Module Identifier IL11720  
Module Title SOCIAL CONTEXT OF INFORMATION STUDIES  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Anoush Simon  
Semester Semester 1  
Mutually Exclusive IL10110  
Course delivery Lecture   The module will be delivered by a mixture of lectures and seminars/tutorials, taking up approximately 2 hours per week.  
  Seminars / Tutorials    
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Report-style written assignment (1,000 words)  25%
Semester Assessment Essay-style written assignment (1,500) words  25%
Semester Exam2 Hours Written examination  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmission of failed coursework- weighted between 25%- 50%  25%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmission of failed coursework - Essay  25%
Supplementary Exam2 Hours Resit of failed examination  50%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Describe how information science, information management and knowledge management evolved;

Identify the main roles of information professionals;

Identify the social and political contexts within which information and library services operate;

Discuss some economic and social implications of information technology;

Describe the types of recorded information available, and how different information formats operate;

Demonstrate awareness of the range and diversity of information services that exist.

Describe the key types of library/information services in the UK, including their historical development and relationship with government

Discuss some of the key issues facing the library profession today

Content

Content will include the following:

Brief description

This module will provide students with an introduction to the library and information profession in the UK, including topics such as: the development of the information profession and the varied roles of the information professional, and why these are important in today¿s rapidly changing world. It aims to place `information studies¿ in context by looking at the various forms and formats of recorded information and how it is communicated, the major producers and providers of information in the UK, and the social and political environments in which they operate. It will also look at the historical contexts of this field including the development of libraries, as well as important issues facing the profession today.

Module Skills

Problem solving Written assignments and group discussions will encourage an investigative and critical approach towards key issues.  
Research skills To be developed through two written assignments and exam preparation.  
Communication Class discussion is encouraged; group work (in seminars); written assignments.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Class discussion and personal reflection on written work  
Team work Some group work in seminars will be included  
Information Technology Discussion of IT applications integral to some lectures.  
Personal Development and Career planning Module presents an introduction to many aspects of the information profession which will be valuable in students¿ later module choices and career planning  
Subject Specific Skills Will introduce areas of key knowledge for the information profession (Learning Outcomes 4, 5, 6) as well as an understanding of the profession in wider contexts (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8)  

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4