University
of Arizona
Fall
2003
School
of Information Resources and Library Science
IRLS
504
Foundations of Library and Information Science
Course
Information
Class Hours: Wednesday 6.00 - 8.30 pm
Location: PSYCH 309
Text: Rubin, R. Foundations of
Library and Information Science. Revised Edition.
Neal-Schuman, 2000
Instructor: Margaret Higgins
MargaretaHiggins@yahoo.com
Student contact hours: By appointment
Overview
Course Content
The course offers an introduction to the information environment in which we currently operate. Following Rubin’s lead, we will be looking briefly at the development of the information professions, but the focus will primarily be on the societal forces that impact information, its uses, and the professions that work with information. While we are doing this, we might use our creativity – and our research skills - to imagine some of the societal forces operating during earlier times in history and the impact these may have had on information provision.
Aims
To articulate the complexity of the interrelationships of people, politics, technology, organizations, information and information use.
Objectives
By the end of the course students should be able to:
Code of Academic Integrity
Students are required to comply with the University’s expectation of academic honesty as stated in the University of Arizona’s Code of Academic Integrity (1991 Revision). Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the academic work they submit. The guiding principle is that a student’s submitted work is their own work.
Assessment
Participation -
10%
Assignment1 -
20%
Assignment 2 -
20%
Presentation -
20%
Examination -
30%
Expectations
i. Students are expected to participate in class-they are especially expected to take a leading role in discussions. Why? Because in your work you will often have to speak in support of a service, or a budget or for something in which you – and maybe only you – believe. Knowing how to effectively state your case is an important skill. So, participation will be judged on clearly articulated thoughts, pertinent and illustrative comments, leadership in discussions.
ii. Other than for documented medical reasons, no late assignments will be accepted. Assignments shall be a maximum of 5 double spaced pages.
iii. Present all written work in APA format, and word process / type all work.
Grades: A:100-90; B: 89-80; C: 79-70; Below C is considered a failing grade.
Lecture Schedule: This will evolve as the session progresses,
Week 1 Aug 27 Introductions:
Course; Students; Instructor
Week 2 Sept 3 Information
Infrastructure
Week 3 Sept 10 Information
Science: A service
Week 4 Sept 17 Impacts
& Implications of Technology
Week 5 Sept 24 Information
Policy: Stakeholders
Week 6 Oct 1 Information
Policy: Intellectual Freedom
Week 7 Oct 8 Information
Organization
Week 8 Oct 15 Past
to Present
Week 9 Oct 22 Ethics
& Standards
Week 10 Oct 29 Organizational
View
Week 11 Nov 5 An
Evolving Profession
Week 12 Nov 12 Speakers;
Student choice
Week 13 Nov 19 Speakers:
Student choice
Week 14 Nov 26 Presentations
Week 15 Dec 3 Presentations
Week 16 Dec 10 Exam
Generally, the first portion of the class will be in traditional lecture format. The second half of the class will revolve around group exercises, philosophical discussions, and / or guest speakers. In this way we will learn by listening and by actively participating. Exercises and discussion topics will be handed out within the first week or two of session, as will assignment topics.
Readings
You will be expected to read the chapters before each scheduled class. There will also be articles to read in advance of class, a list of which will be given in class.