Curriculum Updates in Documentation Studies: Key Reflections

Recently, Spanish universities have been undertaking a process of updating Documentation studies. In this regard, curricula constitute one of the most powerful instruments for promoting the review and updating of knowledge within a university program. Moreover, they entail significant transformations and adjustments aimed at enhancing students’ preparation to play a productive role in the knowledge society. All of this underscores the strategic value of curricula and the high level of responsibility borne by the academic community involved in their development and evolution. For these reasons, their editing and critical analysis must be conducted with great care, impartiality, and scientific rigor, grounded in experience and, more than ever, in accurate information and relevant prior studies. Therefore, the objective of this entry is to share some reflections on Documentation curricula, highlighting key aspects related to the labor market, the logical evolution toward Social Sciences, and the integration of Technologies.

Market Needs and Curricula

Employability should be one of the objectives of any university degree. A revision of the curriculum can represent an excellent opportunity to align competencies and knowledge with the needs and realities of the labor market. For this reason, it is essential to periodically conduct analyses regarding the progression of studies and their applicability in workplace settings. This requires a rigorous study that encompasses not only the public administration sector but also the private enterprise sector. After all, an extremely high percentage of employment originates from the private sector. To verify this fact, one need only examine the national civil service examinations available for librarians, archivists, and museum professionals: in 2016, these totaled just 168 positions. In contrast, during the same period, according to estimates by SEDIC (Spanish Society for Scientific Documentation and Information), more than 2,300 job offers related to information professionals, Big Data, SEO Web, and Information Technologies were published in the private sector. The mere data on available job postings and their characterization should reinforce a pedagogical approach that prioritizes technology education, leverages market demand, and advocates for continuous updating of curricular content. Unfortunately, this has not been the case at all universities, as illustrated by the following graph published by El Mundo newspaper in its 2018 Education Special.

Fig1. Medina, P; Guisado, P. (2018). What to study and where to have the best employment prospects. Elmundo.es. http://www.elmundo.es/especiales/educacion/empleo-universidad.html

As shown in Figure 1, in general, graduates of Library and Information Science programs fail to secure employment commensurate with their training, and such opportunities are scarce. This is particularly true in the case of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. It is noteworthy that the best-performing institutions in the graph are the Universidad Carlos III and the University of Barcelona, where this positive trend coincides with significant modifications to their curricula and clear commitments to content related to Information and Documentation Technologies, as will be demonstrated below.

From Humanistic Content to Social Sciences and Technologies

One possible reason for the positive trend observed in Library and Information Science programs at Universidad Carlos III and the University of Barcelona is the paradigm shift away from humanistic content toward social sciences and technologies—fields that are more in demand in the labor market due to their practical utility and capacity to generate wealth and opportunities. In other words, they are more applied. This transformation is evident in the following comparative table of humanistic courses included in Document Science curricula.

UC3MUMUEXUDCUVUBUGRULEUSALDocumentary sources for the history of Spain (Core)–––––––––Bibliography and literary genres (Core)–––Part of Bibliography and Information SourcesHistory of Text Transmission and Preservation––Part of Bibliography and Information Sources–Historical collections of printed materials (Mandatory)––Historical Collection (Elective)–––The Historical Book (Elective)Bibliographic and Documentary HeritageHistorical Collection (Elective)History of Written Culture and the Book (Mandatory)––––History of the Book and History of Documentary and Bibliographic Production–History of Writing and Documents–History of the BookHistory of Libraries (Mandatory)–––––––––Source: (Undergraduate Degree Programs in Documentation)

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. https://www.uc3m.es/ss/Satellite/Grado/es/Detalle/Estudio_C/1371224922548/1371212987094
Universidad de Murcia. https://www.um.es/web/comunicacion/contenido/estudios/grados/documentacion
Universidad de Extremadura – https://www.unex.es/conoce-la-uex/centros/alcazaba/titulaciones/info/presentacion?id=1706
Universidad de La Coruña. http://estudos.udc.es/gl/study/start/710G02V02
Universidad de Valencia. https://www.uv.es/uvweb/grado-informacion-documentacion/es/grado-informacion-documentacion-1285921118001.html
Universidad de Barcelona. https://www.ub.edu/web/ub/es/estudis/oferta_formativa/graus/fitxa/I/G1030/index.html
Universidad de Granada. https://www.ugr.es/estudiantes/grados/graduadoa-en-informacion-y-documentacion
Universidad de León. https://www.unileon.es/estudiantes/estudiantes-grado/oferta-de-estudios/grado-en-informacion-y-documentacion-a-distancia
Universidad de Salamanca. http://exlibris.usal.es/index.php/34-espanol/grado-informacion-y-documentacion-es/41-plan-de-estudios

