Introduction to the Library and Information Professions » (1st Edition)

ROGER C. GREER has been a creative thinker in the library profession for more than fifty years with experience in two academic libraries before earning his Ph.D. at Rutgers University. He is Dean Emeritus of the School of Library and Information Management, University of Southern California, and former dean at Syracuse University. He has been a professor on the faculties of University of Denver and Emporia State University. His writings have consisted of professional articles, the ideas of which are included in this book. However, his true gift is his ability to articulate his vision for the library and information science field.

ROBERT J. GROVER is currently Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Emporia State University, where he has also held the position of Dean and Professor of the School of Library and Information Management. He was Director of the School of Library and Information Science at University of South Florida and Assistant Dean at University of Southern California. His professional experience was in the school library media field, and he has authored numerous professional articles and book chapters. He is co-editor of The Handy 5: Planning and Assessing Information Skills Instruction.

SUSAN G. FOWLER remains active in the information consulting business she founded immediately after earning her M.L.S. from Emporia State University in 1993. Her expertise includes managing special libraries, research and analysis, and the design and implementation of information infrastructures. Her clients include organizations in the fields of law, healthcare and philanthropy. Ms. Fowler is a member of the library and information science honor society Beta Phi Mu,American Library Association (ALA), Association of American Law Libraries (AALL) and the Kansas Library Association (KLA). She serves her local and state community through membership on a variety of committees. Her biography is listed in the 2006 Marquis Who's Who in America.

An introduction to the library and information professions featuring a model of information transfer, the national information infrastructure, and the processes and functions and infrastructure of information professionals.

This introduction to the functions of information professionals is approached through models of communication theory. Professionals have the role of diagnosing the information needs of clients using information transfer theory. Current trends and issues are discussed as they focus on the role of a professional and the services to be offered.

This introduction to the library and information professions features the information transfer model to build the cycle of professional service and the processes and functions of information professionals.

Acknowledgments     xi
Introduction: Purpose and Objectives of This Book     1
Chapter Overview     1
Why Read This Book?     1
The Intended Audience     2
Scope of the Book     2
The Role of Professionals     3
The Value of Theory     4
Theory in the Information Professions Today     5
Theory and Its Uses in Professional Service     6
Defining Terms     9
Information and Communication Professions: Convergence and Divergences     10
Similarities and Differences among the Information Professions     12
Characteristics of a Profession     16
Library Technicians     17
Conclusion     18
References     18
Creation, Diffusion, and Utilization of Knowledge     21
Chapter Overview     21
Introduction     21
Information and Data     21
Knowledge     22
Creation of Knowledge     22
Dissemination     22
Diffusion     22
Utilization     22
Change and the Evolution of Professions     23
A Model for Explaining the Creation, Diffusion, and Utilization ofKnowledge     24
Creating New Knowledge     26
Diffusion of Knowledge     27
Public Policy     28
Role of Professions in the Utilization of Knowledge     29
Implications for Information Professionals     29
Summary     30
References     31
The Role of Professionals as Change Agents     33
Chapter Overview     33
The Impact of Change on Society     33
Categories of Change     34
The Paradigm Shift in Western Society     36
The Paradigm Shift in Disciplines and Professions     39
Paradigm Shift in the Information Professions     41
Levels of User-Centered Services     42
Conclusion     43
References     43
The Science Supporting the Information Professions     45
Chapter Overview     45
Introduction     45
The Importance of Theory to Professionals     45
Levels of Theory     46
Characteristics Common to the Information Professions     47
The Science of the Information Professions     48
Policy and Environmental Context     53
Conclusion     57
References      57
Information Transfer in the Information Professions     59
Chapter Overview     59
Introduction to Information Transfer     59
A Closer Look at Information Transfer     61
Information Professions and Information Transfer     67
A Model for Managing an Information Utility     70
Community Information Infrastructure     74
Conclusion     75
References     76
The Cycle of Professional Service     77
Chapter Overview     77
Role of the Professional     77
The Diagnostic Process     79
Community Analysis     86
Conclusion     94
References     95
The Information Infrastructure     97
Chapter Overview     97
Definition of "Information Infrastructure"     97
A Model for Studying the Information Infrastructure: The Transportation Infrastructure     99
Elements of the Information Infrastructure     100
A Model for Analyzing the Information Infrastructure     102
Patterns of Information or Knowledge Creation and Recording     102
Organization of Information and Knowledge     112
Patterns for Diffusion of Knowledge      118
Information Utilization in Society     119
A Model for the Technology and Information Infrastructure     122
Role of Information Professionals     123
Summary     125
References     125
The Processes and Functions of Information Professionals     127
Chapter Overview     127
The Importance of Customization     128
The Processes of Building a Collection of Resources     128
The Functions of Information Agencies     135
Levels of Service     142
Putting It All Together: The Role of the Professional     143
References     144
The Infrastructure of the Information Professions     147
Chapter Overview     147
Characteristics of a Profession     147
History     148
Body of Knowledge     151
Professional Associations     153
Literature of the Field     153
Professional Education     155
Accreditation     156
Guidelines for Service     156
Code of Ethics     156
Public Recognition     157
Taxonomy of the Information Professions     158
Conclusion      160
References     161
Trends and Issues     163
Chapter Overview     163
Introduction     163
Information Infrastructure Issues     163
Issues in Library/Information Education     170
Recent Studies of LIS Education     170
Conclusion     172
References     173
Codes of Ethics     175
Professinal Organizations     181
Professional Journals     185
Bibliography     189
Index     193