of the manpower qualified in technical and administrative jobs in both the public and private sectors at the institutions concerned in the preparation, processing and dissemination information. The preparation of excellent students, who can pursue higher studies and research and learning in the information studies. The preparation of excellent students, who can pursue higher studies and research and learning in the information studies. Contribution in academic research concerned in information studies related to the human and development studies related to the human and development need for S.A. Contribution in academic research concerned in information studies related to the human and development studies related to the human and development need for S.A. Community and continuous learning service by giving training courses, consultations and seminars. Community and continuous learning service by giving training courses, consultations and seminars.

11. V. Department Objectives & New plan The new plan aims to enable the student to be capable in the following fields: The new plan aims to enable the student to be capable in the following fields: The organization of information to be available and retrievable. Knowledge of facts and scientific conceptions in the computer science and information technologies. The Saudization of the information technology to use it in the programs of the information institutions programs. Providing the information services necessary for the users. Searching and preparation of the information for the user. Management of the technical and administrative sections. Conduct of the information issues in both public and private sectors.

12. VI. The Department Potential and Requirements, for the New Program RemarksNumberDegree 1 Part time3Full Professor 1 Part time6Associate Professor 1 Part time (Al Shoura Council)10Assistant Professor Manager of documents at University1Lecturer Visitor1Demonstrator 1 to Canada, the Other to UK2Scholarships

13. VI. The Department Potential and Requirements, for the New Program The Department plans for the following: The Department plans for the following: Recruitment of a number of demonstrators to pursue their higher study to compensate the shortage of professors. Recruitment of a number of demonstrators to pursue their higher study to compensate the shortage of professors. Complement of equipping the labs with tools and instruments necessary for training students, in computer science, Internet, data bases and bibliographic control. Complement of equipping the labs with tools and instruments necessary for training students, in computer science, Internet, data bases and bibliographic control. Provision of reference books, and the traditional and computerized information periodicals at the central library and the department lab. Provision of reference books, and the traditional and computerized information periodicals at the central library and the department lab.

14. VII. Curriculum Design The new B.Sc. degree plan consists of 128 units divided as follows: The new B.Sc. degree plan consists of 128 units divided as follows: 8 units Islamic studies, 8 units Islamic studies, 10 units (Arabic language) 10 units (Arabic language) 3 units (stat) 3 units (stat) 3 units (English at college of languages and translation) 3 units (English at college of languages and translation) 7 units (English) 7 units (English) 97 units (library and information science) 97 units (library and information science) The Student can join the Education college after level 7 to be educationally qualified through 3 semesters (64 units). The Student can join the Education college after level 7 to be educationally qualified through 3 semesters (64 units).

15. VII. Curriculum Design The plan provides training in two ways: The plan provides training in two ways: (1) general way, (2) cooperative learning way. (1) general way, (2) cooperative learning way. The cooperative learning way student is excused of 12 units taken in the 8th level, and these units are replaced by 12 units taught in ( 475 Library – 8 units ) and (477 Library – 4 Units). The cooperative learning way student is excused of 12 units taken in the 8th level, and these units are replaced by 12 units taught in ( 475 Library – 8 units ) and (477 Library – 4 Units). The department wrote to the English Department to have its approval to teach some English subjects. They also wrote to the computer science section at the Computer Science College to avoid any duplicity in the subjects related to the computer technologies. The department wrote to the English Department to have its approval to teach some English subjects. They also wrote to the computer science section at the Computer Science College to avoid any duplicity in the subjects related to the computer technologies.

16. Field Training Program The idea of the field training program of the Library and Information science section is an essential part of the academic program. The idea of the field training program of the Library and Information science section is an essential part of the academic program. Students, at level 8, should work some time at a government or private institution concerned with information services in order to have experience in their specialization. Students, at level 8, should work some time at a government or private institution concerned with information services in order to have experience in their specialization. The students during the training duration should be subject to all rules and regulations applied on the institution ’ s staff in which they are trained. The field training is a must for the graduate. The students during the training duration should be subject to all rules and regulations applied on the institution ’ s staff in which they are trained. The field training is a must for the graduate.

17. Field Training Program Objectives The field training program aims to: The field training program aims to: Give an opportunity to students to acquires practical experience before graduation. Give an opportunity to students to acquires practical experience before graduation. Enable the student to acquire experience and skill to apply the concepts and theories which he studied in the archive work. Enable the student to acquire experience and skill to apply the concepts and theories which he studied in the archive work. Provide concerned institutions with information about the graduates of the section which contributes to attract and employ the best trainees. Provide concerned institutions with information about the graduates of the section which contributes to attract and employ the best trainees. Enable the student to acquire the practical experience in the planning and organization of projects under direct supervision and encourage the student to have independence and initiative. Enable the student to acquire the practical experience in the planning and organization of projects under direct supervision and encourage the student to have independence and initiative. Enable the student to acquire the skills of time management. Enable the student to acquire the skills of time management. Enable the student gets accustomed to bear responsibility; to be punctual and how to deal the society individuals; how to respect others and listen to their opinions and other necessary skills. Enable the student gets accustomed to bear responsibility; to be punctual and how to deal the society individuals; how to respect others and listen to their opinions and other necessary skills.

