Disruption be my guide. A study into future directions for academic programs for information management

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-11-2016-0137
Published date20 March 2017
Date20 March 2017
Pages71-80
AuthorSteve O’Connor,Ian Smith,Waseem Afzal
Subject MatterLibrary & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Information behaviour & retrieval,Information user studies,Metadata,Information & knowledge management,Information & communications technology,Internet
Disruption be my guide
A study into future directions for academic
programs for information management
Steve OConnor
Information Exponentials Pty Ltd, Lismore, Australia
Ian Smith
Ian Smith Consulting, Hawthorn East, Australia, and
Waseem Afzal
School of Information Studies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia
Abstract
Purpose The skill set required to be a professional in any profession is inherent in the qualifications
required for entrance to that profession. The abilityto demonstrate leadership in the middle to upper echelons
of that profession is demonstrably different. The School of Information Studies at the Charles SturtUniversity
in Wagga Wagga Australia sought to explore what a postgraduate qualification in the leadership of the
profession might look like and what the demand for such a qualification might be. The purpose of this paper
is to detail that research effort and the outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach The study undertook a number of different approaches including
engaging in networks of professional colleagues globally and a series of focus groups in Brisbane, Sydney
and Melbourne. The outcomes were analyzed in terms of the expectations of what a new degree might contain
as well as the enrollment prospects for such a degree.
Findings Therewas a strong ground-swell of supportfor a new degree of Masters of InformationLeadership.
The combinationof subjects from the LIS environment together with subjects froma MBA environment was
strongly endorsed. These areas of interestwere documented in the paper along withrecommendations.
Research limitations/implications There is a fertile ground for research here in two ways. First, there is
much scope for the examination of the course requirements and how they sit in a future work environment.
This is especially the case where there is a convergence of the interests of the galleries, libraries, archives and
museums sectors. Second, there is much to be done as the authors look at leadership skills sets for future
information environments which are highly speculative.
Practical implications This study has produced a set of requirements for a new Masters of Information
Leadership. It is a very useful set of requirements to base future studies. There was also a very strong
requirement for real life aspects to such a course rather than theoretical exercises as has been the current
academic practice.
Originality/value This study is quite original as it sought to engage practitioners in different areas
and sectors in Australia aiming to ensure that the resulting academic program was closely aligned with
practitioner need.
Keywords Convergence, Leadership, Management development, Academic course development,
Future professional skill sets, Information leadership
Paper type Research paper
The wicked leader is he who the people despise. The good leader is he who the people revere.
The great leader is he who the people say, We did it ourselves(Lao Tzu, Sixth Century BC).
All professions have to respond to societal and technological changes. In changing the
profession needs to learn new skills and approaches to the work and potential influences
which it believes its role to be. This is especially the case when professions are seeking to
position themselves ahead of these societal and technological changes which may not
always be transparent or obvious to the present cohort of the professions. Who can predict
the future? Who will be the game changers? Who will be able to take that informed and
educated risk to position their organizationtobewherethefutureis.Therenowned
Canadian hockey player Wayne Gredzky once described a good hockey player as being
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 35 No. 1, 2017
pp. 71-80
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-11-2016-0137
Received 26 November 2016
Accepted 29 November 2016
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
71
Academic
programs for
information
management

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