Education for ethics is a topic that is appearing frequently in journals and conferences, but there is little or no agreement on a theory of ethics education and action. This paper proposes non-naturalistic moral realism as a theoretical framework that can fit disciplinary and professional ethics. Alternatives to this framework are detailed, but…

Examines Jesse Shera's definition of social epistemology and its role as the intellectual basis for librarianship. Discusses epistemology and a sociology of knowledge and suggests Shera's foundation can be strengthened by the addition of a more strictly epistemological component. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the relationship between libraries and culture focuses on elements of language and discourse associated with cultural conditions and their implications for librarianship. The conflict between modern and postmodern cultural conditions and thought is examined in a number of library and information science texts. (LRW)

Discusses the need for a conceptual framework for librarianship and information seeking and suggests that the writings of M.M. Bakhtin can provide an important aid to theoretical groundings and for the rethinking of public services in libraries. Highlights include Bakhtin's views on phenomenology, dialogic communication, and information seeking.…

Just about everything that librarians do as professionals carries ethical implications. Matters of intellectual freedom are most commonly recognized as loci for ethics-based decision making, but the totality of individual and collective conduct is in need of practical, normative ethical structure. What is argued for here is a framework founded on…

Explores the application of hermeneutics to the analysis of discourse. A set of examples of discursive practice in library and information science (LIS) is examined for ideological intent. The aim is to demonstrate that some discourse is ideological in nature and purpose, and to point out implications of such discursive practice for knowledge…

Discourse analysis addresses questions regarding both spoken and written communications and can be applied to purposes and practices of information study that appear in books and journals in the field. Applications of discourse analysis to information include investigation of the social, political, and technical implications of the word…

Highlights some professional associations' statements regarding education and the place of technology in educational programs. Examines the content of core curricula of a set of library and information science programs. Suggests content elements of an ideal core, designed to meet the intellectual and practical needs of information professionals of…