Introduction to Library and Information Science Course Syllabus
LIS 610		Spring 2007

Introduces students to the information society with an emphasis on libraries and their social utility. We consider the historical context and discuss the future of libraries and information centers in a changing technological world. Topics include: characteristics of the information professions, information ethics, intellectual freedom and intellectual property, access to information, as well as national and international library development. Prerequisite: None

This introductory survey course addresses the following objectives of the LIS Program, enabling students to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the history, philosophy, principles, policies and ethics of library and information science and technology.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the development, organization, and communication of knowledge.
3. Apply basic competencies and knowledge that are essential for providing, managing, and designing information services in a variety of information environments.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the development and interrelationship of librarianship and information science.
5. Demonstrate theoretical understanding of and basic competencies in storage, retrieval, dissemination, utilization and evaluation of information sources.
6. Demonstrate the professional attitudes and the interpersonal and interdisciplinary skills needed to communicate and collaborate with colleagues and information users.

This is an introductory survey course, enabling students to:

1. Become acquainted with a variety of aspects of their chosen profession;
2. Develop an understanding of the relationships and roles that libraries and comparable information agencies fulfill in the larger society, throughout history and into the future;
3. Develop capacities for critical thinking, particularly in viewing major social issues and problems of concern to the profession;
4. Gain experience in making informative presentations to colleagues on topics of interest to the profession;
5. Gain experience in accessing information structure and assessing its uses;
6. On a personal level, to understand the potential scope and dimensions of the careers for which they are preparing, in order to perceive their own pathways to meaningful and rewarding work.

Primary emphasis is on wide reading, group discussion, and critical analysis. Oral and written assignments are designed to promote these activities. The assignment due dates are on the course schedule. Attendance and constructive participation are required.

Readings

Many of the articles are available as pdf files through the University of Hawai`i Library Web site. Point your browser to http://uhmanoa.lib.hawaii.edu/webvoy.htm. Click on "Reserves." From the list of instructors select "Bair-Mundy" and click on the "Search" button. Follow the instructions regarding the .pdf settings for your browser. When you select the first article to be viewed the system will ask you to verify your UH status before proceeding.

Other articles are available elsewhere on the World Wide Web. Additional required readings will be announced in class. Please refer to the LIS 610 course bibliography for citation data.

Assignments and Grading

• Reaction papers (60 points)
• One oral group report (20 points)
• E-portfolio (10 points)
• Participation in class discussions & exercises (10 points)

Technology Requirements

This course requires you to use a computer to produce all of the written assignments. PCs and Macs are available in the computer laboratories around campus and in Bilger 319.

You'll need to obtain and use your free UHUNIX email account to subscribe to lis-stu (our internal mail list for students) and to create your e-portfolio. Information about obtaining a UHUNIX account is available at the UH website. Point your browser to http://www.hawaii.edu/technology/ and select "Get a UH Username."

Students are expected to use the Internet to explore the issues presented in the course. This includes subscribing to at least two online discussion groups, locating and studying World Wide Web resources pertinent to course topics, and writing reports integrating these activities.