Moving with times The inclusion of Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies in the curriculum of Library and Information Science Schools in Botswana and South Africa

Abstract

This paper aims to determine the inclusion of specified Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in the curriculum of library and information schools at the University of Botswana in Botswana (UB) and the University of Fort Hare (UFH) in South Africa. The said 4IR technologies are cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning as well as blockchain technology. This study used content analysis on the website of the two universities, documentary review and literature as data sources in the endeavour to resolve the research problem. The two universities were selected purposively because they were comprehensive universities using the South African context. In addition, the selection was also informed by the LIS curriculum offered by the universities. The study revealed that UB offered a Bachelor of Information and Knowledge Management with specialisation in archives and records management, knowledge management, and library and information studies, and the Bachelor of Information Systems (information management). At postgraduate level, the UB offered a master’s degree in archives and records management, a master’s degree in library and information studies, and a Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Studies. UFH offered a Bachelor of Library and Information Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Archives and Records Management at undergraduate and the postgraduate levels. Regarding the inclusion of the specified 4IR technologies in their curriculum offerings, the study found that both the UB and the UFH were not included. The study recommends the inclusion of the specified 4IR technologies in the library and information science school to prepare graduates for the disruptive 4IR work environment.