Spring 2024
INF 385T Special Topics in Information Science: Library Foundations
DESCRIPTION
Introduction to structures and practices within the rapidly-evolving field of librarianship. prepares students for their graduate work here.
COURSE NOTES
Library Foundations is intended as a gateway, or introductory course for students interested in the library field. Librarianship is a field that is rapidly evolving, and this course will introduce you to established structures and practices in the field as well as the directions in which we are moving. This course surveys the professional, social, ethical, and legal issues that affect information service professionals and organizations and prepares students for their graduate work here. The course introduces: • librarianship, libraries, and the library profession—past, present and future • a participatory perspective on information science • key components of the library and information field and its relationship to other professions • the skills and values of the profession • major issues facing the profession • the literature of librarianship and other cognate fields • the contexts in which library and information science professionals typically work • the place of librarianship and other information professions in the evolving information infrastructure of the 21st century. You will also learn about course options at the iSchool and get help in planning your future direction, both in the program and as you begin your professional career. Above all, this course is designed to encourage you to think about the profession you are entering and to give you a foundation for the rest of your graduate study. While working towards these goals you will also get practice in analytical and critical thinking skills at the professional level; and the ability to communicate orally, in writing, and through various media.
PREREQUISITES
Graduate standing.
RESTRICTIONS
Restricted to graduate students in the School of Information through registration periods 1 and 2. Outside students will be permitted to join our waitlists beginning with registration period 3.