On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
consider the implications of the expanding `information society'
give an account of the development of the main types of libraries/information services in the UK
discuss libraries in a socio-economic and political context
recognise the significance of information in an international context
distinguish the related issues of intellectual freedom and freedom of
information
discuss the ethical, legal, and social factors affecting the flow of
information
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.