Spring+2004+q5+answer

Spring 2004 Question 5

a. Defend the position stated above. b. Select three (3) of the seven (7) features common to all information disciplines or species. Define, explain and discuss each as an underlying principle that applies to all species of the genus information profession: 1. The information life cycle 2. The gate keeping function 3. Information storage and retrieval 4. User needs assessment 5. Client/user assistance and instruction 6. The custodial preservation function 7. Ethical standards/professional responsibilities.//**
 * //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 to and be ready to apply conceptually-based principles rather than merely narrowly-defined techniques.

Technology has changed the face of librarianship… and complicated matters. Although we still possess the tools to provide access (a systematic way to organize and collocate information) of old (i.e. “paper” indexes), technology has made it easier to pull together information (either by surrogate record or the record itself i.e. the digital image itself or full text articles, etc).

Still the same:

Organized in a Systematic way: Throughout the ages, we in the professional have systematically arranged information. From the Great Library at Alexandria on…. Times change, schemas change but a systematic way to arrange has never changed.

Providing Access: Whether intellectually…. Physically …. Used to be through card catalog…. Surrogate record for actual item. Now… ILS provides access through collocating information in a number of ways…. By providing multiple access points, can provide multiples ways for patrons to access information.

Information Professionals must adapt technology. With the WWW the world has become our patrons…. Provide information via computer access – also… need to find ways to engage our patrons – teaching patrons to be information literate – teaching skills to provide tools necessary to obtain information.

1. The information life cycle – ARGH! I never wanted to think about this again… do I HAVE to think about this? ;-)

2. The gate keeping function

3. Information storage and retrieval: Important to maintain information. Not enough to have it.. have to be accessible by multiple access points… organized in a systematic way – consistent with needs

4. User needs assessment: Know your constituents. Although access to information is important, knowing the needs of your patrons is essential no matter the type of library. Assessment can be done in formal and informal ways: surveys, focus groups, one on one conversation, informal suggestions (i.e. suggestion box), keeping up with current trends in librarianship

5. Client/user assistance and instruction – Goal is to teach our patrons how to find information. We as information professionals want to equip our patrons with the skill necessary – we believe that information is a right. Creating instruction classes (whether one on one or in a classroom session) tailored to specific scenarios (gone are the days of just a GENERAL library session) – more important to tailor information to a situation – skills learned will carry over to other information needs. Need systems which are user friendly and easy to understand and use. Provide user assistance in a friendly and helpful manner. Take time with patrons to ensure they “get it” Make instructions clear in easy terms (free from bunches of library jargon).

6. The custodial preservation function: Regular collections: Caretakers of information: need to preserve collections by proper storage, repair, etc. Special Collections: History of an institution, etc…. primary source documents, rare books, records:: safe keepers of the information and provide access to information. Rare materials must be preserved for future generations and may include digitization to always preserve information – and to provide remote access.

7. Ethical standards/professional responsibilities: Champions of right to information, privacy, intellectual freedom, against censorship….