18. Field Training Duration Field training duration is ten weeks, not less than, 300 work hours (six hours daily). Field training duration is ten weeks, not less than, 300 work hours (six hours daily). The students takes training on the work site. He can ’ t cut training without a reasonable excuse approved by the training coordinator and the institution he is training in. The students takes training on the work site. He can ’ t cut training without a reasonable excuse approved by the training coordinator and the institution he is training in. Conditions of Joining the Field Training: Conditions of Joining the Field Training: The student has to complete the 7th level satisfactorily to be qualified for the field training. The student has to complete the 7th level satisfactorily to be qualified for the field training.

19. Field Training Institutions The section selects the institutions carefully before sending students. The section selects the institutions carefully before sending students. Libraries and information centers and other cooperative institutions provide training opportunities according the agreement between the section and the training institution. Libraries and information centers and other cooperative institutions provide training opportunities according the agreement between the section and the training institution. Trainees join certain jobs according to the training plan. Trainees join certain jobs according to the training plan. The training institution follows up and assesses the student at the end of the training duration using a special form sent confidentially to the section (form/2). The training institution follows up and assesses the student at the end of the training duration using a special form sent confidentially to the section (form/2). The student himself gives his remarks about the training institution to his academic supervisor (form/4). The student himself gives his remarks about the training institution to his academic supervisor (form/4).

21. Field Training Plan & Reports The academic supervision prepares, with coordination of the training institution, a proposed training plan to be applied as a training program. The training institution may prepare that proposed training plan to be applied after being approved or amended by the academic supervisor. The academic supervision prepares, with coordination of the training institution, a proposed training plan to be applied as a training program. The training institution may prepare that proposed training plan to be applied after being approved or amended by the academic supervisor. The trainee has to select a subject during the first three weeks of training (form1) at the end of the training program he should submit a report explaining his practical experience. The report is divided into two parts: (1) general part concerning the training institution, (2) technical part concerning the work he has done during the training duration. In the second part, the trainee explains a problem he contributed to its solution, or a system or data base he contributed to its development, or a bibliographic or indexing work he accomplished. The trainee has to select a subject during the first three weeks of training (form1) at the end of the training program he should submit a report explaining his practical experience. The report is divided into two parts: (1) general part concerning the training institution, (2) technical part concerning the work he has done during the training duration. In the second part, the trainee explains a problem he contributed to its solution, or a system or data base he contributed to its development, or a bibliographic or indexing work he accomplished.

22. Students ’ Assessment - Field Training 50% of the rating grade is given to the report and the verbal presentation made by the student, the remaining. 50% of the rating grade is given to the report and the verbal presentation made by the student, the remaining. 50% is given to the assessment of the training institution (form/2). 50% is given to the assessment of the training institution (form/2). The Role of the Faculty in the Field Training Program: The Role of the Faculty in the Field Training Program: Three members of the faculty participate in the supervision of the field training. They are as follows: Three members of the faculty participate in the supervision of the field training. They are as follows: 1. Field Training coordinator: 1. Field Training coordinator: The head of the section undertakes this role. He prepares a list of the students nominated for training. He appoints the academic advisers who will be entrusted to follow up the training process of the students. The head of the section undertakes this role. He prepares a list of the students nominated for training. He appoints the academic advisers who will be entrusted to follow up the training process of the students.

23. Students ’ Assessment - Field Training 2. Academic Supervisor: 2. Academic Supervisor: He supervises and advises some of the section students. He assesses the reports in respect of the training process. He instructs them how to write the final report in an academic way. He decides in association with the concerned faculty member the rating degree, (form/3). He supervises and advises some of the section students. He assesses the reports in respect of the training process. He instructs them how to write the final report in an academic way. He decides in association with the concerned faculty member the rating degree, (form/3). 3. The Third Member of the Faculty: 3. The Third Member of the Faculty: The training coordinator entitles one of the faculty members in association with the academic supervisor to read the final report and discuss it with the student to decide the final rating degree to that report. The training coordinator entitles one of the faculty members in association with the academic supervisor to read the final report and discuss it with the student to decide the final rating degree to that report.

24. M.A. Degree in Information First Admission Prerequisites In addition to what came in the Higher studies unified Regulation for Saudi Universities the M.A. students who have not obtained the B.Sc. degree in Library and Information Science must fulfill the following: In addition to what came in the Higher studies unified Regulation for Saudi Universities the M.A. students who have not obtained the B.Sc. degree in Library and Information Science must fulfill the following: Pass 2 Units of the Collections Development Information Organization. Information services and Technology. Those who have not worked six months al least in an information type of work, they have to pass field training topics. Pass 2 Units of the Collections Development Information Organization. Information services and Technology. Those who have not worked six months al least in an information type of work, they have to pass field training topics. Pass a competency test in English Language by the English department at King Saud University or (TOEFL 400), or equivalent of other accredited English tests. Pass a competency test in English Language by the English department at King Saud University or (TOEFL 400), or equivalent of other accredited English tests.

