This study is being conducted by Kimberly Plassche at the University at Buffalo Libraries. The purpose of this research activity is to observe where in library science curricula topics related maps, geospatial information and cartography are included. Our focus is specifically on ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree-granting programs.
Participants are invited to complete a survey consisting of multiple choice and open-ended questions related to the coverage of map librarianship skills in your courses. The survey will take about 10 minutes. You will not be paid/compensated for your participation in this study.
The survey will be open until Friday, June 3, 2022. To read the study details and complete the survey, please follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/lismaps It may help to anticipate the questions in the survey before opening the link. I have listed them below. Even if you have no courses covering mapping or geospatial topics in your library science program, please respond to the survey so we can capture that data.
- I am answering these questions as a representative for or employee of a MLS/MLIS-degree granting institution located in the United States.
- Do you have a course specifically related to maps or cartography in your curriculum?
- If you have a course devoted to maps and cartography in your program, what is the title of the course?
- Do you have a course specifically related to GIS in your curriculum?
- If you have a course devoted to GIS in your program, what is the title of the course?
- Are maps covered in any general courses encompassing many topics or materials, such as cataloging or archives management?
- If yes, what are the course titles for those classes?
- Are GIS or GIS data covered in any general courses encompassing many topics or materials, such as digital libraries or data management?
- If yes, what are the course titles for those classes?
- Does your program allow students to take courses related to maps, geography, or GIS from other programs on campus?
- If so, what programs and courses are accepted towards the MLIS degree?
- Does your institution have a dual-program encouraging students to earn an MLIS simultaneously with another Master’s degree related to geography or GIS?
- If yes, can you provide more details about this option? Additional details may include which departments or schools participate in this dual-degree option or specific degrees graduating students earn.
- Do you have any other comments related to the coverage of maps, cartography, and GIS in your program? Please provide them here.