Table 1. Humanities Subjects in Documentation Degree Programs

The table shows that Universidad Carlos III and Universitat de Barcelona do not include the subjects “Documentary Sources for the History of Spain,” “Bibliography and Literary Genres,” “Ancient Bibliographic Collections,” “History of Written Culture and the Book,” and “History of Libraries.” This allows for the allocation of credits toward training in more in-demand professional profiles, such as Data Analyst, Digital Content Manager, Digital Library Manager, Community Manager, SEO-SEM Consultant, Web Analyst, Digital Content Architect, Web Content Designer, Document Controller, or Metadata Specialist.

Technologies and Information Retrieval in Documentation Degree Programs

All available data suggest that student competitiveness depends on a high level of knowledge in Technologies and Information Retrieval. This is corroborated by the White Paper on the Design of University Degrees within the Digital Economy Framework, published by the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Tourism. It is logical to review the subjects in degree programs that are functioning effectively in this area, both in Spain and internationally. To achieve this objective, the following tables have been prepared, presenting the list of Technology and Information Retrieval courses offered at the Universities of Barcelona, Granada, Carlos III, Washington, Cornell, and Toronto.

Degree in Information and Documentation. UC3M

Carlos III University of Madrid. Bachelor's Degree in Information and Documentation.

University of Granada. Bachelor's Degree in Information and Documentation.

University of Barcelona. Courses in Information Technologies: Fundamentals of Computer Science, Introduction to Information and Documentation Systems, Fundamentals and Design of Databases, Automated Systems in Information Units, Information and Digital Formats, Fundamentals of Programming, Fundamentals of Programming, Databases, Digital Publishing, Databases, Metadata, Automated Systems in Information Units, Fundamentals of Programming, Automated Information Management Systems I, Web Content Management, Digital Documentation, Automated Information Management Systems II, Corporate Archives: Electronic Document Management, Electronic Archives, Semantic Web, Internet Technologies, Information for Business, Development of Information Products, Accessibility and Universal Design of Information, Knowledge Organization Systems I, Specialized Metadata, Corporate Archives: Electronic Document Management, Knowledge Organization Systems II, Exploitation of Business Information and Competitive Intelligence.

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. https://www.uc3m.es/ss/Satellite/Grado/es/Detalle/Estudio_C/1371212496741/1371212987094
University of Granada. http://grados.ugr.es/documentacion/pages/infoacademica/guiasdocentes
University of Barcelona. http://www.ub.edu/biblio/futurs/es/pla.php

Course Programs by University

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Computer Science. http://www3.uc3m.es/reina/Fichas/Idioma_1/210.15851.html
Internet Technologies. http://www3.uc3m.es/reina/Fichas/Idioma_1/210.15859.html
Fundamentals and Design of Databases. http://www3.uc3m.es/reina/Fichas/Idioma_1/210.15862.html
Programming Fundamentals. http://www3.uc3m.es/reina/Fichas/Idioma_1/210.15879.html
Digital Editing. http://www3.uc3m.es/reina/Fichas/Idioma_1/210.15869.html
Automated Systems in Information Units. http://www3.uc3m.es/reina/Fichas/Idioma_1/210.15867.html
Web Content Management. http://www3.uc3m.es/reina/Fichas/Idioma_1/210.15887.html
Corporate Archives: Electronic Document Management. http://www3.uc3m.es/reina/Fichas/Idioma_1/210.15880.html
Information Retrieval. http://www3.uc3m.es/reina/Fichas/Idioma_1/210.15870.html

University of Granada

Fundamentals of Computer Science. http://fcd.ugr.es/static/GestorDocencia/*/GID/1/15
Computer Systems. http://fcd.ugr.es/static/GestorDocencia/*/GID/3/33
Automated Systems in Information Units. http://fcd.ugr.es/static/GestorDocencia/*/GID/3/34
Web Technologies for Information Services. http://fcd.ugr.es/static/GestorDocencia/*/GID/4/TWSI
Databases. http://fcd.ugr.es/static/GestorDocencia/*/GID/1/17
Fundamentals of Programming. http://fcd.ugr.es/static/GestorDocencia/*/GID/3/M5
Digital Documentation. http://fcd.ugr.es/static/GestorDocencia/*/GID/3/38
Electronic Archives. http://fcd.ugr.es/static/GestorDocencia/*/GID/3/37
Information for Business. http://fcd.ugr.es/static/GestorDocencia/*/GID/4/IE
Information Retrieval Techniques. http://fcd.ugr.es/static/GestorDocencia/*/GID/4/TRI
Advanced Information Retrieval Techniques. http://fcd.ugr.es/static/GestorDocencia/*/GID/4/TRRI

