The role of the course leader in taught Masters‐level courses in the LIS sector in the United Kingdom

Discusses the results of a telephone survey of course leaders in taught Masters‐level courses in the LIS sector in the UK, which sought to gather information about the role of the course leader and course leaders’ perceptions of that role. A response rate of 62.5 per cent was achieved. The interviews dealt with the duties of the course leader in relation to admissions, the subject content of the course, respondents’ major administrative duties, their role in managing the course and in course evaluation. Respondents were also asked what they saw as being their major successes and where they felt that improvements could be made in their funtioning. Results show that respondents were keen to participate in the survey and had strongly held views on many of the points raised. Concerns related chiefly to lack of resources and time to perform their role ably and effectively. For a number of respondents successes related primarily to interaction with students, while others were proud of achievements in management or administration of the course. There was evidence that respondents felt closely associated with the course. A significant number emphasised not the weight of this responsibility but that their responsibility was not supported by authority or executive power.