The objectives of this course (INF1300H — Foundations in Library and Information Science) are to (1) provide students with an overview of the information professions and the disciplines of library and information science; (2) present and critically reflect on the core assumptions, principles and values that inform the library and information science professions; and (3) introduce the students to the major current issues in library and information science and provide them with tools to make informed choices regarding current and emerging practices.
The course covers the practice of librarianship and the development of information science from past to present, the place of libraries in the broader information environment, the growth of information and communication technologies, as well as intellectual organization and information policy issues in/for libraries. Various types of libraries (public, academic, and special libraries) will be examined along with the major organizational and intellectual issues they face.
