Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the current state and suggest future directions of children’s and young adult literature education in Library and Information Science(LIS) departments in Korean universities. Courses related to children’s and young adult literature in 34 LIS departments in Korea were investigated, and in-depth interviews and surveys were conducted with professors and instructors who have experience teaching courses related to children’s and young adult literature in LIS departments. The results show there are on average 1.7 courses related to children’s and young adult literature in undergraduate programs. 36% of schools had less than one course related to children’s and young adult literature, and most of them were Reading Guidance courses. 83%(24 out of 29 people)of the survey participants said they teach children’s and young adult literature in their classes. The professors and instructors spent the most of their lecture time on picture books. They spent the minimum time on genres such as SF, Fantasy, and manhwa. Lack of time to teach so many things in short 16 weeks made them feel rushed and distressed. Some survey respondents regarded themselves as non-experts in children’s and young adult literature, even though they had competency in that field, which shows the general atmosphere in the LIS field that LIS people are not qualified enough to be experts in children’s literature. All interviewees and some survey respondents insisted children’s and young adult literature education in the LIS departments should be practical. Professors and instructors tried their best to incorporate diverse teaching methods, including discussions, storytelling, writing reviews, so their students can acquire proper knowledge on children’s and young adult library services.