Mike Crumpton, Assistant Dean for Administration in University Libraries and Associate Professor, and Nora Bird, Director of Graduate Studies and Associate Professor in the School of Education’s Library and Information Science Department, have published a book chapter, “Educating the Entrepreneurial Librarian,” in Advances in Library Administration and Organization.
In the book, the authors discuss the value of including an entrepreneurial education component into Library and Information Studies (LIS) programs, while embracing innovation within the theoretical framework.
Programs that choose to include these components will ensure a profession that can change and be sustainable into the future. Examples and active programs from field literature are provided to make the case for the need to include entrepreneurial skill development into LIS programs.
As LIS programs change to meet the needs of a dynamic, information-seeking public by incorporating new skills development into the education process, students benefit by learning about new partnerships and expectations, as well as learning from practitioners in the field through practicums, internships and volunteering.
Students obtaining competencies and skills related to risk-taking, building diverse relationships and becoming comfortable with ambiguity will increase their chances for a broader range of employment after obtaining their LIS degree.