LIBR 200-06
LIBR 200-14
Information and Society
Fall 2007 Outline
Kevin Bontenbal
E-mail
| Course Links Greensheet Outline |
Resources Blackboard Blackboard Tutorials SLIS eBookstore |
Textbooks
Required
- Rubin, R. E. (2004). Foundations of library and information science. New York: Neal-Schuman.
Recommended
- Eberhart, G. M. (2006). The whole library handbook 4: Current data, professional advice, and curiosa about libraries and library services. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.
- American Psychological Association. Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. 5th ed. Washington, DC: APA.
Go to SLIS eBookstore.
Course Outline
- Week One – Libraries and Society
Explore the history of libraries, information services and information technology. Examine the role of libraries and their relationship to other information providers. Look at the provision of library and information services in the information society.
Get acquainted with the class web site, each other, and acquire necessary materials.
- Week Two– Characteristics of Information
Introduction to the concepts of information in a free society and a historical perspective on the need to provide equal access to information in order to maintain a democratic society.
- Week Three – Information and Society
Discuss the concept of the “Information Society” and its place in political, historical, and sociological perspective. Considers the role of technology in society and how it relates to social change.
- Week Four – Libraries, Information, and Technology
Reviews the social, political, and technical changes caused by technology in the information workplace.
- Week Five – The Profession of Librarianship
Explores the socially constructed role of the library and information professions.
- Week Six – Ethics of the Profession
Examines the ethical basis for professional activities.
- Week Seven – The Information Professional
Assesses the economic and social value added by the work of information professionals.
- Week Eight – The Information User
Examines theories and methodologies for determining user information needs and helping expand information literacy skills.
- Week Nine – Special Populations, Multiculturalism and Values
Examines the multicultural mission of information workers and information institutions to serve a variety of special populations.
- Week Ten – Professional Associations
Explores the mission and activities of professional organizations.
- Week Eleven – Information Economics
Examines the economic issues related to information access and ownership.
- Week Twelve – Information Policy
Reviews major policy issues related to information with special emphasis on information policy in a democratic society.
- Week Thirteen – Thanksgiving Break
No Class
- Week Fourteen – Intellectual Property and Freedom
Explores issues relating to information ownership and intellectual freedom.
- Week Fifteen – The Future of Information
Examines critical issues and predictions for the future of the information society


