Library and Information Studies @ FIX University

LIS 592 - Intellectual Freedom and Social Responsibility in Librarianship

Course Description:

Examines the central concepts of intellectual freedom and social responsibility and the range of related issues impacting different types of libraries.  

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:  

• analyze, evaluate, and articulate the complexities of intellectual freedom and of social responsibility as multi-dimensional and contested concepts;
• consider theoretical frameworks for examining the library as part of a larger network of cultural production, regulation and ideology and the roles that intellectual freedom and social responsibility play therein;
• analyze how the library and information studies discourse on intellectual freedom and social responsibility interplays with other discourses such as cultural studies, education, philosophy, political science, women's studies, law, communication technologies, publishing, business, reading research, and so on;
• contextualize the ethos of intellectual freedom and social responsibility in professional discourse in terms of when it emerged, how it evolved, and where it is heading;
• critically evaluate professional issues and core values related to intellectual freedom and social responsibility from various standpoints, e.g., public, school, academic, government, corporate, personal, professional, child, youth, adult, class, race, gender, cultural, and literary canons;
• identify and discuss issues, trends, theories, practices, challenges, opportunities, threats, history, research, and key resources from the standpoint of intellectual freedom and social responsibility in Canadian (and other) libraries;
• identify and discuss library association rhetoric (e.g., position statements) on and related to intellectual freedom and social responsibility;
• communicate effectively policy positions on intellectual freedom and social responsibility, through written and other means;
• understand Canadian library and information professionals' roles in promoting and advocating for intellectual freedom and social responsibility.   

Course Content:

The course examines the central ethic of intellectual freedom and social responsibility in librarianship and the wide range of issues impacting different types of libraries. Attention is given to the history, research, policy, and resources on these topics within a framework of fundamental questions about the theory and practice of cultural production, access, and regulation in relation to professional and institutional roles.  

Assessments:

Discussion Participation 20% (5 x 4% each)
Critical Reading Entries 24% (3 x 8% each)
Position Statement Critique 26%
Paper and Resource Guide 30%  

Methods:

Online lectures, group discussion forums, case studies, and critical reading entries will be part of this course.  

Relationships:

Pre-requisite: LIS 501 (or permission of instructor).  

Required Reading:

There will be a variety of reading throughout the semester. These will be accessible via the e-class site and/or via delivery by the instructor.  

Supplementary and Background Reading:

Students, with the support of the instructor, will identify core monographs, reports, journals, articles, websites, legislation, and other resources relevant to intellectual freedom and social responsibility, with special reference to Canadian contexts. They will also sign on to several international listservs to monitor global hot topics and recurring themes. Students will locate and share key resources on topics selected for individual assignments.  

Academic Integrity:

The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour
http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/governance/StudentAppealsRegulations.cfm  

Code of Student Behaviour:

All policies articulated in sections 30.3.2(1) Plagiarism and 30.3.2(2) Cheating of the Code of Student Behaviour published in the Calendar (pgs. 710 -730) apply in this course - ignorance is not a defence. As instructed by the Dean, I hereby inform you of the rules concerning plagiarism and cheating.