DSM7620 - INFORMATION AND SOCIETY

Module Identifier	DSM7620
Module Title	INFORMATION AND SOCIETY
Academic Year	2002/2003
Co-ordinator	Mr Rheinallt G Llwyd
Semester	Available all semesters
Assessment	Semester Assessment	LIS journal review 1,000 words	50%
	Semester Assessment	Essay 3,000 words	50%

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module you should be able to:

consider the implications of the expanding ''information society'';
explain the impact of ICT in the provision of information and library services, and the development of the electronic/digital library;
distinguish the related issues of intellectual freedom and freedom of information;
seek information using a range of electronic information resources;
discuss the ethical, legal, and social factors affecting the flow of information;
list the various procedures that can be followed when selecting and implementing an electronic information service;
discuss the nature of information flow between a government and its citizens;
identify areas of ''information deprivation''.

Brief description

Constantly we are being told that ours is an 'information age' and that we are living in an 'information society', but what exactly do these terms mean? How has society, at local, national, and international level, changed as a result of the advent of computers and the impact of information and communications technology (ICT)? The aim of this module is to discuss these issues and many others; issues which are relevant to us all, not just as members of the information profession, but also as private citizens.
It must be emphasised from the beginning that this module is designed to be an introduction to a very large subject area. There is no attempt to cover all aspects of the subject with the same degree of thoroughness unfortunately, your time and our space constraint does not permit that. However, it is hoped that you will find the aspects we have concentrated on interesting, stimulating, and relevant.

Reading Lists

Books
** Essential Reading
Feather, John. (1998) The Information Society: a Study of Continuity and Change. 2nd. London: Library Association Publishing
Haywood, Trevor. (1995) Info-rich - Info poor: Access and Exchange in the Global Information Society. London: Bowker-Saur
Haywood, Trevor. (1999) Only Connect: Shaping Networks and Knowledge for the New Millennium. London: Bowker-Saur
Hill, Michael. (1999) The Impact of Information on Society : an Examination of its Nature Value and Usage. London: Bowker-Saur
Large, Andrew, Lucy A. Tedd and R.J. Hartley. (1999) Information Seeking in the Online Age. London: Bowker Saur
Martin, William J. (1995) The Global Information Society. 2nd. Aldershot: Gower

Additional reference to a number of sources is made at each module unit.