Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): None

Rationale for inclusion in curriculum

Information is one of the most important aspects of society. It describes our history, it enables us to communicate and understand our world, and it serves as tools, input and output of our work. This course covers aspects of information in institutions and organizations—their nature and functions—and helps students develop their related professional goals. The course covers aspects of data and information in various types of organizations, including libraries, archives, businesses, governments and not-for-profits. It addresses major types of information technologies, and the role of information policies and ethics in these environments. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be able to:   

1. Articulate the roles and values of data, information, records, and documents across social, historical, and organizational settings. 
2. Distinguish the nature and functions of information institutions and organizations, including libraries, archives, businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations.
3. Describe components and interactions of major information technologies and information systems in organizations.
4. Assess personal career goals and opportunities in related fields.
5. Evaluate issues and challenges in information policies, organizational behavior, information access and retrieval, and new developments in information technologies. 
6. Interpret codes of professional ethics, including how diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice affect work in information organizations.
7. Demonstrate professional and clear writing skills, and effectively collaborate in groups.

Content

• Information in society
• Professional ethics
• Personal career path and goals
• Information institutions and organizations
• Record, information and documents
• Information technologies
• Information policies
• Diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice in information institutions and organizations
• Issues and challenges
• Information access and retrieval
• Organization of information
• Leadership in information organizations

Course methodology

A mix of lectures, readings, class discussions, videos, group and individual presentations and guest speakers. 

Basis for evaluation of student performance

Papers; oral presentations; class attendance and participation; assessment activities. 

Text

David Bawden, Lyn Robinson (2022). Introduction to Information Science. 2^nd edition ALA Neal-Schuman Publishers: 978-0-8389-3729-7
Hirsch, S. (Ed.) (2022). Information Services Today: An Introduction. 3^rd edition. New York: Rowman and Littlefield. 

Updated: 05/24