Outcome 2A. Describe various definitions and concepts of information.
Outcome 2B. Explain the impact of information policies on intellectual freedom, access, literacy, information behavior, and other aspects of library and information science.
Outcome 2D. Develop appropriate responses to information needs.
In every single one of the 12 LIS classes I have taken at Dominican University we discussed information; whether in the form of metadata, readers advisory guides, databases, presentations, electronic resources, or big data. The main theme of each class revolved around information revealing the variety of different interpretations of information, all of which have value. One of my favorite ways of interacting with information is examining opposing viewpoints regarding issues facing society. In LIS 704, Reference and Online Services, I was able to evaluate an electronic information provider, showcasing one of many ways to supply information to users.
For my independent study I examined the role of information policy and fake news on public libraries. The class focused on the discussion of how different information policy decisions impact public libraries. I am extremely interested in the role so called 'fake news' has on society and our ability to access good information. While this is not a new concept, I strove to showcase the impactful role public libraries could play in the nation's conversation about the bias in news coverage. I feel this is not only important to understand as future librarians, but also a key element of the profession's core values.
In LIS 704, Reference and Online Services, we were asked to create a reference guide for an area of need for a specific library. I chose my own public library and to answer one of the most commonly asked questions at the adult and teen reference desk; advice on what they should read next. After discussing the different options and resources, many patrons express their desire for a remotely accessed resource that could provide this information outside of the library’s regular hours. The artifact, Teen and Adult Reader’s Advisory Subject Guide, addresses this void in services and could be posted on the library’s website in an effort to help our patrons find more great books to enjoy.
Artifact: Source Review
Artifact: Information Policy Position Paper
Artifact: Reader's Advisory Subject Guide