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Course Outline

Course Description:

A class designed to explore the complex social, economic, historical and technological developments that influence the impact of information on society. The mission, values, and ethics of information professionals are also analyzed.

Course Objectives:

At the completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the role of information from historical, current, and future perspectives;
   
2. Identify the various information sectors within the environment and information related professions;
   
3. Describe and evaluate issues involved in creating and disseminating information knowledge in society with particular attention paid to information literacy;
   
4. Understand the role of libraries and their relationships to other information providers;
   
5. Identify and discuss the major values and codes of ethics associated with the information professions;
   
6. Describe the impact of cultural diversity on the provision of user services by libraries and other information providers;
   
7. Describe and discuss important economic and policy issues related to the creation and dissemination of information.
   
8. Write an essay suitable to present to an identified audience.

This course supports the following SLIS objectives:

1. The foundation of information services;
2. Advocacy and leadership for citizen access to information and knowledge resources;
3. Evaluating and utilizing relevant research studies from a variety of disciplines.

Required Text:

Rubin, Richard E. (2000). Foundations of library and information science. New York, Neal-Schuman.

Note: 1998 edition is also fine.

Recommended Text:

Eberhart, George M. (2000). The Whole Library Handbook 3: Current Data, Professional Advice, and Curiosa about Libraries and Library Services. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

Other required readings, check the Course Outline. With the exception of the Eberhart text, these readings will be available on the class website.

Course Requirements:

Critical Notes 1	5%
Critical Notes 2	5%
Introduction of a Speaker	10%
Valuing the Information Professional	20%
Review of a LIS Periodical	5%
Report of a Professional Association	5%
Major Paper	35%
Participation in class and discussion	15%