Research Methods as a Core Competency

Abstract

Research methods are not required by many library and information science (LIS) programs in the United States and Canada; in fact, only half of the ranked programs require such courses of master's of library science (MLS) students. Yet, at the same institutions as the LIS programs, research methods are required in science programs, most social science programs, master's in business administration (MBA) programs, and graduate social work programs. Accreditation standards in business and social work reinforce an individual program's need to require research methods. In graduate education programs, accrediting bodies do not require research methods courses and LIS can be defined-on this issue-as similar to education programs and, possibly, humanities programs. Research competency by MLS graduates accrues sustained benefits to the field. If MLS graduates are to be contributors and consumers of research, then LIS will need to require research methods courses of all students. If the LIS programs are reluctant to include research methods as a core course, then the American Library Association (ALA) may need to make this a requirement for accreditation.

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