Library and Information Science Education in Thailand
Pimrumpai Premsmit
Department of Library Science Faculty of Arts
Chulalongkorn University
Historical Background
Library education in Thailand was initiated at Chulalongkorn University in
1951. A special program in library management was offered under the auspices of theFulbright with five American professors conducting six courses, one at a time, for fiveconsecutive years.
The Department of Library Science in the Faculty of Arts, Chula longkorn
Universtiy was founded in 1955. This was the first library school to offer a diploma
program. The objectives of the School are to promote librarianship, provide well-educatedlibrarian to work in various types of libraries, and to support educational programs
which depend on extensive library materials. (Suthilak Ambhanwong 1964: 6)
A first course on “library use” was offered to freshmen of the Faculty of Arts
in 1957. Two years later, a full undergraduate program in library science was offered
for juniors and seniors. In 1964, the master’s program in Library Science wasintroduced. The curriculum was based on that of graduate library schools in UnitedStates, with modifications to meet the needs of Thailand. The graduate curriculum
consists of both theoretical courses such as library history and library administration;
as well as practical courses such as cataloging and classification, and reference
services. Dr. Frances L. Spain, an American professor, who was consultant to theprogram at that time, stated that the graduate level of education for librarianshipoffered opportunities for librarians to contribute to the progress and direction oflibrary development in Thailand. (Spain 1964: 1)
Another graduate level of education offered in 1965 was Advanced Certificate
in Library Science at the College of Education, Prasanmitr Campus (nowSrinakharinwirot University). It was a one-year post bachelor’s degree program
aimed to produce school librarians, comprising three main subjects, namely, survey oflibrary science, theory and technical process, and practicum in library service. (SupatSongsangchan 2003)
LIS Education Programs
Undergraduate Programs
During the intervening 50 years library and information science programs
have been updated and expanded. At present more than 15 universities offer
programs of library and information science at undergraduate, masters and Ph.D.
levels.
The first degree for information professionals in Thailand si the bachelor’s
degree and most universities offer such programs. However, the titles of thosedegrees awarded vary. The bachelor’s degree in Information Studies, is offered at 5

universities, firstly at Chulalongkorn University, and at Ramkhamhaeng University,
Chiang Mai University, Suranaree University of Technology, and theUniversity of theThai Chamber of Commerce. Khon Kaen University, Mahasarakham University,
Sukhothaithammathirat Open University award Bachelor of Arts in Information
Science. The Bachelor’s in Library and Information Scienc e degree is offered at
Srinakharinwirot University, Burapha University and Thammasat University.
Silpakorn University and Dhurakijpundit University offer Bachelor of Arts inInformation and Library Science. Prince of Songkla University and Walailuk
University award Bachelor of Arts in Information Management degrees.
Table 1: Title of Degrees Awarded and Credit in LIS
University
State
Burapha University
Chiang Mai University
Chulalongkorn
University
Khon Kaen University
Mahasarakham
University
Prince of Songkla
University
Ramkhamhaeng
University
Silpakorn University
Srinakharinwirot
University
Sukhothai ThammathiratOpen University
Suranaree University ofTechnology
Thammasat University
Rajabhat University
Walailuk University
PrivateDhurakijpundit
University
The University of theThai Chamber ofCommerce

Degree Awarded

No. of Cradits in LIS / IS*
Required Electives Total

B.A. (Library and Information
Science)
B.A. (Information Studies)
B.A. (Information Studies)

38

12

50

36
24

24
30

60
54

B.A. (Information Science)
B.A. (Information Science)

36
60

33
15

69
75

B.A. (Information Management)

60

24

84

B.A. (Information Studies)

30

30

60

B.A. (Information and Library
Science)
B.A. (Library and Information
Science)
B.A. (Information Science)

30

27

57

36

27

63

66

-

66

B.I.S. (Information Studies)

30

36

66

B.A. (Library and Information
Science)
B.A. (Library and Information
Science)
B.I.S. (Information Management)

38

30

68

24

44

68

52

21

73

B.A. (Information and Library
Science)
B.A. (Information Studies)

42

16

58

39

18

57

The undergraduate program’s mission is preparing professionals for libraryand information work. These graduates are expected to have sufficient competency towork in government and private sectors.
*

vary by the structure of curriculum, not including background / introductory courses, minor
subject courses, and other electives

Required courses offered in the undergraduate programs including:- information and society / information in social context- information sources- collection development / information resources development- information services / information service & dissemination- communication and marketing in information services- information technology / technology for information work
- management of libraries and information centers / management of
information agencies / management of information organizations- information storage and retrieval- research- introduction to information science- organization of knowledge- information users behavior- information resources analysis / information analysis- reference resources- indexing and abstracting- information system development- electronic library- database development / database design and development
Graduate Programs
Master’s Programs
Since the inception of graduate education in library science in 1964 at
Chulalongkorn University, 10 universities offer master’s programs. Most of the
programs lead to a Master of Arts in Library and Information Science, have beendeveloped. In addition, Sukhothaithammathirat Open University award a Master ofArts in Information Science. Most graduate programs are thesis-programs. Some
universities offer both thesis and non-thesis programs. Thammasat University is now
in the process of curriculum revision and plans to offer both thesis and non-thesis
programs.

