INF111 Introduction to the Information Professions (16)

Students are introduced to basic concepts in information studies, to the work of information professionals and the contexts of professional practice, including libraries, archives, records repositories and other information centres and organisations. Cultural, legal, technical, social, and ethical issues currently influencing the functions and operations of professional practice are explored, and information scholarship and research introduced. The subject will orient students to the BIS program and enable them to develop and refine their individual educational and professional objectives.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus
Session 2 (60)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus
Session 3 (90)
Online
SPACE, University of Hong Kong
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: INF111. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Information Studies

Enrolment Restrictions

Not available to those students who have completed INF100 or INF105

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe the basic concepts and core knowledge related to information studies and the information professions;
  • be able to identify the roles and functions of the various types of information agencies and the specific needs of their users;
  • be able to investigate and critically analyse libraries and information agencies in their historical, social, cultural, economic, and political contexts;
  • understand basic IT terminology relevant to the information studies field and the role of IT in enabling the management of information;
  • be able to describe how information is organised for, and retrieved by, information agency users;
  • demonstrate an understanding of some key factors related to information literacy and information seeking behaviour; and
  • demonstrate an understanding of the historical, social and legal issues emerging from the information society, and explain the implications of these for information professionals.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Introduction to the information profession
  • Reflective practice and academic skills
  • Basic concepts in information studies
  • Context of professional practice
  • Networks, IT infrastructure and the digital environment
  • Work of information professions
  • Social, technical and legal issues for information professionals
  • Future of Information Professions

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of INF111 in Session 1 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Historical summary
15
2
Annotated bibliography and descriptive essay
35
3
Technology trends essay
50

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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