Information policy is the development of guidelines, rules, and principles (among other things) to manage information flows in support of particular ends and interests, as well guide human behavior in analog and digital life. Intrigued? Read on and ponder whether or not this course is a good fit with your personal interests and professional pathway.
Carefully crafted policy takes into consideration deep questions about what is fair, just, and ultimately good for individuals, communities, and society. And while policy is often driven by social theory and ethics, it is a practical tool that helps organizations and institutions guide their actions and justify their decisions to an array of stakeholders.
Information policy centers on information (and data) and how it flows to and from entities, under what restrictions, and to accomplish which particular goals. As such, concerns about intellectual freedom, privacy, copyright, fair use, digital divides, and net neutrality are key information policy issues. Since digital interfaces, tools, and systems are the means by which we commonly store, transmit, and provide access to information, information policy also considers whether or not technological designs are congruent with values and norms of their users.
S541 assumes no knowledge about information policy and has no prerequisites (besides your core DLIS courses), and it builds up your ethical toolkit for considering deep problems before moving into practical issues worthy of your attention as budding library and information science professionals. The course uses a variety of types of readings and discussion strategies to respectfully debate and build our understanding of the issues. Students write two papers; one shorter piece with the direction of writing for one’s administrator and a longer, traditional research paper broken into parts due throughout the semester.
Take a look at the syllabus for more details.
This course is an excellent fit for any student, regardless of specialization or background. It is taught online throughout the semester and is set at three credits. Note the following prerequisites:
Prerequisites for non-LIS students:
INFO I501 or INFO B506 or INFO B519 or INFO B530 or INFO H541
Prerequisites for LIS students:
LIS S501, LIS S502, and LIS S503
For more questions, contact the instructor, Dr. Kyle Jones.
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