A survey of information-science faculty at 193 institutions revealed that programs have changed dramatically in this decade to cover the Internet, networking, and client/server topics. Coverage of mainframe operating systems, COBOL programming, and decision support systems declined. The field has matured in terms of faculty tenure and terminal…

Examines the notions of aging, obsolescence, impact, growth, utilization, and related concepts in information science. Illustrates the influence of growth on aging, how aging rates can be corrected for growth, and the relation with impact measures. Presents mathematical results, practical calculations, and examples of these concepts. Gives a brief…

Metatheory is the analysis of the presuppositions of a field of knowledge or practice. This article examines presuppositions underlying concepts of information science: information, knowledge (personal and public), message, message designation, information want and need, query, and relevance and information search. Summarizes presuppositions in…

Shows how a philosophical analysis of the moral value of information can help librarians rethink some aspects of their professional values, especially their commitment to neutrality. Discusses the historical background of allowing fiction into library collections; the impact of technology; the moral character of information; and information,…

This tribute to Robert Fairthorne, a pioneer of information science, who died May 24, 2000. Honors his achievements, awards, years spent at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, theoretical papers published over twenty years, and his Canfield research in the United States. Highlights his transition from Aeronautical Research to Information Science.…

Describes a session that recognized student award winners in the information science field, including the UMI (University Microfilms International) Doctoral Dissertation Award; the ISI (Institute for Scientific Information) Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Scholarship; and the Pratt-Severn Best Student Research Paper Award. (LRW)

Information literacy is vital for medical practice. Considerations for continuing education planners include (1) continuous development of informatics skills; (2) certification of information competence; (3) contextualization of information literacy skills; (4) convergence of technological and information literacy; and (5) collaboration through…

Highlights the recent development of dynamic archival strategies for managing and achieving intellectual control over records. Discussion includes a definition of archival description; standards of archival description; the Australian "series" system approach to description and intellectual control of records; metadata and recordkeeping…

Argues that aggressive and informed recruitment efforts are needed to reflect the library and information science (LIS) profession's commitment to a diverse work force. Discusses recruitment theory, outlining personal factors influencing recruitment, and implications for practice. Makes recommendations for LIS recruitment efforts. (PEN)

Provides a framework for discussing public computer systems (PCS) as tools in client-organization communication. Describes a three-level analysis scheme (object, functional, strategic) for client-organization encounters. Concludes that PCSs provide an important new focus for information-systems studies because they can be used to design new social…

Two main traditions now operate in philosophy, influencing the choice about which theories are appropriate in library and information science (LIS). A third tradition, known as process philosophy, gives prominence to human knowledge as an organically integrated, self-sustaining whole, thereby opening another avenue for the effort to revitalize…

The modern world is undergoing a fundamental transformation characterized by a lot of challenges, dynamism, globalization, and the increasing influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). These new technologies have implications for all aspects of the society and economy; they are changing the way of doing business, the way of…

In the FY2007 and FY2008 Budgets, the President recommended that the National Commission on Libraries and Information Sciences (NCLIS) be consolidated with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). In FY2007, while waiting for Congressional action on the proposal in the President's FY2008 Budget, the Commission recognized the need to…

Self-, peer-, and collaborative-assessment aim at integrating learning and assessment and promoting the active engagement of learners in the assessment process. This article presents a web-based environment, referred to as PECASSE, which supports these assessment methods. In addition to the basic functions of uploading learners'…

This paper describes the rationale for, and the design, implementation and preliminary evaluation of a taxonomy to guide the grading and feedback of ePortfolio assessment of personal development planning (PDP) in a module where PDP is integrated into the curriculum. Conventional higher education assessment methods do not adequately address the…