Editorial : LIS and the Creation of a European Educational Space

Abstract

The Bologna process aims to create a transparent European educational space. Educational programmes in LIS throughout Europe are structured according to different models and traditions, for example, LIS as an academic discipline - information science - similar to economics, sociology or history, versus a profession-oriented perspective, or models where a PhD builds upon a Masters degree which again builds upon a BA, versus a model where an MA builds upon a BA in another subject. LIS as an academic field draws on computer science and mathematics, linguistics, the social sciences, the humanities. Different programmes make different choices from which the debate on the core of LIS stems to a large extent. This situation creates challenges to LIS in relation to its adaptation to the Bologna process. Accreditation and certification are important topics. The article recommends a process approach instead of a bureaucratic and rule-oriented one. The Copenhagen workshop on European curriculum development in LIS, which took place on the 11th and 12th of August this year, is seen as important in such a gradual process towards transparency. Europeanising national evaluations and accreditations by building up a pool of European LIS experts that national accreditation bodies can utilise when programmes are to be evaluated, is also seen as important.