Information seeking and information retrieval curricula development for modules taught in two library and information science schools: the cases of Ljubljana and Dublin

Introduction. This paper shows how the set of Information Seeking and Retrieval (information seeking and retrieval) topics (for devising a curriculum) relates to the curriculum of two modules taught at two different institutions: Department of Library and Information Science and Book Studies at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia and School of Information and Library Studies at University College Dublin, Ireland. Method. The information seeking and retrieval framework is compared to the structure and contents of both courses. Analysis. This is a descriptive paper and no statistical methods were used. Results. Although differing in the time of their existence and in amount of student effort, some parallels to the information seeking and retrieval scheme can be drawn in both modules. Both modules place heavy emphasis on basic concepts in Human Information Behaviour and Information Seeking areas, while topics predominantly those belonging to the Information Retrieval area are omitted in both modules. Conclusions. These findings have implications for curriculum development. It is possible to claim that the list of information seeking and retrieval topics is fairly robust and that it provides a useful reference tool for educators concerned with curriculum development.