PROFESSIONAL LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT, MANPOWER EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN JORDAN

Library education in Jordan falls into three categories: professional, at the post-graduate level, subprofessional, at the community colleges level, and in-service training. The primary institution concerned with in-service training is JLA. Detailed accounts of programmes, syllabus, curriculum and course contents offered at all levels are given. The historical account of the library movement in Jordan indicates that Jordan's libraries are in transition from traditional to advanced library and information functions and practice. Continuous course evaluations and assessments resulted in the development of curricula endeavouring to advance trends in library and information science. Thus, more libraries are implementing computer systems. The post-graduate curriculum introduces courses on advanced topics in information science and technology besides library automation. JLA is shifting its emphasis towards specialized courses on computerization and library software packages such as CDS/ISIS. Community colleges' library education has also changed to include advanced topics. Statistical analysis of students and trainees at all levels is given. The impact of information technology on several library aspects and information services is highlighted to disclose what should be incorporated into the new library education curricula to equip the future generation of library and information professionals to practise the profession in Jordan. © 1992 Academic Press Limited.