LIS 5033 – Information and the Knowledge Society, Ellen Rubenstein, Fall 2017
Course Goals:
- Provide a conceptual foundation for you career in library and information studies
- Provide concepts for thinking like an information professional in today’s world
Learning and Skill Objectives:
- Describe basic concepts of information and knowledge
- Discuss the role of information in a variety of environments
- Discuss a variety of definitions of the terms “information society” and “knowledge society”
- Understand the changing roles and functions of various information institutions such as libraries and cultural heritage institutions
- Understand the importance of current information policies and their implications, on local, national, and international levels
- Identify and assess professional aspects and issues related to the practice of information and knowledge professionals
- Develop the ability to discover and utilize useful information relevant to a variety of topics or issues
- Separate significant from insignificant information items
- Possess confidence to discuss and defend ideas with peers
- Critically analyze issues and prepare responses supported by reference to relevant professional and scholarly writing and to present the responses in formally documented papers
LIS 5033 provided an introduction into the many aspects of information and knowledge. The course, instructor, readings, peer discussions, and assignments also provided an examination into the information environments and responsibilities of libraries and information professionals. The course required critical-thinking as well as effective communication skills. These skills, as well as learned concepts, will be beneficial as a librarian.
This course and its requirements assisted me in furthering my progress to meet my outlined goals and objectives. Discussions led to the ability to understand and communicate concerning various topics in the library and information studies field. One particular discussion of how library environments, activities, and events are changing will help me serve as an effective school librarian (Goal 1.6) in understanding what users are seeking and practices effective librarians are implementing. In addition, assignments led to a better ability to self-evaluate to show the need for reflection and goal setting (Goal 4.2). One particular assignment led to a better understanding of organization within library settings and cataloging (Goal 3.3). As libraries are questioning what systems will best suit users, many are finding the need to justify the Dewey Decimal Classification system. In an effort to better understand the varying views, I chose to research classification systems and the justification of using the Dewey Decimal Classification system (attached below).
My goal of becoming an effective school librarian was aided by advancing my knowledge of current trends, resources, and research (Goal 1.2). This course also allowed me to explore a population different from most of my experience; therefore; my knowledge of the diversity of users and factors affecting their lives was expanded (Goal 1.5). I was able to research both Chatman’s Small Worlds and Fisher’s Information Grounds theories. These allowed me to expand my knowledge of everyday life information seeking as I seek to understand information behaviors and what libraries and information professionals can do to involve all people.
Overall, this course provided a solid foundation in understanding the many facets of information. I have a better understanding of what constitutes information, information history and philosophies, organization, information behavior, and the future of information. LIS 5033 has provided the base needed in order for me to more thoroughly understand the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful information professional.
LIS 5033 is the pre-requisite for all required MLIS courses. Because it is an initial course, we were tasked with completing a self-assessment to expose our strengths and weaknesses as well as set preliminary goals.
LIS 5033 expanded my knowledge of differing classification systems. In an effort to become more user-friendly, some libraries are changing to the BISAC system; however, many libraries continue to utilize the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) System. This assignment led me to a better understanding of reasons the DDC system is still used.
ELIS Small World Information Grounds
In an effort to further understand both users and nonusers, I chose to research everyday life information seeking (ELIS) theories. I chose Chatman’s ELIS in the Context of Small World and Fisher’s Information Grounds theories. This led to an understanding of some reasons people do not seek information and implications on how to overcome these barriers.
Maegan Heath 