2002SpringQ3

Question #3
The increasing use of the terms "information professionals," "information specialists," and "information managers" suggests a broadening of the perspective of the library and information science field beyond a traditional, but limiting, single-institution (e.g., library) world-view. To respond effectively to what is likely to continue as a rapidly changing and expanding field, practitioners must understand, adapt, and be ready to apply conceptually founded principles rather than merely narrowly-defined techniques.

Principles and concepts stand the test of time far better than techniques, are portable from one workplace to another, and translate more easily from one discipline to another within the larger information profession. Listed below are six (6) features common to all information disciplines, or species. Select three (3) of them and define, explain, and discuss each as an underlying principle that applies to the entire genus information profession:
 * The information life cycle
 * The gatekeeping function
 * Information storage and retrieval
 * User needs assessment
 * Client/user assistance and instruction
 * The custodial/preservation function