Integrating LIS into an Organizational IS/IT Environment

This article reports a research effort conducted as part of a curriculum design process for a new master of arts program in a newly established School of Informatics. The program was intended to address emerging needs in the information technology (IT) workforce, focusing not on computer science and engineering personnel but rather on employees skilled in needs assessment, implementation, evaluation, and organizational change issues. Focus groups were conducted of representatives from private and public sector organizations, including libraries and library systems. These and a survey of three hundred New York State companies indicated a widely felt need for IT workers that have skills in communication, problem solving, and team work. The curriculum was designed to emphasize training in both information technology and "organizational competencies."