A peek into the future: information science education and training in the fourth industrial revolution era

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) will affect the concept of work in diverse ways. The anticipated widespread deployment of robots and other artificially intelligent machines will permanently transform how humans work. The dominant presence of machines in the workspaces will bring numerous ethical, technological, and professional dilemmas to the fore. One of the dilemmas revolves around the relationship between the machines and their human “colleagues.” In the information workspaces, will human professionals measure up to the expertise and productivity of robots? Will robots rise in rank and supervise their human counterparts? How can information professionals prepare adequately for the future of work in the 4IR era? These questions draw attention to the education and training of information scientists, which is the essence of this chapter. Firstly, the chapter explores the competencies expected of information scientists in the 4IR era. Secondly, it assesses how Library and Information Science (LIS) schools develop these in their graduates. The chapter is developed using a systematic literature review of relevant scholarly materials and documentary analysis of course contents of LIS schools globally. The chapter highlights skills information professionals require to work well in the 4IR era. LIS schools may use this chapter to develop curricula that produce 4IR-compliant professionals through progressive and market-led education and training.