Incorporating business courses into LIS programs in Hungary: An examination of ALA-accredited programs

Libraries are currently undergoing drastic changes; these changes are a result of the proliferation of advanced technology, change in users' information-seeking behaviour and equally the diversity of information resources. As such, libraries and librarians are no longer enjoying the monopoly they used to enjoy as the sole providers of information. With the new changes, libraries are expected not only to be the custodians of information resources, but also facilitators of the same. This new role calls for libraries and librarians to have adequate skills and knowledge in a wide range of subjects that can enable them to survive the competitive environment. This study aims at establishing effective ways of incorporating business courses into LIS programmes in universities in Hungary as a strategy for enhancing economic development and sustainability in the country. The study used a literature review approach in analysing the implementation of business courses in Library and Information Sciences (LIS) programmes among the ALA (American Library Association) accredited programmes. The study established correlations between various ALA-accredited programmes that had incorporated business courses in their programmes. Using ALA-accredited programmes as a model, the study sought to analyse an appropriate model for restructuring LIS programmes in Hungary. From the findings, it was revealed that most ALA-accredited programmes had embraced various business courses in their programmes, although, it was noted that the majority of the programmes had business courses as electives. It was also observed that various titles of business courses amongst the ALA programmes were diverse and varied. From the analysis of this study, it was established that the incorporation of business courses in the LIS programme is beneficial, since most universities, globally, are trending towards the concept of entrepreneurial universities. However, there needs to be an appropriate strategy of ensuring that the courses chosen are market driven.