Course Description: Examination of historical and current trends and issues affecting

Information centers around the world - national, regional and international.

Comparative study of cultures, resources, services, personnel, and internal and

External influences.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of the course, students will have a knowledge base

and sound understanding regarding:

1. major cultural influences - traditional and non-traditional - that have influenced the development of information centers and resources;
2. differences in professional education and skills, professional development of information personnel and professional associations;
3. laws and contracts, agreements, consortia, networks, funding and other internal/external influences on information centers around the world;
4. the impact of technology, social and political change, economics, communication, transportation and environmental factors on current and future development of information and information centers;
5. the state of research and professional publication regarding foreign information centers;
6. concepts and expectations of future information centers.

Textbooks: None. The instructor will assign readings and/or exercises for each class session. A separate sheet will explain assignments for the course.

Methodology: Discussion of readings and exercises, lectures, guest speakers. This class will be conducted in a "seminar" format, with a focus on discovery and sharing of information. Students are expected to actively share aspects and issues gleaned from assigned readings.

Office Location & Hours: To be revealed on the first day of class.

Course Grade: The course grade is based upon a number of factors and assignments:

1. class attendance and participation (40%)
2. annotations of readings (50%)
3. final essay: "Future Trends and Issues" (10%)