AN INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL FACES THE FUTURE

The last decade has seen the closing of several schools of library and information science in the US, including prestigious ones like those of Columbia University and Case‐Western Reserve. The high costs of maintaining such programmes partly accounts for this change. Decreasing enrolment presents another factor. Fewer students perceive library and information science as an economically attractive profession. Expected beginning salaries balanced against the requirements in subject, language or technical expertise have prompted many prospective candidates to enrol in other programmes that promise them a greater return for their education dollars.