Table 2: Titles of Degree Awarded and Credits for Master’s Program
University

Degree Awarded

Burapha
University
Chiang Mai
University

M.A. (Library and Information
Science)
M.A. (Library and Information
Science) (Plan A)
M.A. (Library and Information
Science) (Plan B)
Chulalongkorn
M.A. (Library and Information
University
Science)Khon Kaen
M.A. (Library and Information
University
Science) (Plan A)
M.A. (Library and Information
Science) (Plan B)
Mahasarakham
M.A. (Library and Information
University
Science) (Plan A)
M.A. (Library and Information
Science) (Plan B)
Prince of Songkla M.A. (Library and Information
University
Science)Ramkhamhaeng M.A. (Library and Information
University
Science)
Srinakharinwirot M.A. (Library and Information
University
Science) (Plan A)
M.A. (Library and Information
Science) (Plan B)
M.A. (Information Science)
SukhothaiNo. of Cradits in LIS / IS
RequiredElectives

Thesis

Other

Total

18

12

12

-

42

18

6

12

-

36

18

12

-

6

36

15

15

12

-

42

22

6

12

-

40

22

14

-

4

40

19

9

12

-

40

19

15

-

6

40

22

14

9

-

45

21

9

12

-

42

21

9

12

-

42

21

15

-

6

42

15

10

15

-

40

18

15

9

-

42

ThammathiratOpen University

Thammasat
University

M.A. (Library and Information
Science)Curricula for master’s program vary in terms of structure as well ascomponents. All universities have thesis programs. Four universities Chiang Mai,
Khon Kaen, Mahasarakham, and Srinakharinwirot University, offer both thesis (Plan A)
and non-thesis (Plan B) programs. For non-thesis programs, the student have to
conduct independent studies.
All programs recognize the need for technology knowledge and skills as
underlying competencies for information professionals. Required courses including:- global perspectives in library and information science- information science- advanced information media organization- advanced classification and cataloging- advanced administrations of libraries and information centers /advanced management of information institutions- research- statistics

-

technology for library and information science / technology for
information and management / information technology
information retrieval
records management

The other graduate program meriting mention is the Program for an Advanced Graduate
Diploma in Library and Information Science, Started in 1989, in the Department ofLibrary Science at Chulalongkorn University. It is a one- year program for those
who have received master’s degrees in library science or library and information
science. Currently, this program is temporarily closed for admission. The Asian
Institute of Technology, a private international higher education institution, offers amaster’s degree and a Ph.D. in information management.
Doctoral Program
The first doctoral program in Thailand was initiated in 2003 at Khon Kaen
University with the degree title of “Doctor of Philosophy in Information Studies”.
The curriculum focuses on the integration of a knowledge base in management;
information, communications and technology (ICT); and social knowledge.
Graduates are expected to have competencies in management, ICT, knowledge andinformation management, and research. There are 2 plans: Plan A with 48 credits
dissertation and 9 audit courses, and Plan B with 36 credit dissertation; 9 audit and 9
credit required courses; and 9 electives. Required courses for Plan B including:- academic writing- research methodology and statistics for information studies- seminar on information, communication, and technology (ICT)
Accreditation
Library and information science education is at the departmental level within
faculties (schools). The curriculum structure depends on policies and regulations ofhigher education institutions affiliated. Only the parent institutions of those schools,
in cooperation with the Commission on the Higher Education in the Ministry of
Education are responsible for the approval of LIS curriculum.
The role of professional organization - The Thai Library Association (TLA) in influencing the formal education system in quite different from counterparts inmany other countries. TLA does not performed any accreditation of LIS schools.
However, the TLA assumed some responsibilities, along with LIS schools, both areresponsible for professional development and continuing education of information
professionals.
Market Trends of Information Professionals
Graduates in library and information science are considered a majority of
information professionals in Thailand. A survey on manpower need and planning by
Department of Library Science, Chulalongkorn University (1995) identified 18 job
titles of information professionals such as librarian, information specialist, curator,
information manager, researcher, audio- visual specialist, computer system specialist.
The survey result shows that “librarian” is the job title mostly identified in bothgovernment and private sectors, while the number of librarians working in theagencies studied comes in third place. Information professionals work mostly in
educational institutions. This survey also covers manpower need for the next three
years and it is found that “computer system specialist” and “librarian” are mostly
needed.
The major job market for librarians is the government sector. The majority oflibrarians are working as government officials in the civil service. The jobclassification of the civil service has eleven levels. Professionals with minimum
academic qualifications equivalent to a bachelor’s degree begin their career at Level 3.
A librarian, starting at level 3, shall obtain a bachelor’s degree in library science,library and information science, or information science. (Charuvarn Sindusopon
1999: 86) A research on the status of library and information science graduatesacademic year 1992-1996 (Kanyarat Dadphan 1999) indicates that most graduateswork as librarian in academic libraries. Bachelor’s degree graduates mostly work in
private agencies, while master’s degree graduates mostly work in government
agencies.
Library schools realize the diverse needs of the job market. Curriculum now
gear to equip graduates with skills and competencies to work in both government andprivate sectors. There also are curriculum revisions in many library schools, taking into account the evaluation and suggestions from employers of information
professionals in various organizatio ns.
Continuing Education
One of major roles of library schools is to provide continuing education toassist those who are already in the profession. Information professionals, themselves,
are also responsible for professional development.
An important development activity is that of continuing to study in formal
education systems in pursuit of a higher degree. Therefore it is the responsible of LIS
schools to equip those already experienced professionals with needed newcompetencies. Furthermore, activities such as short courses, workshops, and seminars
organized by LIS schools, can help the professionals develop new techniques, skills,
and attitudes.
Professional associations are perceived to have responsibilities in creating
professional excellence.
The TLA’s objectives are to support and promotelibrarianship, library education and cultural activities; and to support library
institutions all around the country for growth and professional development. The
TLA annual conference provide a chance for professional interaction. The academic
section of TLA is responsible for academic service and dissemination.
Continuing education begins with the professionals themselves. They are theones that identify the needs for specific skills and competencies. Both LIS schools
and the professional associations then assist them in their professional development
process.

