ILS 503   Foundations of Librarianship

Course Description: The development structure and function of library/information agencies. 

Course Objectives:  
  • Demonstrate mastery of course content;
  • Demonstrate thinking and problem-solving skills;
  • Demonstrate collaborative learning behavior;
  • Design and demonstrate [exhibit] an information service;
  • Produce a graduate quality paper based on an exploration of one type of agency;
  • Plan and present an informational program based on your term paper.
  • Examine the historical context of libraries.
  • Identify ethics, standards and core competencies;
  • Compare and contrast services and programs of various types of libraries.
  • Analyze intellectual freedom policies and interpretations.
  • Investigate library associations at the state, regional, national levels.
  • Explore current trends.

     In Foundations of Librarianship, the historical and philosophical issues facing libraries were introduced.   All types of libraries were discussed:  special, academic, public, and schools. Topics included ethics, copyright, censorship, intellectual freedom, and Homeland Security as they pertains to libraries.  

     My research on The Patriot Act and Its Role in Libraries met the competency areas regarding the ethics and values of the library profession (1A); and the role of library and information professionals in the promotion of democratic principles andintellectural freedom (1B).  This project had a significant and lifelong impact on my respect for the library profession as it confirmed the vital role that public libraries play in protecting our civil liberties. 

     My final project involved writing a video surveillance policy for the Fairfield Public Library in Fairfield, Connecticut.  The library had installed video surveillance cameras but had not established policies governing public disclosure, patron confidentiality, personnel responsibilities, maintenance of the video recordings, and providing access to the tapes under the Freedom of Information Act.  This project required an understanding of the issues facing public library management including the current trends in social, public, information, and cultural policies affecting the library and information profession (1F).  Of prime importance was its value in gaining familiarity with the Connecticut General Statutes and the Connecticut State Library Public Records governing record retention schedules and patron confidentiality (IE).