Preservice Legal Education for Academic Librarians within ALA-Accredited Degree Programs

In order to explore the current state of legal education for graduates of LIS programs, we present the results of an examination of the curricula and faculty composition at all 57 institutions that offer ALA-accredited graduate degrees. Concluding that, even under the best circumstances, many students graduate with a limited understanding of legal issues, we also discuss two prominent types of postgraduate training: formal continuing education programs/workshops and materials for self-paced, independent study. In light of these various alternatives, this paper suggests the necessity for thoughtful, reflective changes in legal education of academic librarians.