It is obvious that if the profession is to move into a new world, prepared forthe many challenges and changes that are occurring, both the library schools and theprofessional association must take a strong leadership role.
Conclusion
Library and information science education will reach its 50th anniversary in
2005. There is an ongoing efforts of educators to revise, improve and enhance theeducational programs. There are new programs both at undergraduate and graduatelevels. The first collaborative doctoral program is now offered with one objective ofeducating the next generation of educators. All library schools attempt to provide
appropriate curricula for the Thai society and to produce a well- trained information
professional to meet the needs of the job market.

References
Charuwan Sindusophon. “Status of Thai Librarians in Society.” In Libraies andLibraianship in Thailand: From Stone Inscription to Microchips , 84-92.
Bangkok: IFLA’99 National Organizing Committee, 1999.
“Information Professionals: Manpower Study and Planning-Progress Report.”
Bangkok: Department of Library Science, Chulalongkorn University, 1995.
(in Thai)
Kanyarat Dadphan. “The Work Status of Library and Information Science
Graduates.” Master’s Thesis, Chulalongkorn University, 1999.
Spain, Frances Lander. “Graduates Education in Library Science.” In Librarian
2507, 1-5. Bangkok: Department of Library Science, Chulalongkorn
University, 1964.
Supat Songsaengchan. “The Development of Library and Information Science
Education at Department of Library Science, Srinakharinwirot University.”
Domthat 24, 1 (July-December 2003): 31-44. (in Thai)
Suthilak Ambhanwong. “Library Education at Chulalongkorn University.”
In Librarian 2507, 1-5. Bangkok: Department of Library Science,
Chulalongkorn University, 1964.

About Dr. Pimrumpai Premsmit
Pimrumpai Premsmit received a BA with honors and MA in history from Faculty ofArts, Chulalongkorn University. She was awarded a scholarship to study abroad andreceived Master of Science and Doctor of Arts in Library and Information Sciencefrom Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
She is now teaching full time at the Department of Library Science, Faculty of Arts at
Chulalongkorn University. Her past administrative positions include Associate Dean
for Academic Affairs ( 1998-2000) and Associate Dean for Planning andDevelopment ( 2000- September 2004) of Faculty of Arts. Now she is the Head of
the Department of Library Science at Chulalongkorn University. Her publications
include several articles on information management, information systems, library andinformation science education, strategic planning for academic libraries and digital
libries . Current research focuses on leadership in university libraries; case studies.
She is a member of the Thai Library Association . Now a member of Academic
Task Force Committee of TLA. She was a TLA executive board member ( 19931994) and chair of the Academic Affairs Devision. She was also member of the
Bangkok Organizing Committee for the 65th IFLA Conference (1999), and chaired
the Sub-committee for Volunteer Service.