Teaching collaborative skills in library and information science education (LISE)

This paper describes a model for teaching collaborative skills in LISE. Collaborative and team approaches to work are advocated as strategies by which organizations could remain competitive amidst pervading change. Current developments in the information professions underscore the need for collaborative skills. However, very few guidelines exist for integrating collaborative skills in LISE. The collaborative process is based on joint creation, sharing and transformation of information into a mix of knowledge and products. Preparation for collaborative work must therefore be anchored in interpersonal and social skills training. The experience of the author suggests that collaborative learning strategies can be integrated into LIS curricula with positive gains in students' academic and social skills.