University of Barcelona

Foundations of Technology. http://www.ub.edu/grad/plae/AccesInformePD?curs=2016&codiGiga=360042&recurs=publicacio
Digital Information and Formats. http://www.ub.edu/grad/plae/AccesInformePD?curs=2016&codiGiga=360043&recurs=publicacio
Databases. [No link to program available]
Metadata. [No link to program available]
Automated Management Systems I. http://www.ub.edu/grad/plae/AccesInformePD?curs=2016&codiGiga=360059&recurs=publicacio
Automated Management Systems II. [No link to program available. Code 360060]
Semantic Web. http://www.ub.edu/grad/plae/AccesInformePD?curs=2016&codiGiga=360055&recurs=publicacio
Development of Information Products. http://www.ub.edu/grad/plae/AccesInformePD?curs=2016&codiGiga=364358&recurs=publicacio
Specialized Metadata. www.ub.edu/grad/plae/AccesInformePD?curs=2016&codiGiga=364366&recurs=publicacio
Business Information Exploitation and Competitive Intelligence. http://www.ub.edu/grad/plae/AccesInformePD?curs=2016&codiGiga=364367&recurs=publicacio
Information Seeking and Use. [No link to program available]
Design of Retrieval Systems. www.ub.edu/grad/plae/AccesInformePD?curs=2016&codiGiga=360053&recurs=publicacio
Information Retrieval. www.ub.edu/grad/plae/AccesInformePD?curs=2016&codiGiga=360045&recurs=publicacio

Table 2. Comparison of technological courses in the Information and Documentation Degrees at UC3M, UB, and UGR

Table 2 shows that the three Spanish universities prioritize technological-documentary subjects, with a total of 10 courses. Notably, all programs consistently include specialized subjects in metadata, automated systems, databases, programming, digital content management, electronic archives, and digital management for business. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the degree programs at the University of Granada and the University of Barcelona each include three Information Retrieval courses addressing the design of retrieval systems, theoretical models, and technical processing of content. This underscores the importance of these topics in the training of information professionals.

University of Washington

Information School

Degree in Information ScienceCornell University

Information Science College

Degree in Information ScienceUniversity of Toronto

Faculty of Information

Degree in Information Science
Courses in Technologies
Core Methods in Data Science
Human-Computer Interaction Design
Information Behaviour
Advanced Methods in Data Science
Communication and Technology
Information Systems Design Project
Database Design & Management
Designing Technology for Social Impact
User Interface Design
Interactive Information Visualization
Advanced Human-Computer Interaction Design
Metadata Schemas and Applications
Visual Information Design
Data Structures and Functional Programming
Knowledge Management and Systems
Mobile Application Design
Introductory Design and Programming for the Web
Information Management and Systems
Cooperative Software Development
Intermediate Design and Programming for the Web
Information Architecture
Input and Interaction
Data-Driven Web Applications
User-Centred Information Systems Development
Immersive Information Environment Design
Introduction to Rapid Prototyping and Physical Computing
Data Librarianship
Metadata Design
Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures
Programming for Information Systems
Content Strategy in Information Architecture
Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
Information Systems, Services and Design
Server-Side Development
Machine Learning for Intelligent Systems
Data Analytics: Introduction, Methods and Practical Approaches
Database Design & Management
Machine Learning for Data Science
Information Management in Organizations - Models and Platforms
Computer Networks and Distributed Applications
Software Engineering
Community Informatics
Secure Systems
Computational Linguistics
Network Design
Information Systems and Analysis
Digital Forensics
Introduction to Database Systems
Network Security
Introduction to Computer Graphics
Computer Security
Courses in Information Retrieval
Advanced Search Engine Systems
Natural Language Processing
Online Information Retrieval
Knowledge Organization
Source

