Entry Into the Library and Information Industry: Choices and Decisions (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION This paper describes research undertaken to examine the motivation of students who were qualified to undertake postgraduate qualifications in the Library and Information Services (LIS) field, but who instead elected to undertake VET LIS vocational qualifications. The research aimed to identify any common themes, student characteristics, and motivation in this choice among students currently or recently enrolled in the VET Diploma in Library and Information Services. This study contributes to an understanding of education needs in the LIS sector and to a broader understanding of student motivation. It raises issues to consider with regard to pathways into the library and information industry and employer needs and expectations. The data analysed to date provides evidence of changing patterns of entry into the LIS industry and the factors underpinning such change.