Goal 2

Understand the essential nature of information and its relevance to our diverse society.
 

Outcome 2a: Describe various definitions and concepts of information.

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In this discussion post from LIS 703 (Organization of Knowledge), we reflected on the definitions of metadata (data about data), citing our assigned readings, and how the addition or exclusion of metadata can impact our lives and preserve our memories. I described the emotional power of metadata within family papers—a simple caption on a family photo can introduce a person to a long-deceased relative, for example. I discuss an assigned reading examining the practical and ethical challenges of trying to identify individuals in "orphaned Polaroids" and "found photographs." The desire to reunite these photographs with their subjects must be balanced by a respect for subjects' privacy. Another assigned reading emphasized the importance of metadata to recording history and the necessity of using metadata responsibly.

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Article: LIS 703 Discussion Post 2

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Outcome 2b: Explain the impact of information policies on intellectual freedom, access, literacy, information behavior, and other aspects of library and information science.

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In LIS 748 (Collection Management), we were assigned to read two books from the ALA's list of the Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022. We had to explain how challenges to these books have been addressed and summarize the value of these books for young readers. In this way, we examine real-life examples of how information policies affect intellectual freedom and access.

 

In this paper, I chose to read the graphic novel Flamer by Mike Curato and Looking for Alaska by John Green, the 4th and 5th most challenged titles of 2022, respectively. I discuss how fear lies at the heart of these book banning attempts—in this case, fear that teenagers will encounter sexual situations, drug/alcohol use, and death/possible suicide, as depicted in Looking for Alaska, or fear that children are LGBTQ+, as in Flamer. However, these works can help young adults cope with difficult challenges in their lives, such as substance abuse, grief, or the isolation of feeling different from everyone else. These books are valuable additions to a school or public library, and we should protect teens' right to read them.

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Artifact: LIS 748 Paper #1: Frequently Challenged Titles

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Outcome 2c: Develop appropriate responses to assessed information needs within diverse communities/organizations.

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During LIS 701 (Core Values, Ethics, and Issues in Library and Information Professions), my past experience battling cancer was very much on my mind. It takes a while after such an ordeal to think of oneself as something other than "patient." But more importantly, I had found a wonderful community of individuals with whom I shared the most challenging experience of my life. This community incudes all races, ethnicities, genders, age groups, classes, religions, and cultures. However we humans define and divide ourselves, cancer can unite us—but not in a way that I recommend to anyone.

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In LIS 701, we were assigned in groups to present on a community of users and how library professionals can meet their information needs. I immediately thought of the cancer community and how libraries can support these individuals during treatment and beyond. Fellow students Emily Suarez, Meredith Wahl-Jones, and Gus Standiford helped me to define this community and their information needs, which include entertainment, up-to-date health information, and health insurance literacy. I hope that sharing my personal experiences helped my classmates to think of cancer patients not as doomed individuals but as a community of patients, their caregivers, and many survivors.

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Artifact: LIS 701 Group Presentation on a Community 

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