Curriculum Innovation in Library and Information Science: Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Publishing and Records Management Programmes

Abstract

Publishing and Printing Technology and Records and Archives Management Technology programmes in the Department of Library and Information Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, using a census of 50 respondents, of whom 43 returned valid questionnaires (86.0% response rate). The instrument was validated by experts and demonstrated satisfactory reliability (Cronbach's α ≥ .70). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and independent-samples t-tests at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed strong support for the proposed programmes (grand mean = 4.31, SD = 0.83), with respondents recognising substantial benefits (grand mean = 4.46, SD = 0.76), including improved graduate employability and enhanced practical competencies. Institutional readiness was rated positively (grand mean = 3.87, SD = 1.04), although concerns were expressed regarding laboratory and ICT facilities. Funding, shortage of specialists and inadequate laboratory facilities were identified as the major implementation challenges (grand mean = 4.23, SD = 0.86), while stakeholder participation, funding, staff capacity building and industry collaboration were considered critical implementation strategies (grand mean = 4.55, SD = 0.67). Independent-samples t-tests indicated no statistically significant differences between academic librarians and lecturers regarding perceived need, expected benefits or implementation challenges (t(41) = 1.42, p = .163; t(41) = 1.40, p = .169; t(41) = 0.79, p = .434, respectively). The findings demonstrate broad stakeholder consensus on the need and feasibility of the proposed programmes, providing empirical support for curriculum diversification in Library and information science education