Degree in Information Science. University of Washington. https://ischool.uw.edu/programs/informatics/degree-options
Degree in Information Science. Cornell University. http://www.infosci.cornell.edu/academics/undergraduate/undergraduate-minor-information-science-pre-spring-2018
Degree in Information Science. University of Toronto. https://ischool.utoronto.ca/current-students/programs-courses/courses/?search=&course_categories=information-studies

Course Programs by University

University of Washington

Core Methods in Data Science. https://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info370
Advanced Methods in Data Science. https://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info371
Database Design & Management. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info445
Interactive Information Visualization. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info474
Visual Information Design. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info362
Mobile Application Design. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info365
Cooperative Software Development. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info461
Input and Interaction. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info463
Immersive Information Environment Design. https://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info467
Metadata Design. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info431
Content Strategy in Information Architecture. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info433
Server-Side Development. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info344
Database Design & Management. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info445
Computer Networks and Distributed Applications. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info341
Secure Systems. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscatb/css.html#css337
Network Design. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscatb/css.html#css432
Digital Forensics. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscatt/tinfo.html#tinfo443
Network Security. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscatt/tinfo.html#tinfo441
Computer Security. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscatt/tinfo.html#tinfo442
Advanced Search Engine Systems. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/info.html#info446

Cornell University

Human-Computer Interaction Design. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=441444
Communication and Technology. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=441438
Designing Technology for Social Impact. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=445796
Advanced Human-Computer Interaction Design. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=441453
Introductory Design and Programming for the Web. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=441434
Intermediate Design and Programming for the Web. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=441437
Data-Driven Web Applications. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=441442
Introduction to Rapid Prototyping and Physical Computing. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=441452
Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=439756
Foundations of Artificial Intelligence. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=439780
Machine Learning for Intelligent Systems. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=439784
Software Engineering. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=439791
Computational Linguistics. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=441816
Information Systems and Analysis. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=442596
Introduction to Database Systems. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=439772
Introduction to Computer Graphics. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=439777
Data Structures and Functional Programming. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=439760
Natural Language Processing. http://courses.cornell.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=28&coid=439782

University of Toronto

Information Behaviour. https://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/information-behaviour/
Information Systems Design Project. http://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/information-systems-design-project/
User Interface Design. http://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/user-interface-design/
Metadata Schemas and Applications. http://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/metadata-schemas-and-applications/
Knowledge Management and Systems. http://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/knowledge-management-and-systems/
Information Management and Systems. http://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/information-management-and-systems/
Information Architecture. http://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/information-architecture/
User-Centred Information Systems Development. http://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/user-centred-information-systems-development/
Data Librarianship. http://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/data-librarianship/
Programming for Information Systems. http://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/programming-for-information-systems/
Information Systems, Services and Design. http://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/information-systems-services-and-design/
Data Analytics: Introduction, Methods and Practical Approaches. http://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/data-analytics-introduction-methods-and-practical-approaches/
Information Management in Organizations: Models and Platforms. https://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/information-management-in-organizations-models-and-platforms/
Community Informatics. https://ischool.utoronto.ca/course/community-informatics/

Table 3. Comparison of technology courses in Information Science degree programs at the universities of Washington, Cornell, and Toronto

Table 3 presents curricula from foreign universities regarded as leaders in Information Science. It is evident that there is a wide range of courses addressing topics such as machine learning, data science, web-based information service development, prototyping and information systems engineering, database design and management, data analysis, metadata, among others. The number of courses varies between 14 and 19, and the focus of each program differs across universities. This indicates a high level of specialization; in other words, the programs are oriented toward the most promising employment sectors within Information Sciences—a positive indicator for the future and sustainability of the profession, even in Spain. Returning to the table, it is observed that the University of Washington specializes in training data scientists and analysts with capabilities in software development. Cornell University focuses on developing machine learning and artificial intelligence systems for creating new information services and their entrepreneurial application. The University of Toronto emphasizes a data librarian profile, with expertise in web application and information service development. Compared to Documentation programs in Spain, American and Canadian universities advocate a model of information professionals with advanced knowledge of computer engineering, granting the autonomy necessary to develop productive applications. In other words, the goal of this education is to enable students to produce services, wealth, knowledge, markets, and enterprises by leveraging available technologies. While it is not possible to evaluate which model is superior, it is undeniable that Information and Documentation studies have a significant future and potential for expansion if they align with Information Technologies and embrace the concept of producing and delivering services that generate wealth or added value. I hope all Spanish universities will observe this trend and positively adapt and transform their curricula, so that Documentation degree programs can join the train of progress.