Designing future library leaders: Investigating the incorporation of design thinking and methods in master’s level library education

Abstract

MLIS graduates need to be collaborative, creative, socially innovative, flexible, and adaptable problem solvers—characteristics that may be achieved by incorporating design thinking into master’s level library education. Yet explicit integration of design thinking and methods appears to be missing in MLIS degree programs. This paper presentation will report on findings from Designing Future Library Leaders, a project that investigated the current state of design thinking and methods in master’s level library education in the United States through a field scan of existing curricula, a nationwide survey of library practitioners, and a national forum connecting MLIS educators and library professionals.