Evaluation the Impact of Library and Information Science Master's Degree (MLIS) on Graduates in Iran

TL;DR

This study evaluates how the MLIS degree influences Iranian graduates across various dimensions, finding a moderate positive impact but suggesting room for improvement in the degree's value.

Contribution

It provides an empirical assessment of the MLIS degree's impact on graduates in Iran, highlighting areas for enhancement in LIS education.

Findings

MLIS degree has a moderate positive effect on graduates

Development of subject expertise and employment are notably impacted

Overall effect score of 3.25 out of 5

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the effect of MLIS degree on graduates in Iran from different dimensions. The study examined the effects of MLIS on scientific progress, the development of subject expertise, employment, individual characteristics, skills and capabilities, and scientific activities of Iran's graduates. The study was a descriptive-survey and researcher-made questionnaire is used for data collection. The overall effect average of degree of MLIS on Iranian graduates was equal to 3/25. The findings showed that the average effect of MLIS degree associated with each studied factors on the graduates in the country were: Scientific progress (3/13), development of subject expertise (3/27), employment (3/27), individual characteristics (2/75), skills and capabilities (3/48), scientific activities (3/57(. Discussion: Based on the results, the effect of MLIS degree on Iranian graduates was more than moderate. Generally, it can be concluded that MLIS courses at universities in the country, can increase the value of a master's degree of graduates at an acceptable level, but is not perfect; it seems that the authorities should increase their efforts to promote the value of a master's degree in graduates.