Views of Library and Information Science (LIS) Instruction in Morocco

Abstract

Morocco first saw the introduction of libraries under the French protectorate, and has only been training its own librarians and documentalists at the Ecole des Sciences de l’Information (ESI) in Rabat since 1974. The facilities at the school are sufficient, but are not as advanced as facilities of Western schools. Professors and students, likewise, face a number of challenges as Morocco prepares its next generation of information specialists. Despite it all, Library and Information Science (LIS) instruction is alive and well in Morocco, and will surely continue to contribute positively to the information landscape. This talk will outline positive aspects of LIS instruction at ESI and as well as some of the challenges that are faced; both aspects will be explored from a Western librarian’s point of view.