25. M.A. Degree in Information Second: Degree Requirements Studies 36 units at three semesters as well as writing a dissertation after passing the all-subjects test. Studies 36 units at three semesters as well as writing a dissertation after passing the all-subjects test. Those who have obtained a degree in a specialization other than Library and Information Science study complementary subjects decided by the department board, in addition to the program subjects. Those who have obtained a degree in a specialization other than Library and Information Science study complementary subjects decided by the department board, in addition to the program subjects. The reason for is that this program is proposed for the first time and will give a good academic reputation to the higher studies program. The academic dissertation will add another dimension which is the benefit from researchers in the field of the academic publication of the faculty like the other academic departments at the university. The reason for is that this program is proposed for the first time and will give a good academic reputation to the higher studies program. The academic dissertation will add another dimension which is the benefit from researchers in the field of the academic publication of the faculty like the other academic departments at the university.

26. Potentials at the Department The department from its initiation until the academic year 1421/1422H recruited a number of visiting professors from 2-10 professors in each semester. It has become self- sufficient since the academic year 1422/1423H because seven of those who were sent on scholarships came back with doctorate degrees. Therefore, the faculty status is stable, and an M.A. degree could be initiated. TotalNationalityPosition (Academic Degree) Non-SaudiSaudi 312Professor 633Associate Professor 10- Assistant Professor 1-1Lecturer 1-1Demonstrator 2-2Scholarships 23419Grand Total

27. Plan Preparation Method Awareness of excellent examples of the Libraries and Information section at the Saudi, Arab, American and British Universities. Awareness of excellent examples of the Libraries and Information section at the Saudi, Arab, American and British Universities. Awareness of the accreditation criteria of the M.A. degrees issued by the American Library Association (ALA), and the curriculum proposed for the M.A. degree in Documents and records issued by the (SAA). Awareness of the accreditation criteria of the M.A. degrees issued by the American Library Association (ALA), and the curriculum proposed for the M.A. degree in Documents and records issued by the (SAA). Awareness of the competences of the specialized Library specialists issued by the (SLA), and the competences the Library services offered to the youths prepared by (YALSA). Awareness of the competences of the specialized Library specialists issued by the (SLA), and the competences the Library services offered to the youths prepared by (YALSA). Review the Department goals in the light of the new trends and preparation of a program for the M.A. degree. Review the Department goals in the light of the new trends and preparation of a program for the M.A. degree.

28. Plan Preparation Method Preparation of the proposed programs for the B.Sc. and M.A. degrees. Preparation of the proposed programs for the B.Sc. and M.A. degrees. Specification for the areas of the Library and Information application. Specification for the areas of the Library and Information application. Specification of the competences of both the B.Sc. and M.A. programs based on the areas which had been specified. Specification of the competences of both the B.Sc. and M.A. programs based on the areas which had been specified. Preparation and specification of the curriculum to picas the presentation of the plan to experts in Library and information learning. Preparation and specification of the curriculum to picas the presentation of the plan to experts in Library and information learning.

29. Recommendation Focus on selection of brilliant students to join the Library and information sections. Focus on selection of brilliant students to join the Library and information sections. Meetings should be held between the sections heads and faculty members and the new students at the beginning of every semester to explain the goals of those sections. Meetings should be held between the sections heads and faculty members and the new students at the beginning of every semester to explain the goals of those sections. Conduct continuous studies for programs of learning at the academic sections at Saudi Universities. Every three years there should be a review of the programs to cope with the scientific development in this field. Conduct continuous studies for programs of learning at the academic sections at Saudi Universities. Every three years there should be a review of the programs to cope with the scientific development in this field. There should be an organized plan of each section to build up the faculty by appointing lecturers and helping them to pursue their higher education. There should be an organized plan of each section to build up the faculty by appointing lecturers and helping them to pursue their higher education. Conduct a survey of the business market in Saudi Arabia in order to know the jobs required, specially in the national development plan to decide the number of students to be admitted. Conduct a survey of the business market in Saudi Arabia in order to know the jobs required, specially in the national development plan to decide the number of students to be admitted.

30. Recommendation Improve the performance and development of the programs by using latest educational technology. Improve the performance and development of the programs by using latest educational technology. Create relationship with Saudi Library Associations in order to assess the sections ’ programs and the connection of graduates with the society issues and problems. Create relationship with Saudi Library Associations in order to assess the sections ’ programs and the connection of graduates with the society issues and problems. Conduct studies for the faculty intellectual production and its relation to their specialization. Conduct studies for the faculty intellectual production and its relation to their specialization. Conduct studies to measure the functional satisfaction for the specialists who work at Saudi Libraries and Information Centers. Conduct studies to measure the functional satisfaction for the specialists who work at Saudi Libraries and Information Centers.

31. Thank You Q & A Email: jeddah42@yahoo.com